So you're thinking about a gallery wall but you're a little unsure where to start. I mean, the first time I ever made one, I assumed I needed to cut out newspaper to the size of each frame and rearrange them on the floor until I had an arrangement that I liked. You can do that...but who gets the newspaper anymore? Luckily, I had a brave friend with a hammer and nails and an attitude of "it's just paint, we can't mess it up that bad" and that's how I began my fearless art hanging method. While it's very true it's just paint, over the years, I've done a lot of art hanging and I have a few tips that may save you time or paint ;)
- Have a unifying element. To be more specific, the unifying element could be the shape of your frames, the color of your frames, the color of your matte or the shape of your matte. Those are very physical ways to link disparate images together to create a cohesive statement. A more subtle unifying element is thematic...please get creative here: line drawings, black and white photos, the color pink, texture or landscapes...a unifying theme is a VERY broad category but if you have an intention to link your works together thematically, it creates cohesion even when using mixed photos, art, sculpture or even shadowboxes and wall shelves. -Have a plan. Look at your wall, if you have pretty good spacial reasoning then you'll know how many items might fit. The rest of us will measure to be sure everything we want to include will fit. How many items/images do you have? If you're going for an eclectic or asymmetrical look, an odd number of items are more pleasing to the eye. If you're looking to create a symmetrical grid, well then a good level is your best friend and it's just fine to have even numbers of images. -Hang at eye level. Whose eye level? Yours! If a house is full of people with disparate heights, then I often compromise at about 5 ft for a walking area such as a hallway. That means the focal point of your collection will be at 5 feet, not the top or bottom frame. If you're hanging over a sofa or chair, take the shape of the furniture into account as you begin, The negative space above your furniture is your blank canvas. Arranging art around a piece of furniture with an interesting shape is as special as custom upholstery, it lets you know the collection is intentional and designed specifically for it's home. -Start at the center and work your way out. In an asymmetrical grouping, you're looking for the weight to be even (don't put two big items on the left and 3 small ones on the right) and for the lines of your images to move your eye through the display. I often have 3 to 6 inches between my frames. Go ahead and get wall anchors if you suspect your item is heavy. Whether the walls are plaster or drywall, when I hang something with a substantial frame and weight, I'll dig out the little plastic anchors to make sure the nail or screw isn't going anywhere. -Don't be afraid to experiment on the floor first...I know, I said you don't have to, but if you're new at this, it may make you feel more comfortable to clear some floor space and rearrange your images a few times until it feels just right. -There really aren't any rules you can't break, the whole point of this is to create something that is meaningful and beautiful to you. If you want to put your high school track shoes on the wall, I'll be cheering you on if that's what makes you smile. I'm sure there are loads of other ideas and details to talk about, so if I didn't address something you've been wondering about, leave me a comment or send me a note. I love to stay connected to people who are out there creating beautiful things...or people with an idea, a friend, a hammer and a can-do attitude. Cheers, Anne
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AuthorAnne Borders is a landscape painter living in Louisville, Kentucky. Archives
February 2022
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