"Is That an Original?"
The number of studio guests who walk into my studio, look at a print— really look at it— and ask me, shocked, “IS THAT A PRINT?” And every time, I smile and nod and then tell them how they can REALLY elevate their work.
Want my tips?
VARNISHING
Always varnish canvas prints. It keeps them from fading in the sunshine and UV light. It also adds this *chef kiss* sheen and slight texture that is just gorgeous. You don’t need to add varnish to works printed on paper – though I recommend it if the piece is hung in really bright sunlight. But on those canvas pieces? Oooo baby. So SO beautiful.
FRAMING
Framing is the most important element when it comes to elevating your print. I recommend framing in an aesthetic that will help the artwork enhance your home – so if you have a more monochromatic vibe, choose a frame that will add the right aesthetic to your home. Framing is such a big topic that I wrote a whole guide for you. Download it here and find your perfect frame! Quick tip: If you are hanging the artwork behind glass, I recommend matting!
STRETCHING
Stretching a print simply means wrapping it, taut, around stretcher bars (those wooden braces behind an original piece of artwork). Wrapping a print makes it look JUST like an original, honestly. And then add varnish… Ooo baby! Once stretched, I like framing the piece in a simple wooden “floater frame” (more on this in the framing guide).
LIGHTING
Just like in a gallery or a museum, the art you hang in your home deserves some thoughtful lighting. You don’t need to install a full gallery lighting system; however, hanging your artwork in a well-lit area, or adjacent to a window (be careful about direct UV rays) or installing a simple artwork lamp like this one will make a beautiful difference in how the artwork shines in your home.
HANGING THE ARTWORK AT THE RIGHT HEIGHT
Eye level is a pretty good rule of thumb, however, look at the wall and the room as a whole and place the artwork in a place where it will have enough space to breathe but not feel like it’s lost or floating on the wall. Centering artwork is usually best if it’s the only item over a bed, sofa, mantle, etc. However, it doesn’t always need to be in the center of the wall or space. I like to ground the artwork by placing it near an object, architectural element, or other artwork.
BONUS TIP: Buy the artwork in the size in which it was originally created.
For example, if I paint a landscape and the original canvas painting is larger, the print will look better larger. If the original piece was quite small originally, then the print will probably look better in a smaller size. There’s something really beautiful about keeping the scale the same-ish as the original. BUT ALSO, larger artwork will always be a statement – so when in doubt, go a little bit bigger.
Your home is your space to express yourself and to feel nourished by love, light, and beauty. Allow your artwork to take up meaningful space in this beautiful and sacred space. Now, go collect some artwork! If you need any advice or help, we are always available to answer questions!
