National Art and Framing Month at High Desert Gallery -- Creating a Picture Wall

As part of “Celebrate National Art
and Framing Month” at High Desert Gallery we are sharing some
information about the industry, framing techniques as well as some
common sense approaches to buying and hanging artwork.

Have you ever thought about creating a
picture wall? If so read on ...

A picture wall displays a group of
framed items in a coordinated design. The frames may all be the same
style or the same color, but most often a picture wall includes
a variety of different frames. The artwork may be united by a theme:
vacation photos, a collection of sports memorabilia, family
portraits.  Or they may be connected by subject matter: coastal
scenes depicted in photos, watercolor paintings, old engravings, and
other media.  Color can be the unifying factor, and color-themed
picture walls have a lot of impact, bringing the coolness of blue or
the vibrancy of red strongly into the room. Collectors of posters,
etchings, photographs or watercolors can develop a picture wall to
show the variety within their collection.  But some of the
best picture walls display a very eclectic mix of sizes, colors and
styles that reflects a range of personal preferences and experiences.
And it doesn't have to be limited to pictures: an arrangement can be
enhanced by including mirrors, shelves, or objects in the mix.

When placing several different sizes of
frames and art together, arrange each piece so that one outside edge
is in line with another picture next to it, either vertically or
horizontally. This technique helps bring a sense of balance to the
grouping.  Keep the space between frame edges fairly small,
typically about two to four inches; this will visually "gather
the group together".  The grouping can build from the
center and spread out in all directions. Or you can plan to have it
develop into a rectangular shape. An irregular shape is very useful
if you are likely to add to the wall after the first design is
finished.
 
One thing about a picture wall: it involves a
few nail holes.  If you are a bit anxious about making those
holes in the right spot the first time, there are a couple of ways to
determine your spacing before hanging: try organizing the picture
arrangement on the floor in front of the wall where it will hang,
then hang the pieces one-by-one.  To get a more accurate
visualization, cut pieces of newspaper to the size of the framed
items and tape them to the wall with removable tape.
 
When
hanging pictures above a sofa, be sure that the bottom of the lowest
frame leaves clearance for the head of a seated person.  But
don't go any higher, or the pictures will seem to be floating instead
of visually attached to the sofa.  If there is no furniture
against the picture wall, and there are a number of frames, the
arrangement can cover the entire wall from ceiling to floor for a
dramatic presentation.
 
Light is necessary to enjoy the
picture wall, but avoid direct sunlight or other strong direct light
on the art. Keep track lighting and overhead picture lights away from
close contact with artwork-heat from the bulbs can cause damage to
the art, and fluorescent lights (including the new compact curly
bulbs) may cause fading of some artwork. High Desert Gallery utilizes
the best possible glass in all our framing projects that require
glass. Ask for museum glass or conservation glass to protect your
artwork, increase enjoyment and reduce exposure to harmful UV light.

A picture wall can be a significant
design element in your home or office and a great source of
enjoyment. Choose a wall and gather a few of your favorite images,
bring to High Desert Gallery for framing and you will be on your way!

We take pride in our custom framing
gallery and our recent awards that makes the gallery unique in
Central Oregon. Just a couple of our awards -- High Desert Gallery
honored in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by Decor Magazine as a "Top 100
Art and Framing Gallery in America" and voted "Best Art
Gallery" in Redmond, Oregon (2006, 2007 & 2008) and Sisters,
Oregon (2005, 2006, & 2008). In February 2008, High Desert
Gallery was awarded Top Honors in the Professional Picture Framing
Association 2007-2008 International Open Framing Competition.

For complete and detailed event
information of “Celebrate National Art and Framing Month” at High
Desert Gallery and Custom Framing please visit: Celebrate National
Art and Framing Month