Fine Art Collector | Autumn 2014

Picture

PERFECT Choosing art for the home is a true skill, but with a little knowledge it can be easily learnt with these top tips.

Dining areas Kitchens and dining areas are generally neutral or plain so they invite a blast of colour. Plainwhitewalls offer the very best backdrop for any painting (as every museumcurator knows!) and as places that create an area for conversation and entertainment choose a painting that is both eye catching and busy. This colourful painting by Paul Horton, aptly titled ‘Hustle &Bustle’ perfectly fits within the neutral walls of the dining area, allowing it to become a focal point amongst the tonal colours of silver, white and brownwood.

LOCATION - Art must be ‘place appropriate.’ In a bedroom, art should be calming, or even seductive, but in a dining room you can afford to be bolder and more dramatic. If you intend to relax in your living room, don't choose art that's too loud, or anything that feels as though it takes over the room. The purpose of the roomwhere you intend to display your art should influence the tone of the artwork itself. look out of proportion. The bolder the art, the more room it needs. Measure the space where you want to hang the art and leave enough "white space" so that the painting can breathe. White walls and plenty of light are the ideal. If a room has wallpaper, look out for too much interference that may distract from appreciating the art. art and are the easiest for the novice hanger - but what should you do if you bring home a painting you love and it clashes with its environment? First, hang the painting in various places in your home, trying it out on different walls. It may look great in a place you hadn't planned on hanging it. If you can't find a place where the art looks 1 2 3 SIZE - Art that is too large will overwhelm, and art that is too small will be lost and STYLE - Simple, plain and neutral colour schemes are best for showing off your

its best, you may need to make some changes in the room, such as moving furniture or taking down patterned wallpaper and replacing with a white or neutral paint. The changes will be worth making in order to enjoy the art you love.

4

LIGHTING - Lighting is the key to showing art at its very best and can greatly enhance

its effect on a room. You may find that placing a picture light above a painting or directing task lighting on it is all the art needs to exhibit its brilliance. If you place a work of art in direct sunlight, however, it may well fade. Fine pigments such as watercolour, pencil and pastel are especially prone to fading, whereas acrylics are not, so check! and can be a good solution for interior walls that can't carry a great deal of weight. If you do decide on a frame, select one that ties in to the location where the artwork is to be hung, and complements the artwork itself. The frame should be a continuation of the picture rather than a direct contrast, and in the best sense can serve as a ‘bridge’ between the artwork and the room, picking up on colour and materials such as wood tones or silver or gold. 5 » FRAMING - Some artwork can be hung with no frame, especially contemporary art,

46 FIN e ARTC o LL e CT o R AUTUMN2014

Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker