A Guide To Taking Care Of Your New Art Piece

So you've just received your beautiful new art piece! Yay! But without proper care, that beautiful art piece can quickly fade and look different from the first day you held it in your hands

 Tip #1: Keep Out Of Direct Sunlight
This is so important. Keeping you artwork in direct sunlight will cause the colors to become light and washed out, especially with drawings and colored pencil portraits. While the Caran D'Ache Luminance & Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils I use are the most lightfast on the market, colored pencils in general have less lightfast qualities than other materials due to the binders mixed with the pigments. It's important to keep your work out of the sunlight but even more so if you have a colored pencil drawing.

Tip #2: Keep Your Artwork In An Archival Frame Or Bag
It's important to keep in mind how you store your new artwork. It is not recommended to leave it out unprotected (as it can collect dust particles and could get dirty). It's also important you take into consideration the type of frame or storage bag you store it in. You want to make sure that you get an archival frame (anything acid free is good). I always recommend you get your work custom framed or at the least put some good money toward a good quality on-the-shelf frame from a hobby lobby or michael's. definitely avoid cheap frames when you can as they most likely will not have archival qualities. If you can't afford a frame or are waiting to get a frame, I recommend you leave it in the self-sealing, archival bag it was shipped in (for drawings only). You don't need to frame paintings as again, they have more archival qualities but it will help preserve them much longer and it will look beautiful, of course :)

Tip #3: Avoid Touching Artwork With Your Hands Too Much!
This one should be obvious, but I'll throw it out there. Your have dirt, grease, and oils on them. While you may not see all of the "stuff" sitting on your hands, it will surely affect the quality of your artwork. So unless you absolutely have to do it...
hands off!

Tip #4: Store In a Cool, Dry Place
There's a reason why all museums and galleries are cold, dark, and dry. It helps preserve the artwork! Avoid putting it in an area that is prone to humidity or heat. Both will cause distortions in your artwork and it will be sad. So cool, dry, and no direct sunlight! 


Tip #5: Keep Art Off The Floor
Should be a given but if you aren't an art connoisseur, you may harmlessly put it there "real quick" right? No. Don't do it. It will get dirty.


Okay So, Your Artwork Has Dirt/Dust And You Need To Clean It...
As previously stated, you want to avoid touching your art as much as you can. If it's something like a hair, you could probably just pluck it off. If it's a little more I recommend using compressed canned air to remove dust, dirt, fibers, etc. Do NOT blow on the work! You run the risk of getting saliva on the piece and it will leave a residue that you cannot get off (trust me, I have done this). Air in a can! Or if you plan on getting it custom framed, avoid this part altogether, as they will clean it professionally for you! 




Any further questions or concerns? Please message me! I am always happy to hear from you and help you out :) My best point of contact is Facebook or Email.