Suspending secret

Suspending secret

Artists have a secret. Well, maybe it’s not a secret, but it definitely something that non-artists might be surprised about. We have a lot of art. And that’s not including our own.

The problem, of course, is that we tend to be a gregarious group that does things like enter shows, take workshops, and generally kibitz together. Naturally enough, we make friends. We see a lot of art. And a few pieces just kind of follow us home.

I may be a prime example. In the last few years I have started to acquire a bit of a collection of specifically themed art. Recently I acquired three new pieces and had them professionally matted and framed (something I cannot recommend enough (professional framers like Elsinore Framing & Fine Art take every care; what you end up hanging is clean and sits well on the provided hanger.)) Today I decided that having spent the money, I would like to be able to look at my lovely new pieces.

Here’s the trouble–every available wall in my home already has art on it.

Now, I know there is a (large) group of people who don’t like to tear up their walls hanging and re-hanging art. But here’s the thing: I want to see/use my pieces, not save them for “when company comes.” If that means a few extra holes in the wall when pieces need to be shoved a little closer together, well, God created spackle.

I walked around my house pondering. The first thing was to examine if there were any pieces currently on the walls that I just wasn’t in love with anymore. Easy answer: yes. I have a Carol Grigg mass-market print (two actually) that I love significantly less than the original I found at a garage sale. One space acquired.

That led me to notice that the Kathi Peter‘s piece (“Big Boy”) would look really good paired with her sketch in the corner.

This meant, however, that Liz Walker‘s lovely painting would need to find a new home.

I took down and moved around the various pieces. The first fix was easy.

Boom. Kathi Peter’s pieces paired.

Next I took out the new pieces. About a year ago, I purchased a print of “Aerium” from Sally Martin (just a few weeks later I purchased one of her limited sketch series which is already up in the house.) Then recently, Ruth Buchanan sent a print of her magnificent painting “Oil on Water“. While the paintings are oriented differently, they are approximately the same size and have similar lavender/pink/blue notes.

I had also purchased, from the amazing Equis Art Gallery, an original graphite by Sheona Hamilton-Grant “Pull Forth”. And I loved it, but it did not look good grouped with the other two pieces. So I went on a tour of the house and decided that a print of the Breeder’s Cup that was hanging out in the entry was the right size and subject to fill out the original pairing.

I hung those, using nails (I find nails paired with “hanger hooks” are the easiest to move without undue wall damage.) I stood back and made a few adjustments, then added the smaller pieces I  had earmarked to fill out the wall.

You may notice that the smaller pieces were already on the wall in the first picture, but I think they look better as accessory pieces.  Wall one done, two of the three new pieces with homes.

After some debate, I placed Liz Walker’s painting in the entry where the Breeder’s Cup print had formerly lived. I like the brightness it adds to the dark area.

Finally, after a little experimentation, I elected to take down a print I had received many years ago as a house warming gift and replace it with “Pull Forth”. I had to experiment with the height because I found that I wanted it to be eye level so I could admire the details.

And there ends this tale of suspense (ha!) I hope it will inspire you to get those pieces out and onto your walls. Or maybe even buy some new art… I know a few people who could help you out there!

Incidentally, and I’m sure a few of you will notice this, I am not fussed about exact distances and completely straight hanging. If you are (and I know most people are), take everything I said to heart and check out these posts on Pinterest:

1 Comment on “Suspending secret

  1. I love the look of the “new “ wall. I’m sure the bright Liz Walker painting has added some cheer to the entry. Looks like you had fun.