Collector Resources
Art collecting should be accessible to everyone so I’ve compiled some resources so you can learn & start your collection!
Originals vs Prints
You will see these terms thrown around a lot when looking for art!
But what exactly do they mean?
Originals are the one-of-a-kind paper or canvas that was hand-painted by the artist.
They are normally signed by the artist & come with an Authenticity Certificate to verify it is the official original painting.
Prints are high quality reproductions of the painting.
The Original will be scanned or photographed at the highest quality possible, then the Prints are made on heavyweight fine art paper by professional printers.
Permanent Prints vs Limited Edition Prints
Permanent/Open Edition Prints are printed limitlessly, typically not signed or numbered.
They are the most affordable option because they are not necessarily an art investment.
Limited Editions are more valuable!
There will only be a fixed number of these prints ever made.
Artists will sign and number the limited run of prints and they may include a Certificate of Authenticity.
These details are included to prove the worth of the print as Limited Editions are considered an investment.
VALUE
Display Info
You’ve bought the perfect painting!
Now you just need to know how to display it!
Paper
What are Mats?
Mats are a thick piece of paper with windows cut out of the center to display artwork.
They are made of matboard, which is like paper that’s almost the thickness of cardboard.
It is commonly used inside of frames to mount paintings on and create a border around it.
This part is the mat! It’s just another way to really showcase the art!
I love to sell my paintings pre-matted!
That way all you need is a basic frame!
Mats aren’t required when you frame a paper painting, but they can add an extra pop by accentuating the art and making a bigger statement on the wall!
When you’re choosing which size painting fits your space, make sure you consider the size of the mat and the outer dimensions of the frame!
I also love this unconventional method of framing!
This frame on Amazon comes in a variety of sizes!
Canvas
What does gallery wrapped mean?
When a canvas is ‘gallery wrapped’ that means the artwork is fully wrapped around to the back of the stretcher frame.
The sides of the canvas are painted and finished, great for showing off without any frame!
What are floater frames?
Floaters are a kind of frame that works great for canvases!
They create a little border around the edges of the canvas without covering any of the front!
These floater frames on Amazon are a good affordable option!
I also highly recommend going to your local framer to choose your display options!
Custom frames may seem expensive but they are actually very comparable to big box stores most of the time!
Hanging Height
The average rule of thumb is ‘about eye-level’.
But this is different for everyone & every space so I break down a few more details here!
If your wall has no furniture against it:
Take half of the frame length and subtract the distance from the edge to the hanging hardware.
Now add 57 inches to that and place your nail there.
Example
24 inch tall frame with hanging hardware 3 inches down: 24/2=12 -3=9 +57=66 inches
Place your nail 66 inches from the floor
If your wall does have furniture against it:
This is a bit easier since you have the guideline of the furniture!
Shoot for 10-12 inches above the furniture. Adjust as needed so it looks natural in your space!
Every space is different so do what works for you!
Get yourself a roll of paper (Kraft paper rolls for $1.25 at Dollar Tree!!) even newspaper if the frame is small enough!
Cut out the size of your frame and tape it to the wall so you can perfect your positioning before putting any holes in the wall!
You can even mark the center point on the paper and put the nail straight through it!
Hot Tip!
Artist Recommendations
I love the way my work looks in a matted frame!
I think it really makes the painting look complete!
Plus it makes the overall size bigger to make more of a statement!
I prefer to use plain black or white frames.
That way they aren’t competing with the artwork!
I’ve compiled a few affordable frame options from Amazon that fit the common painting sizes I sell!
Perfect for my “Matted to 18x24” Originals
(12x18 Paper - Matted to 18x24)
Perfect for my “18x24” Originals
(18x24 Paper - Unmatted)
Perfect for my “24x36” Originals
(24x36 Paper - Unmatted)
These are great options but I will once again recommend trying your
LOCAL FRAMER if possible!
Going to your local framer will ensure you get a solid wood frame that won’t fall apart!
If you want real glass, it is hard to find online these days!
And shipping a frame always has a level of risk between breaking or getting scratched!
If you want to do something totally different from these options, go for it!! These are just suggestions to get you started!
Painting Care
It’s important to take care of your fine art correctly but the good news is it’s super easy!
Hanging a painting in direct sunlight has the potential to cause the colors to fade after a long period of time. Choose a space with more indirect sunlight if possible.
Another way to protect your art from sunlight is to choose a frame with UV Glass/Acrylic.
If you choose to mount it onto a new mat or backing board, make sure it is acid-free and archival quality!
Only store in cool, dry places. Leave covered and flat. Avoid rolling.
My paper paintings don’t have varnish over them like canvas does. This is to protect the texture of the paper as it’s so important to my art style! Therefore, be very careful when touching it! Check for dirty hands and frames before displaying.
Stretched canvases may start to feel loose over the stretcher frame over time. A really simple fix for this is to lightly spray water evenly over the back of the canvas. Let it dry and your painting will be tight as a drum again!
Keeping your original documentation such as your invoice and authenticity certificate will increase the value in the future! This helps track the provenance of the piece!
Miscellaneous Terms
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A deckle edge refers to the rough, uneven edge of handmade paper, characterized by a natural and untrimmed finish. In art, deckle edges are often preserved to add an organic and artistic aesthetic to works on paper. Modern works may have a torn edge or natural handmade edge.
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Provenance in the art world refers to the documented history of ownership, tracing the lineage and origin of an artwork. It provides vital information about previous owners, exhibitions, sales, and authenticity, contributing to an artwork's legitimacy and value.
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An authenticity certificate is an official document accompanying an artwork, issued by an artist, gallery, or expert. It serves as a guarantee, confirming the genuineness of the artwork, including details about its creation, artist's signature, and provenance, assuring collectors of its legitimacy.
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Stretcher frames or bars are wooden frameworks used to stretch and support canvases. They are adjustable to tighten or loosen canvas tension, providing a stable surface for painting. These bars form the structural foundation for stretched canvas paintings.
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Watercolor paper is a specialized paper designed for water-based painting techniques like watercolor, ink and gouache. It's usually heavier and textured to absorb and hold water and pigments without warping or deteriorating.
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When referring to artwork, "mounted" means securely affixing a piece of artwork, typically a paper-based work such as watercolors, prints or photographs, onto a rigid backing board or mat for support, preservation, and display.
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Raw canvas refers to fabric that hasn't been coated with primer or gesso. It has a more absorbent surface, often used for specific artistic effects. Take a bit more caution when preserving these pieces since they are not primed!
Primed canvas, on the other hand, has been pre-treated with gesso or primer, providing a smooth, sealed surface for painting, preventing paint absorption and ensuring longevity for the artwork.
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Tooth in the context of paper texture refers to its surface roughness or coarseness. Papers with a high tooth have a pronounced texture, featuring more prominent bumps or grooves, whereas those with a low tooth are smoother. The tooth of a paper varies by medium, meaning a watercolor artist may want a different texture than one who uses markers.
In my work, I focus a lot on paper texture. I choose paper with a heavy tooth to capture all my little pigments!
