How to Light Art

Hi! I’m Joanna, a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a must-shop source for brilliant lighting fixtures including the types shown here. I’d like to thank Jennifer for allowing me to share a guest post about lighting artwork. Not only is correct lighting important for aesthetics, artwork can be damaged by the wrong lighting. Below are some tips and examples for successful lighting.

Meant for smaller artworks, picture lights (pictured above) draw attention directly to the details in the piece. Want to bring warm colors out in your artwork? Use incandescent bulbs.

"Fashion in Repose" Ink and Gold on Professional Archival Paper would look lovely lit by a single picture light to pick up its gold details.

Bendable and adjustable, monorail lighting is versatile enough to create unique light schemes in a sophisticated and highly aesthetic way. It is the perfect lighting fixture for a wall gallery of paintings or photographs.

Jennifer’s Spring Missoni & Chanel Inspired Series would look lovely lit with monorail lighting. Tip: Be sure to steer clear of direct natural light and fluorescents as the UV rays can damage and fade artwork.

Gooseneck lights provide focused directional light on artwork. They’re adjustable so you can pick out a specific area of the art you’d like to highlight.

Coco Chanel Garden "Camellia" Inspired Abstract would look lovely highlighted by a single gooseneck light. These lights are made to prevent upwards light.

Some experts like subtle indirect light sources to light art such as floor lamps, wall sconces (shown here) and table lamps. All of these in addition to a picture light will bring the beauty out in your art.

Jennifer’s 31 RUE CAMBON #2 would look lovely over the fireplace and lit with several of the light sources shown above to make the gold glow and the pinks pop. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

I hope these tips help when it comes to lighting you artwork, it is always great when lighting enhances a painting instead of overpowering it. Which type of lights do you prefer to use when showcasing your art? Comment below and don't forget to check out all of art worthy monorail lights at Arcadian Lighting.