JWV Artists Tips on Hanging Art

written by Guest Blogger March 7, 2013

By Smarty Mom, Judith Voglesonger of JWV Artists

‘Oh, Where Will I Hang It?!?!?!?’

Art and its practical application can be elusive to many. With the assistance of Interior Designer Lottie Banner of Eeek Designs, I’ve compiled a list of the most common questions I get about art and ‘what to do with it.’

1) I like this small painting, but what would I do with it?

Small paintings are a great way to start an art collection. They are affordable and the display options are endless. Table easels (available in all sizes) are a great way to display small paintings on any surface. You can also lean them in a built-in bookshelf or on a windowsill. Heck, I have a painting on my windowsill in the kitchen and leaning against the wall in my powder room (YES, on top of the toilet tank!!!) Which brings me to…

2) Is it weird to put art in the bathroom?

NO, IT’S NOT WEIRD! It’s classy, it’s cool, it’s funky! What better way to bring a bit of culture to the loo. I have art in all of my bathrooms. Hanging, leaning, framed and unframed. Do take care not to hang anything that can be damaged by the moisture. I find that paintings on canvas hold up just fine, as do photographs that are framed well, but play it safe and don’t hang anything right next to the shower.

3) Original Photography…is it worth purchasing?

Absolutely! Many of us have a good digital SLR and think we can take amazing pictures, and we can…but photography as art is something very different.. Seeing objects, landscapes, whatever the composition through another person’s lens…through another person’s eye…a moment captured in an artistic way…it’s worth the investment. Although you may think you ‘can do that yourself’…chances are, you probably won’t and even if you tried it’s not about the equipment or the filter you use, but rather the chemistry that happens between the artist, the image and the medium. Original Photography is affordable and the perfect place to start.

4) What should I hang over my mantle?

Whatever you LOVE! This is a big stage for your self-expression. You and your family will see it every day…it will be the focal point of your room. It will be the star of the show! So whatever you decide upon, make sure you LOVE IT! It shouldn’t fight with any other color, texture or art in the room. And if you’re like me and can’t stand the color of your brick fireplace, PAINT IT! I went with a nice neutral color upstairs and a darker color downstairs. It’s not uncommon for paintings to get lost among the brick…so make sure you find something that stands out.

5) I love it, but where am I going to put it???

WHO CARES? I can honestly say that I’ve never purchased a piece of art for a specific location in my home (or any of my previous homes.) When you fall in love with a piece of art…and you can’t stop thinking about it…and you just have to have it…but you don’t know where it might go…BUY IT ANYWAY! For anyone who has ever come to my house, I’m CONSTANTLY moving my art around…and not just in the gallery, EVERYWHERE! There are so many options…there are bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, walk-in closets, hallways, kids rooms, foyers, basements, mantles, and the list goes on…moving your art around is a fun way to keep things fresh, change the energy in a room and get to enjoy the same space a little bit differently. Trust me, you’ll find a place for it.