How should I best care for my investment?

Artwork, whether originals or prints, is an investment that needs special attention to be best preserved for years to come. The methods of caring for these pieces depends on the media and material on which it is mounted (the substrate). I strive to use only lightfast, professional materials that will resist fading from UV exposure during display and that will stand the test of time. However, even the best materials need some care, and awareness of how to preserve them will keep the pieces in top condition. 

Works on Paper

Watercolor, pastel, gouache, colored pencil, and collage paintings on paper should always be displayed behind glass, plexiglass, or acrylic to protect their delicate surfaces. I don't always use fixative on these pieces, so they should be handled very carefully before framing to avoid damage. Always use archival-quality, acid-free, lignin-free materials in the frames (like mats, mounting boards, and mounting tape).

Although I only use materials that are confirmed to be highly lightfast, pieces on paper should not be displayed in full sunlight. Keep them out of the sun, and avoid highly humid environments for display (like bathrooms with a shower or busy kitchens).  

Acrylic Works on Canvas or Panel

Acrylic paintings on canvas or panel are naturally more resistant to environmental factors but still need some care. I varnish my acrylic paintings, which guards against dust, moisture, UV rays, and grime. For the safest approach, however, also avoid high-moisture zones and full sunlight for display. You may gently wipe your painting with a clean, dry microfiber cloth when necessary, but never use any kind of cleaning agent.

Framing paintings on stretched canvas isn't necessary, and many of my paintings are purposely painted on the edges to allow for unframed display. As a stylistic choice, frames can offer a more finished quality to canvases, enhance their beauty, and protect the more vulnerable sides from bumps and scrapes. Always strive to hold works on canvas by the hanging hardware, sides, or frame, and avoid directly touching them to prevent skin oils from building up over time.   

Prints

My prints are all produced to the highest-quality professional standards for fine art printing using a process called "Giclée." The Giclée process uses lightfast pigment-based inks in a precise, inkjet-based method to create reproductions that portray originals as closely as possible. Thick, heirloom-quality paper or textured canvas gives these prints the look and feel of fine art pieces. Each print will be archival, fade-resistant, and able to last many decades with proper care.  

To protect your print investment, avoid handling your pieces as much as possible. Always use archival framing materials that are acid- and lignin-free. Reproductions on canvas may be displayed in a frame without glass, plexiglass, or acrylic. As with all pieces of fine art, prints should be kept away from direct sunlight or high levels of moisture, and never use a cleaner with any degree of wetness (including water).