The Art of Art
A how-to of
arranging images in the home
By Kevin Conroy
Art has the power to move us, sooth us, sustain us. From the
simplest charcoal sketch to the boldest mural, humankind has surrounded itself
with art from the pre-dawn of civilization. “It is intrinsic to our emotions,”
says Artspace Gallery volunteer Jody Singer. “It speaks to who we are.”
Ordinary mistakes anyone can make may break its impact. Hung
at the wrong height, or scaled improperly for a given space, even the best works
can cast an unpleasant feel. Failing to plan a grouping can defeat its intended
purpose. By following a few simple guidelines, though, everyone can bring out
the best from their collection.
To create a sound foundation, professional framing is
essential. “Make the frame work for the piece, and work with the décor at the
same time,” explains proprietor James E. Morgan at Morgan Gallery of Fine Arts.
Frames should complement, not distract. “If the furnishings are heavy, contrast
them with movement and interest,” says framer Sean Turrell of Turrell Custom
Art Framing. “There is no one way, every piece is individual. Framing is like
jewelry; the artwork is primary.”
The most common mistake made by beginners is positioning art too
high on the wall. Galleries and museums tend to hang paintings at approximately
eye level, or centered 60 inches above the floor. At home, of course, accommodation must be made for furniture and architectural detail, such as a mantelpiece or
chair rail.
Take scale into account when choosing which pieces to hang
where. Although open space feels more elegant, an undersized picture in a wide
space will feel underwhelming. The other side of that coin is clutter. Be
certain to leave some negative, or empty, space.
Walls are not the only place for art. “Leaning a canvas
instead of hanging it turns a two-dimensional piece into three dimensions. It
becomes an object,” says Turrell. Lean a picture on top of a mantle or
sideboard and overlap it with a sculpture and leafy plant to lend a feeling of
sophistication.
“Use an easel to angle a painting as a solution for a
corner,” says Ellen Kerz of Ellen Kerz Interiors. With several pieces to
display, plan a grouping. “You can place a large piece in the center as a focal
point,” says Kerz, “and surround it with photography or smaller watercolors and
oils. “No rhyme or reason over the sofa or sideboard,” she says, “even
a stair wall. How busy you want it depends on how much space you have.”
Lay the grouping out on a bed or floor first; doing this will
allow for endless changes before the first nail is driven. It will lend a sense
for how it feels. Determine the horizontal center of the grouping before
beginning to hang, then match it to that 60” wall height to keep the center of
the cluster at eye level.
Some additional practical advice: To keep images permanently
straight, hang them on two nails placed apart, about two-thirds the width of
the frame. When displaying watercolors in a bright, sunlit room, pay the few
extra dollars for UV protective glass to minimize fading.
A budget is only common sense, so consider estate art and less
expensive prints and etchings to add variety. Education is not necessary. “Acquire
images with an emotional connection,” suggests Morgan. “Find key pieces that
fit the feeling of a room.”
“Dog portraits warm up a room and make it feel like home,”
says Kerz.
When beginning a collection, consider accenting with
utilitarian items. Hang a quilt and old farm tools with painted folk-art.
Music-themed images might benefit from worn-out dancing shoes displayed with old
musical instruments. Search far and wide for just the right piece. “When you
see something that coordinates, grab it!” exclaims Kerz.
Aesthetic judgements are at once sensory, emotional, and
intellectual. “It has to do with humanity, the appreciation of something to
share,” explains Morgan. “The artist’s perspective is different from the rest
of society.”
Art creates value to its surroundings, and its surroundings increase art's intrinsic value. “Art shows
life and beauty,” says Singer. “It transcends the reasons why we need or want it.”
