Art is a most interesting object. We make it part of our lives, but how is one to treat it? Is it a furnishing or a loftier possession? Those of us that enjoy having these forms of creative expressions in our homes and on our walls, may take note that none of it seems to come with an owners manual. I must sadly admit, while I have been painting and selling art for many years, I've given tips along the way, but the thought of an owners manual has slipped my attention too.

It may have been overlooked for the obvious. What would be in such a manual? Let's see, page 1, place hook in wall, hang art on hook, enjoy. Okay, that seems a little too simple. Let me try this again, a real manual would start with "Warnings" or "Caution" and scary symbols, illustrations and stern, expensive legal words about things like unplugging all the lights in the room before hanging "danger shock hazard" and moving light cords "tripping hazard" and that picture hooks have small parts that could be a "choking hazard" and they have points so wear government approved "eye protection" at all times and make sure you have read all of the warnings for the use of a hammer and that if you do not feel comfortable with any of the procedures outlined in this manual, a professional installer should be contacted. All right now, this is starting to feel a bit more like a manual.

Next, we move on to the contents. Warnings page 1, Preface 2, Features 3, Nomenclature 4, Getting Ready 5, Basic Art Enjoyment 6, Advanced Art Enjoyment 7 and the ever popular, Trouble Shooting, Maintenance and Care.

The Preface alerts you to copyrights, trademarks and legal uses of art. Did you know by the way, that all copyrights stay with the artist? Yep, it's true. The Features section would be laced with endless details of art size, framed size, weight, width of frame, how many people can enjoy the art properly at one time, light settings for optimal viewing and such.

The Nomenclature section would show the art with little arrows pointing all over the place to the beautiful sunrise, a stand of trees, the barn, artist's signature, the frame and there would be a photo of the back with arrows pointing to the wire for which to hang it on, etc.

Ah, now for page 5, Getting Ready. All I can say is, good thing it doesn't need batteries! Basic Art Enjoyment comes next. 1. Art is an emotional investment. 2. Its placement, height and relationship to things in the room and of course its relationship with the viewer, are all important to its full enjoyment. 3. Depending on size, art should be placed as a vocal point or as an enhancement to its surroundings and you. 4. Generally placement should be at an average eye level, likely higher if over a mantle. Most important, too close, art can be over powering (and viewing it this way usually means you yourself are an artist), too far away, it can seem distant and lack an emotional connection. 5. Lighting is an important part of enjoyment. Natural light can bring warmth, but avoid direct sunlight as harsh sunlight may do damage (note-you cannot use sunscreen on artwork, but some varnishes have protective properties and UV protective glass is available for works under glass). Properly placed artificial lighting can enhance enjoyment greatly and it should be noted that viewing your art in a pitch black room with no lighting, may be signs of depression. Go to sleep, you can look at it again in the morning.

This brings us to Advanced Art Enjoyment. Art can be shared with your friends and always is at home at parties, often being just the right thing for great conversation. Along with the narrative opportunities of the art you have selected, the colors can play a cohesive roll in the overall design and style of your room, giving continuity and as previously mentioned, creating a focal point. Art can also be enjoyed with alcohol, fine wines especially, (participants must be 21 years or older). Last, art can be rotated. Rotation can be from room to room or seasonal pieces can be replaced and stored. It is actually even little known fact, that art can even be rotated from home to home. The possible rotation of art that has been displayed in any given place or room for many years can bring new enjoyment to both the art and the room.

Trouble Shooting. If you are having problems with any of this, please call me, I can help. Last, but not least, but most overlooked comes Maintenance and Care - The care of your art is important and yet quite simple. Let's split art into 3 types, sculpture, art not under glass and art under glass, which includes photos. All can be dusted using a "very" lightly dampened cloth so not as to leave moisture behind. This includes the frame, but special care should be taken to the actual paint on your painting, which may have a rough surface from the type of application of paint. These surfaces can be feather dusted, never use a vacuum, as depending on the age, quality or condition of your art, you may suck the nose or ear right off a lovingly depicted family member's portrait! Art under glass - it should be noted that glass should only be used on works of art on paper and that all of these types of art would much rather you keep them dry. When cleaning glass on such works of art, first spray the glass cleaner of your choice on the a rag or paper towel, then wipe the glass. Spraying directly onto the glass often results in the spray running down the glass, getting between the glass and the frame and being then drawn into the mats and art on paper. Also, it's a good idea every few years (they do slip by) to remove your art and clean up the cobwebs, check the wire and make sure all is in good order.

Well, there you have it. Isn't nice that art is so easy to use? Enjoy, Tom