Care Tips for Fine Art from Watercolor Artist Holly Elkins

Care Tips for Fine Art

Holly Elkins
~mixed media artist
specializing in
expressionistic, multicultural portraits~

©

Ultraviolet rays from light and heat escalate the aging process of paints, canvas, and paper. Sunlight can actually burn a work of art. Avoid hanging artwork in direct sunlight or positioning it directly in the full-flood illumination of a light bulb. I highly recommend framing artwork with UV-protection glass. The slightly added expense will help to ensure the life and worth of your treasure.
Do not leave artwork in a hot car. Paint and inks will fade quickly, and varnish can blister. Paper can yellow and burn.
Do not hang over a direct heat source --- radiators, vents, etc. or too near a fireplace (smoke, ashes and heat damage artwork). Extreme changes in temperature should be avoided.
Do not display an artwork in a bathroom. Dampness and humidity allow mold to flourish, can warp paper and canvas, and could cause water-based paints to run.
Never put water on the surface of any painting.
When cleaning a glass-covered picture, do not spray directly onto the glass (the fluid could seep between the glass and frame, damaging or destroying the artwork). Instead, spray the cloth and then clean the glass.
Do not store prints or paintings in shrink-wrap for long periods as it may create moisture build-up.
Try not to touch the surface of the painting --- oil marks from fingers are sometimes difficult to remove.

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