| Fine Art Prints by |
 |
|
|
Home
About the Artist
Gallery
Order Information
Gift Certificates
E-Mail |
It is recommended that this museum quality Iris giclee print be framed and cared for in the same way as an original watercolor or pastel, with archival materials, including a UV protective glazing (glass or Plexiglas). Use Museum glass for maximum UV protection, and reduced glare.
For a contemporary look, we suggest framing your print in a simple, wood frame that suits both the print and your interior décor; matted with two or three archival quality rag mats. For a rich, traditional look; a classic impressionist style of framing is recommended for this work.
Picture frame or wall mounted lighting with halogen or LED bulbs, battery operated or 120v AC power:
Where an overhead light already exists in your home, you can install track lighting with low wattage halogen “spots”:
Basic track lighting and halogen bulbs are available at better hardware stores.
For state-of-the-art framing projection lighting and a wide variety of track lighting & fixtures, check out: www.waclighting.com available locally through
Caravan of Dreams: On the Plaza, “H” St., Arcata, CA (707) 826-7780.
Unique track lighting is also available at Love Lights: 115 5th St., Eureka, CA (707) 442-2889 www.lovelights.biz
If you are just starting a collection, or are an experienced art collector, you are the custodian of your art, charged with the responsibility of caring for it. If you’ve selected wisely, the art works you’ve bought will be important and timeless. They represent an investment of considerable money and time. Therefore, you must take care of your art by ensuring it doesn’t deteriorate.
Museums maintain their collections by constant temperature and humidity control, preventing paper and canvas from expanding, drying or becoming moist.
When purchasing original watercolors, pastels, or drawings, make sure they have been executed on quality 100% rag paper, such as Arches, Reeves, or Sommerset, which is a definite plus in the preservation of your acquisition.
Never permit a framer to back work-on-paper with cardboard or wood, which can cause chemical reaction with paper, destroying its integrity – and its value – forever. Make sure works of art executed on paper are put beneath a rag mat (also known as PH neutral or Museum Board), then under glass so that paper will not stick to it. Placing the art against the glass itself will cause “transfer” (pigment from the art transferring directly to the glass). Many framers will use rag mats only if specifically requested, as they are more expensive than regular mounting board, but you should consider ordering nothing else. Regular glass is fine, but you may want to consider using Museum Glass if the artwork must hang in a brighter location, or to reduce glare situations. Consult with a reputable framer who can show you samples of all these materials.
Oils on canvas, linen or board require special attention. Canvas is cloth and stretches just as your shirt or dress might. Dried oil paintings can become brittle and crack, depending on how they were painted. Oils lose their brilliance with time and can also get dirty.
If you purchase an oil painted on board, make sure it is not warped or cracked. If it’s painted on canvas or linen – attached to a stretcher – make sure it has been properly stretched. Acrylics may be treated like oils. If you have an acrylic that is painted on paper, however, you should treat it as you would other works on paper: framed under glass.
Hanging. Use strong hooks or nails. Put rubber or felt bumpers on the backs of frames to prevent direct contact with the wall, and/or use Quake Hold adhesive rubber. A couple of paper towels wadded up around the wall hooks and picture wire will help to keep the artwork steady on the wall.
Climate Control. Avoid places with dramatic changes of air or moisture, such as near air conditioners or heaters or in a steamy bathroom, which can result in cracked glass, water stains or permanent damage to your art. Prevent both dryness and moisture as much as possible.
Rotate Your Collection. Light, while an asset to viewing is also a great enemy of art on any surface. Never hang art where it will constantly be exposed daily to direct or indirect sunlight. Art can fade or become discolored causing it to lose its beauty. Hang in shade, out of direct sunlight.
With simple care and investment of a few dollars, you can avoid problems and increase the enjoyment of your collection for generations. Your treasures will last. If you are considering selling some of your collection, a little time, care and a good framer will yield the best financial potential from your original investment.
