First things first!

So here you are, in your home and you look around and you decide that it is time. Time to start that collection. You have come to the right place! I am here to help!

My first suggestion is to think big. Don't be shy, fill up your wall space. One mistake that I see clients make is to float a tiny painting on a spacious wall. Large paintings give the room a presence and personality. Paintings have a voice and share your life with you. A quality, well-hung, suitable painting will invite you into the room without being overbearing. It is a guest in the house that adds to the conversation always saying just the right thing. And many times the frame can easily add another ten inches to the overall dimension. Paintings are fine hung about four inches above the sofa or chair rail and then up to the ceiling. Remember, you always want to weight the painting low, you should have larger margin of wall above the painting. Nothing makes an art dealer's heart flutter like large, expansive wall. I see the possibilities!

Second, rethink anything covered in glass; glass is bulky, heavy, glaring. It shows the dust. The glass creates a barrier between the art and the viewer. Nothing speaks elegance and class like an exposed oil painting. The painting has a richness and texture that is unique. Anything under glass is going to have a uniform and fragile surface. It lacks the weight of a real painting, a genuine piece of artwork.

And if I could suggest one final thought as you start your search, remember to have fun! Finding the right artwork for your home is a joy, enjoy the anticipation of that "aha" moment. This isn't a job, ignore the decorator (more about that later) and just look and look and look at paintings. Listen to them, the good ones sing. Watch them, the good ones move. Go to museums and look at the best paintings to get a sense for quality work. Be open, be prepared to be surprised at what speaks to you.

I hope this helps you on your search!