Showcase and maintain your artworks

You've fallen in love with and acquired a work of art on canvas, now it's time to make it shine.

Since texture is often predominant in my paintings, I wanted to give you some tips to keep your works as beautiful as they were on their first days and to highlight them with appropriate lighting.

First, find the ideal spot to fully appreciate it. Choose a dry, well-lit location and don't place it in a confined space. It needs its own space to truly shine. Also, avoid placing it above a wood-burning fireplace, as this could permanently damage it.

Next, to highlight your painting, you can stick to the room's general lighting, but you can also use directional or accent lighting to enhance the details. Keep in mind that it's important to avoid using a light positioned directly above or to the sides of the canvas, as this will accentuate the shadows created by the texture. This might create an interesting perspective, but you'll lose the detail and colors of the painting. Many experts suggest not placing the artwork in direct sunlight, but varnishes now offer better protection than before.

Finally, use a duster regularly, and even as often as possible, to prevent dust from accumulating and becoming impossible to remove. A clean, dry brush with soft bristles works very well. If dust has become embedded in the surface, you can use an air compressor, being careful not to hold it too close. Alternatively, a can of compressed air for cleaning computer keyboards can also be used. Even though my canvases are varnished, never use cleaning products. In an emergency, use a clean, dry cloth, and for a stain, you can use a damp cloth and rub gently.

Finally, a feather duster or paintbrush remains your best friend to ensure the longevity of your purchase. And for lighting, do several tests both during the day and in the evening so that your artwork illuminates and enlivens your decor.

I hope you find this article helpful ;)