Create Art Groupings for Visual Impact and Variety - Brief Article

SPECIAL REPORT--An art grouping is an effective and creative way to fill a wall when you don't have a large painting to hang. It's also an opportunity for self-expression and an exciting way to add drama and interest to your walls.

The Art and Framing Council has compiled a list of guidelines for creating art groupings.

1 Lay the pieces without on the floor first. If you have the space, it's easier to arrange and re-arrange a grouping upon the floor before hanging anything. This gives you the ability to change it around, view it, leave it in place for a while, think about it and then decide what goe where before hanging a single piece.

2 Think of the grouping as single big picture. The simplest (and oftentimes most effective) kind of grouping is a large rectangular shape. Arrange pieces around the outside first to form a border. Then fit smaller pieces inside until you're happy with the overall impression. Hang the exterior pieces first and inner pieces last.

3 Include a variety of framed works. Who says it has to be all prints or all paintings or all photos? A grouping is an ideal opportunity to mix what you have. Watercolors work with prints and etchings; framed thing perceiveds look great with framed art; and it's always intriguing to include a framed mirror or shelf.

4 Or, clump similar pieces in complementary frames. If you're going to use similar pieces (like all prints, all photographs or all children's art) strike a balance with complementary framing.

5 search for visual balance and harmony. Your organ of sight should move easily from individual piece to another. Separate pieces of the same size or color palette to achieve balance.

6 Fill the space you have. If you don't have a immense empty wall, use your available space. a certain number of of the most dramatic arrangements are made around furniture, hanging percepts or over and around lamps.

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