It’s a well-known fact that every monitor has a unique colour display characteristics. Some are light some are dark. Others have a bit of a tint in the neutral colours (white and grey) etc. The reason for these irregularities, among others, is because your monitor may not be properly calibrated to display the correct tones as intended.

To help you calibrate your monitor to the current international RGB standards (D65, gamma 2.20) we have created a simple step-by-step visual calibration tutorial. Just click on the ‘Calibrate Monitor’ link below to open up a new window and follow the instructions as listed. If you own a monitor calibrator we recommend you use that.

Once your monitor is calibrated, you will be able to view our works of art in their natural tones and make your selection with confidence.

Note: Due to the physical differences of display monitors and print media, there will always be a slight tonal difference between the displayed image on your monitor and the final art print.

Calibrate Monitor

Framing a work of art is an art in itself. When done properly it will enhance a piece aesthetically, as well as protect it from nature’s harmful elements and prolong its lifespan to be enjoyed by many generations to come. The following framing tips will help you get the most out of your investment and enjoy our artwork to their full potential.

• First and most important tip, always use acid-free archival material to frame works of art. Make sure your framer knows and practices conservation framing.
  
  
• Keep it simple, choose frames and mats that will enhance the work of art itself. Avoid frames that overwhelm the artwork.
  
  
• Take your time when selecting a frame. Ask your professional framer for advice if you are not sure. Don’t let anyone rush you.

Before taking a work of art to your professional framer, a little background on proper framing materials and procedures is useful.

Glass or Plexiglas (acrylic)
Always keep your artwork behind glazed surface for maximum protection. However, the work should never be placed directly against the glazed surface. Use spacers or a mat board. Use UV blocking glass or plexiglas (lighter and shatter proof) to protect your work of art, especially if the artwork is displayed in a bright and sunny room. Regular glass can be used as a cheaper alternative. However, it will not protect against UV rays.

Mats and Backing Board
Always use acid-free 100% rag boards. The artwork is secured or “hinged” to the backing board using acid free water activated adhesive. Never let anyone dry-mount or use masking tape or glue to hinge your artwork. Choose a mat colour that compliments the photograph (e.g. Lite Cream mat works very well with most photographs).

Never trim the artwork's border to fit the mat. The mat should not hide any part of the artwork, including the title, artist’s name and other visible text. We recommend you leave 1-1.5cm white boarder (paper) around the image and then apply the mat. A width of 4.5-6cm is a good mat boarder size for most artworks.

Last but not least, the mat should be hinged to the backing board with acid free tape, creating a ‘book’ in which the print is protected.

Frame Mouldings
You can have any type of moulding - wood, metal, plastic etc. Just make sure the size, colour and the shape of your moulding does not overpower the artwork. “Harmony and simplicity” are the key words here. The job of the frame is to protect and enhance the work of art not to compete with it.

Once the artwork is framed, the entire package must be sealed on the back with acid-free barrier paper to prevent moisture and dust entering the frame. The finished piece can be hung on wire strung across the back about 25% down from the top of the frame. The picture frame should hang as flush to the wall as possible.

Finally, framing a work of art is a significant expense, so don’t be shy or embarrassed to shop around and ask questions. A good, reputable framer will always spend time answering your questions and help you make the appropriate decisions without any pressure.

Good luck and enjoy your framed work of art for many years to come.

Proper lighting and the environment in which a work of art is displayed play a crucial role in the longevity and the aesthetic appearance of that artwork. All artwork sold on this site are best viewed under daylight-balanced (5,000º Kelvin) light sources as recommended by the International Standards Organisation (ISO). The following tips will help you get the most out of your investment.

• Never place a work of art in direct sunlight or under strong light source.
  
  
• Keep artwork away from dust, heat and humidity (eg. fireplaces and bathrooms).
  
  
• For good colour results use low voltage daylight-balanced (5,000º Kelvin) halogen lighting to light up your artwork. Most fluorescent lights are not recommended.
  
  
• Avoid strong direct lighting systems. They may look posh, however long periods of exposure to such lights can damage and devalue your pieces.
  
  

We recommend you follow these steps to prevent any damage done to your artwork.

• Use care when removing artwork from the poster tube. Lay it out on a clean flat table and leave it for few days to regain its flat shape. Do not force it against a flat edge or a surface in an attempt to flatten it.
  
  
• Avoid touching the surface of the artwork with your fingers. The oils in your skin may cause discolouration after a period of time. Use white cotton gloves if possible.
  
  
• Avoid sharp objects like buckles, rings, watches and other jewellery coming in contact with your artwork. Including sharp fingernails.
  
  
• Use a clean soft brush to remove any dust particles from the surface of the artwork.
  
  
• Have your artwork framed as soon as possible. Use only archival framing material.
  
  
• Use a feather duster and a soft cloth to clean your frames. Do not use harsh cleaning solvents on the glazing and the frame. A damp soft cloth will do the job just fine.
  
  
• Prevent damage to your artwork; keep them away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity.
  
  

Hanging a framed artwork on a wall can sometimes be a difficult proposition. You come up with questions like, where should I place it and how high? Should I group it with others or leave it solo? What kind of hanging hooks should I use? Etc. Well, here are some tips that should make your life easier, or at least make hanging an artwork easier.

• As a rule of thumb, framed artwork should be hung at eye level. Meaning the centre of the frame should be at eye level to someone standing in front of it (average person 170-180 cm tall). As always, there are exceptions to this rule.
  
  
• You can have artwork hanging on their own (solo), in pairs or in a group as a set.
  
  
• Make sure there is plenty of empty space on the wall surrounding the artwork. This will focus the viewer’s eyes on the piece and enhance it aesthetically.
  
  
• When pairing or grouping artwork, keep them in close proximity to each other (not too close). Use similar frame mouldings and matting if possible. Try grouping colour photographs in one group and black-&-whites in another.
  
  
• Before you start making holes in your wall, first cut small pieces of paper in proportion to the large frames and lay them out on the table to work out a nice layout. You can also use full size pieces of paper and tack them to the wall in different combinations to achieve the same result. Just make sure you use low tack removable tape.
  
  
• When you are ready, use a pencil to mark the top edge (centre) of the frames on the wall. Hold the hanging wire taut, measure from the wire to the frame’s top edge. Use this measurement down from the pencil mark you made on the wall and mark that spot - that's where the hook will go.
  
  
• Use appropriate hooks, depending on the size and weight of your frames, to hang your pieces. Consult your local frame shop or hardware store for the best and safest options.
  

Congratulations… now sit back and enjoy your masterpiece.