Caring for Original Pet Portraits

May 8, 2017 Commissions, Custom Artwork, Portrait Care

Many people go to great lengths when caring for original artwork. Whether it be a fine art collector, or a parent treasuring their child’s first scribbles, learning proper care will do wonders for the artwork’s preservation. Here are some tips for taking care of your custom portrait from Pet Art by Kat.

Prior to Delivery
Once completed, all Pet Art by Kat portraits are treated with a fixative and left to set. They are then packaged into a acid free plastic sleeve, with a form board backer for protection. If the piece is being shipped you to, it will be placed between another piece of form board and packaged inside a thick, bubblewrap lined envelope. The ensures two strong layers of protection between your piece and any potential damage.

In Your Hands
Once received, the envelope and extra form board can be discarded. It is highly recommend you keep the artwork in it’s plastic sleeve until you’re ready to frame. It’s recommend that you use a professional framer, as they will give good advice for choosing frames/mounts and will use quality materials that wont react with paper. A professional finish can make a huge difference to the final appearance, and ensure you are happy with your pet portrait for years to come.

Other Care Considerations
There are two main factors to think about when determining the method of care:

  • Drawing Base (paper)
  • Drawing Medium (pencil/pastel)

Paper Care Tips

  • Avoid excess moisture and humidity, as it can cause paper can a warp
  • Avoid acidic materials, as it can make paper brittle

Pencil Drawing Care Tips

  • All pencil drawings are treated with fixative prior to shipping/delivery to prevent smudging and fading
  • Even with fixative applied, minimize direct contact with drawing surface and other materials

Pastel Drawing Care Tips

  • All pastel drawings are treated with fixative prior to shipping/delivery to help prevent smudging and fading
  • Pastel drawings are also covered in protective sheet of tissue paper to prevent any dust dislodging during travel
  • It is recommended you leave the protective sheet on until you are ready to frame
  • Protecting the surface is paramount and one should never touch, apply pressure or shake a pastel drawing
  • For more on pastel artwork care, see my post about Transporting & Framing of Pastel Artwork

General Tips

  • Avoid placing any type of artwork in direct sunlight to prevent fading and discolouring
  • Display artwork in frames to prevent damage and use acid free matting/framing materials with UV protection where available
  • When storing, drawings should be put face-up, flat (never rolled or folded), in a cool, dry place
  • Acid free boxes should be used to prevent any discolouration and fading during the storage period

Pet Art by Kat O’Donnell Materials:
For reference, all drawings from Pet Art by Kat O’Donnell use Canson 100 lb Foundation Bristol-Smooth Acid-free Drawing Paper, Staedtler Mars® Lumograph® Premium quality pencils for pencil artwork and Faber-Castell PITT PASTEL Pencils for pastel artwork.

 

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