Living with an Oil Painting

An oil painting is not a finished object the day it leaves the studio. It keeps changing slowly for months, and with a little care it will outlive all of us. Here is what I tell everyone who takes a painting home.

Oil paint doesn't dry, it breathes

Oil paint doesn't dry the way water-based paint does. It hardens by taking in oxygen from the air. The surface feels dry within days or weeks. Underneath, the layers keep curing for months, sometimes longer when the paint is thick. That slow process is part of what gives oil its depth and glow. It's also why a painting needs air around it, especially in its first year.

Where to hang it

• No direct sun. Over time, sunlight fades pigments and dries the canvas. Soft, indirect light is best.
• Away from heat and damp. Avoid hanging above a radiator, a fireplace, a stove, an air-conditioner vent, or in a bathroom. Sharp changes in temperature and humidity make the canvas move.
• Hang it properly. Use two hooks or a strong wire on the back, and check that the wall anchors can hold the weight.

Cleaning: less is more

• A soft, dry brush or a feather duster every few months is enough.
• Never use water, glass cleaner, alcohol or a damp cloth on the surface.
• If the painting gets stained or damaged, don't try to fix it yourself. Contact me or a professional conservator.

Handling and moving

• Hold the painting by the sides of the frame, with clean, dry hands. Don't touch the paint or press on the back of the canvas.
• When moving it, don't wrap plastic directly on the painted surface, because it can trap moisture and stick. Use acid-free paper or glassine first, then bubble wrap, with a hard board over the front.
• Store it upright, never flat with things stacked on top.

Why it's worth it

A print looks the same from every angle. An oil painting doesn't. The brushstrokes catch the light differently in the morning and in the evening, and the colour looks different on a winter day than in summer. That's what you're living with: something that stays alive on your wall.

Questions?

If you're not sure about a spot in your home or how to hang a painting, send me a photo and I'll be happy to help.

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