The Art of Displaying Art: Part 1

So, here we are with new art in our hands and little to no idea what to do with it! Let's take a wee step beyond driving a nail into the drywall and calling it a day. I've done a bit of research on various ways, collecting tips and tricks, on how to display art without detracting from it or the space chosen to hang it in.

The number one most important piece of advice I picked up was how to tie art to the room itself. Color, naturally, is the smartest and easiest way to draw the eye to any artwork while seamlessly blending it in to the decor as well.

For example, in the image here there are nearly two dozen visible prints on display yet they tie together fairly well. The centralized watercolor of blue, green and yellowing leaves provides a base to tie the rest in. Shades of blue connect to the smaller prints while some of the smaller prints add a new color, such as the pink in the upper right which, in turn, links to the pink in the upper left that has a yellow tying it back to the central image.

Were I to connect this collage, or simply the central watercolor to the room, I would consider applying the same connected thread to furniture. Say, if this was in a living room, a few throw pillows in matching blues, yellows or both would blend a sofa to the art no matter the color of the sofa. A lampshade in a similar color scheme could frame one side of the display. If this were a dining room, a centerpiece on the table similarly colored would bounce the eye from it to the art.

Considering color can bring your artwork outside the frame and envelope you with just a few creative touches in your environment!

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