Grouping Art

GROUPING ART

"We all have walls that for some reason or other are difficult to hang one artwork on. For example, a wall that is shared by plants, floor lamps, shelves, etc. This is also true in hallways where the viewer can't get far enough away from a larger artwork to enjoy it fully.

A solution is grouping small artworks. This allows you to select works that may not be strong enough to hang by themselves, or works that are some how related, such as by color or subject.

We have a wall next to the bed that is partly taken up by a lamp. We filled it with random black-framed black and white photos, block prints and etchings. Each piece may be viewed separately or as part of the whole.

Do not restrict your self to squares. Rather, work out a pattern that gives weight and direction to the wall. Don't crowd it all in to fill the space. Each work MUST have room around it so your eye can move from one piece to the next without loosing the impact of the individual art. Leave 2" to 3" around the art. Remember, they do not have to be the same size or shape. Think of them as puzzle pieces and place them appropriately.

Lay out some tape on your floor to mimic the wall, then place the artworks in the space and move them around until you are happy with the results. Get your cat or dog to help.

When hanging, use the "on center rule" (see Tip #1) if practical.

Always remember to hang the works for yourself first and your guests second; after all, you get to enjoy them every day.

Good Luck

Robert"