If you are planning to buy Indian paintings, there are some things you might want to consider. Paintings are considered a delicate piece of art against a bronze sculpture. It needs proper care and attention in time if you want to maintain its sheen and appearance as fresh as it was on the day of purchase.
Do you really understand the meaning of a painting?
A traditional painting consists of support that comes from the frame of the painting. It is supported by a ground that forms the base, paints used in painting and coating. The fabric on which the painting is made is stretched over specially made stretchers with flat triangles that are known as keys. It is attached to corners to make sure that there are no creases on the surface of the painting.
The surface stretched now is apt for painting and drawing. The ground behind the surface acts as a sponge that absorbs extra moisture and binding medium from the painting. The paints and colors are applied in single to multiple layers to produce the desired effect. To increase the sheen and protect the paint from chipping and falling through flaking, a medium is applied. It is made from synthetic or natural resins. It is used for saturation and to protect the painting from settling dirt, abrasion, and fading.
Tips for taking care of Indian painting
Painting is a delicate work of art and needs great care and protection. Every painting is different and is taken care of through different methods. It is pertinent to note that only one painting should be taken care of at a time. Large panels on which painting stands and the canvas should be removed by the help of two or more people. It is suggested to touch the painting with gloved hands. Bare hands might leave some dirt or fingerprints on that.
Extra care and precaution are to be taken while dealing with the paintings from the renaissance era because they generally come without exposed without the application of primer. Make sure you touch them with clean hands. Still, it is highly recommended that you use cotton gloves to avoid direct contact.
Anything that might harm or affect the painting must be removed from the body like watches or accessories that might scratch the surface of the painting and make it rough. Do not handle those paintings the stretcher of which are shaggy and debilitated. You might as well harm more than cleaning.
If the frame is loose, it must be first straightened and tightened. The keys are also to be checked.
The painting might fall off because of the loose and unattended keys. The dimension of the frame is regulated by the keys. There are slots available for the application of key at all corners of modern paintings. If they are missing, they should be readily replaced by new ones. They are easily available at any art store.
The art of hanging paintings
There is a slot for hanging paintings on the surface of the wall. However, there are certain precautions that are to be taken as follows:-
- Strong and stable hardware must be appropriated for the purpose of hanging a wall painting.
- Hooks on which paintings are to be hung must be attached to wall studs and paintings must be latched on to it.
- Wall anchors are to be appropriated for hanging a large painting.
- If the artwork is very heavy, a bracket used for supporting the painting and displacing its weight might be used.
- Make sure there is a strong metal hook that is attached to the frame.
- If the painting frame has a wire attached for the purpose of hanging, it must be looped and fastened to the eye screws. They are present on the left and right side of the painting.
- Following things are to be used of the highest available quality and are to be checked from time to time:-
- Molding hangers
- Wires
- Screw eyes
- keys
- Picture hooks
- Cords
It is to be noted and observed that any wire or extension might not be left loose behind the painting that might create a dent or pierce the surface of the painting. It might be the tricky part. Check the strength of the plaster. Replace it from time to time so that it doesn’t go weak and make the hook let go of the painting.
So, these were the technical things associated with the hanging part. Now, some physical elements are to be considered while choosing the place to hang.
- Heat and dirt the place where you are planning to put your painting receives. Direct and natural light like sunlight might react with the colors applied and make them fade or lose its sheen. Make sure painting is not under direct sunlight.
- Moisture from the wall could destroy your painting permanently. Look out for that.
- The humidity in the air might as well make the artwork sticky and prone to getting destroyed.
Therefore, as a responsible art collector, you must follow these steps as you buy Indian paintings. Best of luck and may your paintings live long!