Painted to
perfection
Some
paintings are sold framed while in many others the
framing is left to your discretion. How a picture is
framed can most certainly add to its charm, remarks Harkiran Sodhi
PAINTINGS are said to be the
expression of the painters feelings, and these when
displayed in your home add some of that feeling to your
home as well. Art, though a very personal choice, when
correctly interpreted and harmoniously displayed, can add
enormously to both the piece of art as well as the room
its in.
Not everyone, however, has the knack of
buying the perfect piece of art. For those who are just
starting their art collection, here are some tips and
pointers. While buying a painting it is best to remember
that you should not really ape anyone elses
preference but try to choose something based on your
aesthetic values. This will give the many pieces of art
you will eventually pick up a unity of sorts in style or
feel. It is also best to try to steer away from buying
the works of big names initially. Not only are these
going to be much more expensive, but they will also be
bought for the artists name rather than any real
liking for the painting itself.
Some paintings are sold
framed while in many others the framing is left to your
discretion. How a picture is framed can most certainly
add to its charm or then detract from it.
The idea when you are
framing a picture is not in trying to attract the
viewers attention with the frame but to try to give
the picture a complete and finished look. Therefore, it
is essential that the frame should not be too loud and
try to draw attention away from the picture to itself.
Over-ornate carved and
gold-painted frames in no way add to the pictures
beauty but more often than not mar it. A good frame will
give the picture a complete look and can highlight
certain aspects of the picture that you want to stress
on.
Often good framing can
also lessen some small flaws. At the same time it can
enhance the overall look of the painting. Conversely,
improper framing can reduce the impact of the painting.
Thus, a very small painting with delicate and fine
brushstrokes could easily get lost if framed incorrectly,
but rightly done, the size could be enhanced as well as
the delicacy of the painting highlighted.
Getting your framing done
from an expert is worth it as often they use subtle
tricks like using a mount in one shade of the picture and
contrasting the frame with another. Some frames increase
the size and depth of the painting by using two or more
mounts in different colours.
If you have an extremely
large-sized, bold painting, then try to give it a
generous space to display it as well. Grouping more than
one painting is another way of filling a large area. This
works very well if you have many small-sized paintings
which form a series or then with a similar theme. If
these are similar in style as well as framing, then these
seem like a set. They are also eye-catching from even a
distance. The unconventionally inclined can even group
totally different styled paintings together on the small
wall, and if done with the right touch, they can look
rather appealing.
Lighting up the area
around your treasured artwork will add that final touch
to making it as eye-catching as possible. There are many
different ways to light up the area and these can be
either varied from room to room or used continuously in a
pattern. Specific small lights, which are called picture
lights, are available which are used to light up the
entire picture. These are attractive to look at and need
not be concealed. These throw light directly on to the
front of the painting and more than one can be used in a
grouping with each one focusing on a different part of
the picture.
The other type of picture
lights are the ones that are placed on the top of the
painting, and the light washes downward on to the entire
painting.
These again are
attractive-looking and sleek. This lighting style
isnt too good for a large, vertical picture as the
bottom corner tends to remain much darker than the well
lit top portion, and any detailing at the bottom could
get obliterated from the view at night.
Uplighting from the bottom
of the picture is another option. Spotlights are also
used by many to give extra light on certain areas of the
picture. If the entire area or wall is anyway well lit
but you want to give the picture that little extra light,
then pedestal up lighting is an excellent way.
Maintaining your precious
work of art is as important as any of the other things
are. Unframed paintings are far more susceptible to
problems than framed ones are, as the entire picture is
protected from all sides.
Framed pictures also need
some care to ensure they do not go bad from dampness or
sunlight. Try to keep paintings away from direct
sunlight. So avoid placing them near brightly-lit windows
or openings. Dampness is another problem that can ruin
your paintings. Try to ensure that the wall you hang your
artwork on is free of dampness before you hang up the
picture.
Caring for your artwork
will ensure that the piece you have so lovingly bought
will stay with you and bring you joy for years together.
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