Congratulations! You have bought a beautiful new artwork and you couldn't be happier. An artwork can be a significant investment and you want to make sure that you look after it in the best possible way. Here are some tips that may help you:

• Keep your artwork out of direct sunlight and not above a heat source.
• Never lean the front or back surface of a stretched canvas on a pointed or sharp object, or it will leave a dent that will disfigure your work. If you must lean it against something, lean it on the wood of its stretcher bars or the frame, so that nothing presses against the canvas.
• Dust your painting regularly, so that a thick layer of dust does not build up which will dry out the paint and possibly result in cracking and peeling. Do not spray anything on the work. Only dust with a light brush. Cloths and feather dusters might catch so it is better not to use those. Do not use chemicals or household cleaning products. Do not use water or damp cloths.
• Be careful of the frame corners as they are easily damaged. Carry a painting with two hands from the sides of the frame, never just by the top.
• Make sure the painting is hanging securely and safely. Make note of the weight of the painting and use suitably heavy screws and hooks.
• Don’t hang your artwork too high or too low. Remember you want to enjoy looking at it so hang it at a good eye level.

I hope you will enjoy your painting for many years to come! Click below to get a free PDF copy of these tips:

School holidays mean extra time in the studio for this happy artist!

At the moment I am adding the finishing touches to a very special memorial portrait of a gentleman which was commissioned by his lovely widow. The client provided me with some photos of her husband to work from and we discussed skin tones and she requested that his favourite checked shirt be included in the portrait.

Memorial portraits can be challenging because of the limitations of the available photos but with good communication and the client’s help most obstacles can be overcome. The joy and comfort that the finished portrait brings to the family is very special and I feel honoured to be able to help people in this way.