Exhibiting Art For Beginners: How To Buy, Frame And Display Art In The Home

A blank wall - inspiration or fear? A daunting task for sure but one that can tantalize you with ideas limited only to your imagination.

But it easily becomes an overwhelming chore, or worse--a reminder of past mistakes and bad choices. No forethought and you're left with an unresolved blank wall. Correctly placing a piece of art that you love on the wall, and it will warm your heart.

Art completes your space. You'll find that by decorating with art, your room will be meaningful. You do not need an art degree or a priceless painting to create a pleasing display. Professionals know the techniques shared by many to remove the mystery of hanging art.

First, afford the empty wall as much consideration as you do the empty room. Think back. When is the last time you heard someone remark on how they reclined on the most sumptuous couch or settee?

Think about the last time you heard someone talk about the gorgeous dining table they ate from at someone's home? It's likely you've never heard anyone say that. But you probably have heard someone talk about an amazing painting in someone's home.

The more sedate art collectors believe that art leads the ambiance of the space. For people who are not art collectors, which would be the rest of us, this isn't the case. Ordinary people do not typically work in this manner. They instead let the room inspire the choice in art work.

The worst thing to do when seeking art for your room is to suggest that you only want a piece which would look good with your sofa or carpet. This way of thinking is, according to many experts, an ultimate sin. But matching colors can still be accomplished.

They will select one or more primary colors or shapes that are represented in the piece of art and then mirror those elements in other items, like pillows or vases, through the rest of the room.

The basic white mat is always a good starting point, but it's also a good idea to add a second mat using your accent color, which again yields a nicely composed room.

Choosing the right frame is crucial to getting your art to connect with your decorating theme. Currently, frames that are simple and thin are the most popular. These frames work with modern styles and furniture.

Old-fashioned Baroque-style or fancy metallic frames should be reserved in a more formal or classic design setting. Feel intimidated by an over-sized wall? Don't be! This is a great place to put a single, large painting.

If your home is modern you are in luck, as much of today's modern contemporary art is created on a much larger scale and is usually quite affordable.

It's quite common for a decorator to frame a poster with matting and then hang it in a wooden or thin, black frame. Framing professionals can position a small print or photo in a large frame, using layers of color-coordinating matting.

Leave a larger white space at the bottom to bring the eye up to the art. Simply request this when you take it to the frame gallery for framing. Art stores and galleries cut all matting to order.

Experts use halogen lighting in order to put white light on the picture. This causes the piece to pop. People feel lighting is important when displaying art.

Novices can benefit from the following art tips. Write down the dimensions of the blank wall and carry those along with you wherever you go. You never know when you might encounter a piece you're interested in purchasing.

This will come in handy if you find a local gallery by accident and find a piece that you are interested in buying. They typically carry paintings and sculptures as well as photographs that you can buy from anywhere in the neighborhood of $20 to $3,000.

Do you still have questions? Often you can simply arrange to make a deposit while you take the piece home for a test run. And remember community street fairs or try a local school with a keen art department.

Most of us can't spring for an original, so look for limited-number reprints such as lithographs or silk-screen prints. For unique framing options, check flea markets, thrift stores and even garage or estate sales for great deals and some amazing finds.