Hello

To enjoy your painting for a long time here are a few pointers.

 

 

• Never lean the painting on the front or back surface of a stretched canvas, it will leave a dent that will disfigure your work. If you must lean it against something, lean it on the wood of its stretcher bars or the frame, so that nothing presses against the canvas.

 

• You might want to dust your painting regularly, so that a thick layer of dust does not build up which will dry out the paint and possibly result in cracking and peeling. Do not spray anything (like Pledge) on the work. Only dust with a light gentle brush or microfibre cloth. Harsh heavy rough cloths and feather dusters might catch so it is better not to use those. Do not use chemicals or household cleaning products. Do not use water or damp cloths.

 

• Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will fade the colours in your oil painting. Please be aware of this when choosing a location for it. Never expose your painting to extreme heat, extreme cold, or to extreme humidity. Never hang in direct sunlight. Never hang directly over fires, radiator, heaters, in bathrooms, kitchens or around a swimming pool. Do not use picture damp room as it encourages mould and mildew. Check your painting regularly (at the back) for any pests or insects.

 

• If you must transport the work, lay a flat piece of cardboard or similar firm material over the front and back surfaces, and then wrap it in bubble wrap or Styrofoam wrap. Keep the bumpy side of the bubble wrap away from the painting surface as it will leave marks. Always keep a painting upright and never lay it flat. Be careful of the frame corners as they are easily damaged. Carry a painting with two hands from the sides of the frame, never just by the top.

 

• If you ever decide to frame your oil painting, take it to a reputable framer who has obvious experience in fine art framing. Consider the archival options on offer, such as archival boards and UV glazing. Try modern and traditional frames and see which you prefer. Often different styles can go equally well with a painting.

 

• Make sure the painting is hanging securely and safely. Make a note of the weight of the painting and use suitably heavy screws and hooks. Ask a framer for advice if you are not sure.

 

• Don’t hang your artwork too high or too low. Remember you want to enjoy looking at it and hang it at a good eye level. A recommended height is 156cm from the floor to the middle of the picture, depending on your own height and wall space.

 

Please note that the artist will always retain a copyright in the painting. This means that nobody, but the artist can copy, reproduce or photograph the work for the distribution or commercial gain without prior consent of the artist.