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Buying a painting you love is a gratifying experience, especially if it is the work of a friend

Bring your walls to life with art.

PERSONALLY, I don’t think there is a greater pleasure than buying art. It involves feeling moved and inspired by a fellow being’s creation, so much so you simply have to have it. Winston Churchill understood this sentiment and it is reflected in one of his most famous quips. When the great man was told that after World War II the British government would have to cut back on all arts funding. Churchill’s response was unequivocal: “Then what are we fighting for?”

Genuinely great and original art can uplift our spirit while challenging our mind. Your choice of art can also reflect who you really are and what you love. Personally, I am not a fan of “decorative art’’. By that I mean hanging a print above the sofa or dining room table to merely co-ordinate with your choice of decoration. I think art can and should be so much more than that.

My suggestion is that if you are looking to buy original art, consider the work of your artist friends. It’s a win-win-win situation. You collect art that you enjoy and relate to, while at the same time you are supporting a friend and the arts as a whole. If you don’t have an artist friend, don’t fret. This region boasts a huge and talented arts community.

How to hang art

Whatever art you do choose, there are certain basic tricks as to how to hang your paintings to best advantage. Firstly, ensure you have the right tools, including the type of nails and picture hangers to suit the walls and the weight of your paintings.

The next consideration should be choosing the pictures that work in proportion to the size and shape of your wall spaces. For instance, a large rectangular painting would work well on a large, rectangular wall space. You can always trial your hangings with the assistance of a partner or friend holding the painting in a proposed position. That way you can see what works or doesn’t work before you commit to hammering nails into your walls.

Another general rule of thumb is to hang paintings roughly at eye level – for obvious reasons. If you are hanging several paintings on the same wall, try a combination first on the ground or a table to trial the arrangement. Using a tape measure is also helpful as it will ensure your paintings are hung in a pleasing and symmetrical arrangement.

Like any formula, if you know the general rules of hanging art then you should be able to break those rules with confidence to create a unique and personal look. For instance a painting that is placed on a side table or a chair and is leaning up against the wall can create a wonderful, casual look.

New Works by Liz Friend, Easter Art Exhibition from Saturday, April 4, at Clem’s Cargo, Brunswick Heads. Credit: Supplied.