Framing and hanging artworks

Framing Art

I get asked a lot whether my artwork should be framed or not. Generally speaking, there are some of my artworks that I think benefit from framing. If this is the case I tend to specify an off-white tray frame with a shadow gap that always shows the side of the artwork and allows the painting to be read (this is one of my signatures - the majority of my paintings wrap and continue on the canvas around the canvas frame, i.e. the side of art works is an important part of the story within the painting). While if I haven’t either specified or actually framed an artwork it is then really a personal preference of the new owners as to whether they want to frame it or not. Sometimes collectors have a particular view on how they like to showcase their full art collections and can have a preference for a collective look and so because of this they frame all of their artworks with a particular frame style. I never have an issue with this!

Custom and Bespoke Frames

If you decide to frame a stretched canvas artwork, you will need to get a custom frame fabricated in a frame shop. In Ireland, I bring my canvas’ to FrameXperts in Ranelagh and they make my frames to my exact specifications. They are based in Ranelagh village, next door to Nick’s Coffee and are on instagram. I have yet to source a framer here in Spain but I plan to in the very near future as I have some large pieces on canvas that need to be stretched on to frames.

I have never used glass to the front of any of my framed art works as I feel that this might have a glare and could decrease the viewing of the piece but it's your call on this and a framer/glazier can probably advise further on the best glass if you have a preference for a glass front. I also like viewers to get up close and personal to my artworks and again a piece of glass may prevent this. However on the other hand you may have a specific reason for putting glass to the front of an artwork due to its location, so again it is a personal call.

Hanging Art

This is an art in itself! But on a standard wall I normally hang a painting at 1.5M to the center of the painting. But honestly this all depends on the location and positioning of the painting in a room. I have given guidance in the past to collectors of my works when they have bought a piece from me and have gone visited with them in their home to discuss where is the best place to position the painting in particular rooms. Alternatively, if you have a lot of art it might be a good idea to hire a professional art hanger who will not only guide you on how and where to hang specific pieces but will hang them for you. This in my view is very helpful and could prevent holes in walls where art is hung crooked!

Positioning art and location

I advise considering carefully where to place artworks and to never hang paintings above a radiator or close to an area that may cause the painting to warp or get damaged. Direct sunlight for example can cause damage over the years. Hanging paintings in dark rooms near light switches also is not advisable because paintings can easily get knocked and damaged while someone searches for the light switch. A lot about positioning art is very common sense but some time does need to be given over to it, to ensure that your artwork is placed in the best and safest place that shows it in its best light. Other than that in regards to positioning a painting, I always advise to choose the location with your heart. Sometimes the best place for a new artwork is your favorite spot in the house - in a cosy den or above a chair in your library, or in your living area where you spend most of your time. In other words don’t hide your art away in rooms that you rarely use and remember to install some new lighting to direct at the piece if you want to show your art work off to its best effect!