Hanging a beautiful piece of art in a dark corner is an injustice to the art and a missed opportunity to show the painting at its best. It would be like going to a party looking drop-dead gorgeous and finding out the venue is a very dark room where you can barely be seen. No one can appreciate how great you look. What a waste!
The best way to light the art is from the ceiling, but that isn’t always possible. You may have very high ceilings or there may be no access to a power source. If that’s the case, another alternative is a picture light. Picture lights are mounted to the back of the frame and light the image.
In selecting a picture light, you should consider the following:
| Size Measure the width of the image. The size of the picture light should be one size smaller (or the closest smaller size). For example if the painting’s image is 18 inches wide, you should select a 16 inch light.  | Finish A wide variety of finishes are available and the selected light should blend in with the finish of the frame.  | Style Again, look at the image and its frame and determine if they are traditional or contemporary. Picture lights come in traditional shapes and slim line shapes that are more contemporary.
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Battery Operated Picture Lights
If there are no outlets available near where the painting is hanging, you can select a battery-powered one. The picture light company we use offers battery-powered lights up to 14 inches and they generally last up to 80 hours on a charge.
Need Help?
Andy McAfee, our long-time gallery director, is an expert on lighting and is always happy to advise you on putting your art in its best light. Give him a call at the gallery at 336-855-8500.
