Proper lighting can add drama to your fine art print. The first and most important rule of lighting your prints is that the amount of light should be pleasing to your eye and it should create the drama and effect you desire.
Make every attempt to keep the amount of light even across the entire image. If that's not possible, make sure the centre of the image is well lit.
Direct lighting
• Direct lighting is most often used in homes and galleries.
• Direct lighting should be mounted high above the print so that it does not create glare at the viewing angle.
• A track lighting configuration is simple, elegant and easy to change should you decide to re-arrange your prints.
• We suggest low voltage MR-16 Halogen spot (not flood) bulbs which are available everywhere.A 50 Watt is sufficient if the fixture is 8 feet or less from the print.Use 75 Watt bulbs if the print is further away.
• Be sure to get fixtures which have a glass UV filter in front of the Halogen bulb. The UV filter reduces the high UV emission of the light to acceptable levels. The front glass also protects people from glass splinters in the unlikely event that the bulb were to fail.
• Use a sufficient number of lights on each print to achieve your own desired effect. Some recommendations for a starting point:One fixture is sufficient for 8"x10" to 16"x20" prints.Two fixtures are good for 16"x20" to 24"x30".
• Dimmers can be very helpful in creating just the right effect. Note that most low voltage lighting systems require a special electronic dimmer. Electronic dimmers are widely available from major manufacturers to match your existing wall switches.