Now for the hanging

The painting is purchased and paid for, wired and framed, wrapped in your place ready for you to hang it on the wall. You know where you are putting it. The question is, where do you hang it, exactly?

The rule of thumb is about four inches above the sofa or chair rail. The bottom of the frame should measure about four, maybe five, inches above the the tallest part of the sofa or sofa cusion. Seems low, right? Not really. The key to remember is that you want your painting's center to be as close to eye level as possible. You want the painting to be weighted lower into the room, not floating above. Always the painting should be placed so that it is easy to read. The painting is in your home to engage, to entertain, and to be a part of your life and conversation. Don't place it high up and out of reach. You don't want to lift your chin to see the work nor do you want the bottom few inches of the painting to be the focal point.

Now get out your tape measure, level, pencil and paper, calculator. This really is simple. Measure up four inches from top of sofa or chair rail and mark with pencil on wall. Rest painting on the floor with one hand holding it upright. Pull wire tight. Measure from bottom of frame to wire. Mark that measurement on wall. Tap in two hooks about 2 inches apart. Remember to align the hooks to the mark, not the nails. The nails will be above the mark. Hold the painting with one hand under the bottom frame and the other hand on the wire. Gently ease the wire onto one hook then the other. Use the level to straighten.

Stand back and enjoy!