I want to say now that whatever art I make I have longevity in mind, so I use only the highest quality materials, even the highest quality raw materials if I make my own panels or other surfaces. I follow the technical rules of painting and do not employ methods that are fugitive. My paints,oils, mediums -everything - having to do with the craft is the best, so I can give my best to you. I feel starting off with good materials, and using them correcctly, will help in the longevity of a piece.
Old masters took time to 'build ' their paintings; it wasn't usually a 'fun' type endeavor like it is today, but more for recording historical events accurately. Photography was a long time off, and there had to be some records of what people looked like, and the world in general around them. Paintings took months, perhaps years, to complete, and it was only after careful observation and preperation that the actual paint part was ever started.
The paintings that we see in museums today were usually in wealthy collections to begin with, in private galleries, in large homes or even castles. What I am getting to (I know I ramble a lot!;) ) is these places were probably fairly cool and dark, and did not have a lot of moisture in them. Heat, light and moisture can spell a short life for your painting, and as an artist who care about the longevity of artwork (any, not just mine!) I am shocked and amazed at how poorly art is often treated, even by gallery personel.
Here are a few examples of what I have seen/experienced firsthand and what you can do to avoid it.
> Hanging art in or right next to a bathroom. A definate no-no. Hot, moist showers do not mix well with fragile art, no matter what surface it's on. If you must have original art in a bathroom, get a mural painted in industrial grade acrylics directly on the wall.
The moisture will cause canvas to expand and contract, and, ultimately, cause the paint to crack, and possibly peel or flake off. Works on paper or those that are framed are even worse because they can't breathe. They eventually turn brown, 'bleed' or even in worse case situations, mold. Yech!
> Hanging art where direct sun will hit it /galleries displaying art in windows.
Sure, the paintings sitting in the window look great and eye catching, but they are getting a sunburn in the process. I make sure while I am exhibiting I stipulate my work is not to be displayed in windows. The paints can actually fade over time. Prints that are actually printed by machine fade badly.Years ago, I was once exhibiting (indoors, of course) and the lady that had some of her prints displayed outside was switching them up, and she held one print that was inside up to one that had been repeatedly shown outdoors. The 'outside' one looked rather 'blue' and faded compared to the other. This was one of the first times I really became aware the sun can damage artwork.
Another example was our library (completely destroyed by Katrina) had a few paintings (gone now, I'm sure) hanging on the walls where bright southern sun hit them, literally baking them for several hours each day. I always wanted to pipe up about it, but never did.
>People touching paintings. I don't mean to sound crabby about this, but it is the pet peeve for me. It really grates my nerves. Many people, usually artists and museum/gallery personell will tell you as well: "Please don't touch that." They say it as nice as they can but they really want to ring your neck. :) LOL! Because fingers, even clean ones, have acids and oils that literally, although slowly, dissolve and stain painting surfaces. In some cases, like with regular and oil pastels, it can actually instantly damage the surface by smearing it. I always treat my pastel works with fixative appropriate to the medium, but they are still fragile, and can still be easily smudged.
Save the touching and feeling for the bronze sculptures. They can take it and are more fun to touch anyway.