If you purchased and Original Painting Lighting Paintings will look their best and most dramatic with designated lighting, especially those that have modern metallic shimmering colors. The best kind of a designated light source is a “picture spotlight” which can be purchased anywhere online at reasonable prices, Ikea has very reasonable prices on modern lighting. But if that is not an option or possibility for you, any light source will still be beneficial.
Framing Framing an original painting is not absolutely necessary but may be something you are considering, and there is a unlimited selection of frames out there ranging in styles from modern, contemporary, to more traditional. There are some benefits to framing original artwork on stretched canvas: - All your other paintings are framed and you want to retain a uniform look in your room/home - A frame can make any painting appear much larger - A frame can help keep the wooden stretcher frame (what the canvas is stretched onto) from warping over time in unpredictable temperature changes and humidity levels So for now you have decided to forego framing your painting either because you have purchased one that you feel already looks great hung as is since it is on gallery back wrapped on 1.5" deep stretcher bars with a finished black painted edge, or because you don't want the additional expense at the moment (you can always frame it at a later date). Here are a few tips:
Hanging Your New Original Painting
 Hang your painting on two picture hooks or nails (with anchors) which are appropriate to the wall (wood, plaster, drywall) and strong enough to secure the weight of the piece. Two hooks/nails, rather than one, will allow the painting to maintain a horizontal position. For heavier pieces it is advised to use anchors.
Decorating Tip #1: Hang high enough to be able to see the painting clearly from anywhere in the room. A spot over a mantelpiece, table or over a sofa (above head height of anyone sitting on the sofa) is usually ideal. If the painting you purchased has metallic paint, you can use a designated light source such as spotlights or a “picture” light (readily available at any home improvement store) to optimize the dramatic effect of the metallic glow/shimmer, but such a light source can really be used for any fine art to spotlight it as the centerpiece that it is.
Decorating Tip #2: Avoid hanging paintings in hallways or on walls where there is frequent family movement or furniture may be brushed against the wall, but if you must, hang it high enough or in a spot where these issues will be avoided
Handling and Storage
An original painting is a sturdy, long-lasting, and durable art form, and with proper care and handling will last for generations. A visit to any good museum will confirm this, but keep in mind that museums go to great lengths to safeguard their masterpieces.
Handling Tip #1: Always handle a painting by the frame without touching the painted surface. Even better, to not leave marks on the black painted edge, you can hold the painting by the back bar(s) Handling Tip #2: Never let any object/hands press against either the front or back of a painting canvas, as it is pliable and may cause the paint material to crack or chip and may create a dent/hole in the stretched canvas. If an accident occurs, please contact me to request a repair. An amateur repair job may look okay at first but given time will inevitably show, so it is best for the original artist to repair in the original materials and colors used. Handling Tip #3: For temporary storage or transporting a painting, If you no longer have the shipping box the painting arrived in, place cardboard or plywood on both front and back and then wrap in ‘bubble wrap’ and tape or tie securely.
Cleaning an Original Painting Never use harsh chemicals or cleaning agents. Occasional light dusting with a clean, soft duster/brush can be done right over the texture. If the paintings has a high gloss varnish, it can be safely cleaned with a damp cloth or paper towel, keep the texture in mind when doing so because high ridges can snag on the rag or paper towel. If this happens where pieces of paper or fibers are left behind, just remove them with your fingers or tweezers.
Tip: Never expose a painting to extreme heat, cold, or humidity, whether hanging on your wall or in storage. Neither basements nor attics are good storage locations, and even a bathroom that has a tub or shower where you know it will be constantly exposed to humidity may not be the best place for it since it can cause the wooden stretcher bars to warp or the canvas to sag. The best place to store a painting is on a highly visible wall for all to enjoy. .
Related: Common issues with quick and easy fixes
Framing and Hanging Your New Giclee Print My prints come in many size ranging from very standard 8.5x11" which will fit into any standard size picture frame to Large 24x36 also fitting into standard size frames, to huge 24x48 and above. Prints starting from the 24x48" size (depending on if they are on fine art paper or on an unstretched canvas) need to be either mounted matted or framed at your local frame shop or stretched onto wooden stretcher strips if they are on canvas, also done at your local frame shop. A great and affordable place to purchase the standard size frames online Custom Framing Factory Outlet. I have found that they have a great selection and very affordable prices. If you have an A.C. Moore art store or a Michaels Art store in your area and want to physically pick out a standard frame for your print, you can make a visit there. I have found they do have larger standard frames available most of the time. | 
