Whether you are new to collecting or you already have a variety of art in your collection, here are a few tips to enhance the enjoyment and extend the life of your masterpieces.

First, I recommend always getting a halogen light source for your art. Experiment with different bulb wattage and target spread. Find the one that highlights your particular piece. A low-voltage system with a dimmer works best like those found in most track lighting.

Oil paintings can not have too strong a light source or their will be a glare off the oils. Acrylics on the other hand shine clear with a tremendous amount of light. Painters like Jesse Miller who use acrylic on canvas combined with leaded glass absolutely glows majestically when drenched in light.

Élan Vital of Maui paints with aerospace enamel that is mixed with pigments and powdered gemstones. His paintings also explode under intense light.

At the other end of the spectrum is Jason Monet’s oil paintings. With strong light there is a horrible glare that ‘white outs’ the painting from certain angles. When a softer light is used the oil seems to glow and create its own light. The right lighting gives a special warmth to the work.

Also, consider the natural light. Oil paintings and pastels want no direct natural light. This will keep them from fading and let the colors age like a fine wine. Leave that wall space to your acrylic paintings. They are much more resilient to natural light and will remain color fast in the pastel danger zones. Élan Vital’s art is also extremely direct sunlight friendly due to the aerospace enamel.

In closing I recommend a fine bottle of wine to celebrate your new safe painting locations and halogen lighting enhancements!

Happy Collecting