Kids and Art

“Mommy! Daddy! Look what I made!” Remember the excitement your 7 year old had about creating art and bringing it home to you? We would tape it to walls and hang it on the fridge for all to admire. Well, around 10, this enthusiasm diminishes from fear of criticism. Then around 12, kids are usually disgusted with their attempts at art, and quit altogether. As they grow older, the kids still draw stick figures, trees, and houses very similar to their attempts as small children.  Only now, and for years to come, they have accepted their frustrating incapability to draw.

Parents can intervene with this inevitable artistic demise by enrolling their kids in a drawing class. The best age for art specific classes is 8-12 years old. Proper instruction in Art Realism and Surrealism is extremely beneficial for kids. Call ARTé Gallery for more information on art classes.  

Original Art

Many prefer to have original oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, or drawings rather than reproductions. Original art is usually more expensive than prints or lithographs. Original art has a greater value over time, and can become a collectible.

PRINTS

Prints are an inexpensive alternative. The paper can be low to medium quality, and the inks will fade over time unless properly framed.

LITHOGRAPHS

Lithographs, silkscreens, and etchings are usually signed and numbered by the artist. They are printed on high quality paper. Like originals, these can increase in value over time, if framed properly.

GICLEE

Giclee, (gee-clay) is a French word meaning "spray of color." Years ago these prints did not last because the inks were unstable. Now, the printer pigments are of a much higher quality; printing on canvas with a UV coating is extremely effective, and does not need glass. Like Lithographs, these are usually signed and numbered.

In conclusion, choosing art is very subjective. Professional assistance is recommended, but not vital. Most already know what works for them. The danger is wrongfully mixing art and framing pieces. Trust the design team at ARTe Gallery to assist you in your art choices, framing, and installation.

Art & Decorating Options

Choosing the right art for your decor is essential. Artwork sets the tone for your home or office. The limitless choices for art makes it difficult to decide which will work best for you.

ARTe Gallery has worked for years to help clients find the proper artwork for them and their homes. Choosing the right colors, themes, and textures are essential considerations.

How to Hang Pictures

The least invasive hanging method is usually sufficient. Many people over-use hangers, leaving large holes in the wall. Here are some suggestions:

SAWTOOTH

These pound or screw into the top center of the frame. They require a nail or screw in the wall to hang onto. The problem though: they can be easily bumped off or fall off the wall.

WIRED PICTURES

Be sure wires are not shredded, and a heavy enough gauge. Small hangers are sufficient for up to 20 lbs; medium hangers, up to 35 lbs; double medium hangers, 8-12 inches apart, up to 45 lbs; double large hangers, up to 65 lbs. Hammering into studs is not necessary. Heavy pictures and mirrors require anchoring and strap hangers. Simple math knowledge is the key to position picture properly. For various hanging methods, consult your professional.

NO WIRE

Heavy pictures and mirrors are best anchored without wire. There are exceptions when the wire gauge is sufficient. Consult your professional.

SECURITY HANGING

Both metal and wood frames can be secured to protect from jarring or theft. Necessary hardware is provided through your professional framer. 

Protecting Your Art

Some art is very valuable, and deserves proper long-term care. Some art is not as valuable from a money standpoint, but is loved and deserves the same care. And then there is some art that just oughta be tossed over a cliff.

OIL PAINTINGS

The best protection for oil on canvas, or oil on board is quite simple. Get it out of the sun; prolonged heat or direct sunlight can be damaging. Make sure to vacuum any debris or dust off with a brush attachment.

Yellowing: varnish on an oil painting tends to yellow. Old varnish can be removed, along with tobacco smoke, soot, or other contaminates. Once properly cleaned, new varnish can be re-applied.

Cracking: Due to either age, atmospheric fluctuations, or improper priming, cracking or flaking can occur. Impeding this aging process can save the painting. Seek professional help.

GICLEE 

Giclee pigments have greatly improved. Make sure, however, that a UV protection has been applied. These prints need acid-free backing, mats, and protective glass.

LITHOGRAPHS

These prints are a four color printing process. Most inks used are dyes and can fade faster than pigments. Lithographs should be on a heavier acid-free paper. For proper protection, frame them as you would a Giclee.

WATERCOLOR

Original Watercolor paints are mostly pigments, saturating deeper than Lithographs, into a deep tooth--heavy watercolor paper or board. These papers are durable and will not yellow. Watercolors offer more framing options than Lithographs. Consult your professional.

SERIGRAPHS

These “silkscreen” prints vary greatly in quality by the publisher. Some are spectacular and brilliant, others are dull and out of register. They potentially hold greater value than other reproduction methods.

ETCHINGS, DRAWINGS, COLOR PENCIL, ETC.

Store and transport them flat, between foam cores, and treat them with the same regard as other artworks when framing.

GLASS

There are several choices when it comes to glass. Regular glass or plexiglass, non-glare, Ultraviolet reflecting glass or plexiglass, anti-reflective glass or plexiglass with 3 levels of UV protection. Consult your professional.

In conclusion, many artworks accrue value over time, many don’t, and many decrease in value over time. But, aesthetic value is greater than monetary value, and the art’s value is decided by the owner. If the art is not protected with conservation materials, it would be in its best interest to contact a professional framer soon.