Choosing art photography by size
Choosing the size of your art photography is an important decision that can greatly affect how your work is perceived and displayed. When we create sanctuary, we want to create a harmonious space which fill us with a number of emotions and states.
Sanctuary can be inspirational, uplifting, calming, grounding amongst other states.
The task of determining the proper size and placement of new artwork can sometimes seem daunting. As a lens based artist creating prints, commissions and ready to hang artwork for clients, I want to help with this common question that so many of us have when planning for their art purchase: "What size artwork should I choose for my wall?"
Here’s a short guide on how to choose which size of wall art will be just right for your space, to help make the process a little bit easier, and a lot more fun!
Here are some factors to consider when deciding on the size of your art photography in order to create sanctuary in your home or work space:
Purpose and context:
Consider the purpose and context of your art piece.
Will it your work be displayed in a hotel reception area, a gallery, an office, or home?
Will it be part of a collection or a standalone piece? The size you choose should be appropriate for the intended purpose and context.
Subject matter:
Consider the subject matter of your photography. Some subjects may lend themselves better to larger or smaller sizes. For example, a landscape photograph may benefit from a larger size to showcase its sweeping vistas, while a portrait may be better suited to a smaller size to highlight the subject's features.
Visual impact:
Think about the visual impact you want to achieve with your photography. A larger size can create a more immersive and dramatic experience, while a smaller size can be more intimate and focused.
The Room
When picking art for any room BIGGER IS BETTER! People tend to choose wall art that is much too small for the room and if you are investing in artwork, you don't want to buy it, and hang it, only to discover your room still feels barren.
Consider the selection of furniture that you have in a room, if it is sparse, then a large piece of artwork will fill up the visual field as furniture might. Think about your ceilings are they high ceilings allowing for a grand artwork, or low -where a shorter canvas height with landscape orientation might work better? Just remember - to be on the safe side, GO BIG! This is especially true if buying modern, contemporary art photography as offered in my collection, bigger is definitely better to maximize the statement. We have client who will back this point up!!
The Wall
Think about two things here - firstly there is the overall dimensions of the wall, but then also think about the orientation.
Tall, narrow walls work well with art of a similar shape, created in portrait orientation, while horizontal wall spaces (often found over sofas, and in hallways etc) work best with landscape-oriented artwork. In looking at the overall wall space dimensions your artwork should take up two-thirds to three-fourths of the wall. Like I said before... go big!
Focal point:
If you want the artwork to be the focal point of the room, choose a larger size that commands attention. If you want the art to be a subtle accent, choose a smaller size.
Style of your decor:
The size of your art should complement the style of your decor. For example, if you have a minimalist style, a larger piece of art may be too overwhelming, while a smaller piece may be more appropriate.
Technical limitations
Consider the technical limitations of your photography. The resolution and quality of your image may determine the maximum size it can be printed without losing detail or clarity.
Cost:
Finally, consider the cost of producing your photography in different sizes. Larger sizes may be more expensive to produce and may require additional framing or mounting.
Ultimately, the size of your art photography should be a thoughtful and intentional decision. It's important to experiment with different sizes and formats to find what works best for your particular style and vision for a particular space.
In general, it's a good idea to measure your wall and determine the maximum size of art that would work in your space. From there, you can choose a piece that fits within those dimensions and feels appropriate for the style and mood of your room.
You can play with styles and sizes in different spaces for example at work or at home. Art, especially original art, is an investment that should last a lifetime, it can make or break a room and is essential to a finished look. Now comes the fun part... explore my artwork, and have fun selecting a gorgeous piece of art photography that is the best fit for your home or work space!