Drawing/Painting Resource Combination #2?!

Hello everyone!,
   When you're done with your drawing/painting, if you want to store your work, how can you? If you want to protect your work, how can you do that? Is there some way to keep your finished art pieces intact? Can you prevent your artwork from smearing, getting scratched, or even stop your artwork of becoming a dust magnet? Fortunately, you're in luck, because this blog entry is all about storing and protecting your finished art work!

   When it comes to protecting your artwork for papered surfaces (e.g., water color paper, charcoal paper, etc.), you can pick up an art portfolio. One that I know works well is the ITOYA Art Profolio. This portfolio is a binder which holds your papered art work in protective sheets which can be used for both papred art work and photography. The sheets are archival and acid-free, which means you don't have to worry about your art work from deteriorating due to the material of the protective sheet. You can place your art work on both sides of a protective sheet. There are various sizes, ranging from 4" x 6" and up to 18" x 24". (Note: If you use pastels/oil pastels/charcoal, etc., it might be ideal to use some sort of fixative on your art work before placing it into the portfolio; not only would this protect the surface from scratches/collecting dust, but if you decide to store your work in a portfolio, adding a fixative would prevent your work from smearing).

  To protect and store canvases (or papered work) depends on your circumstance(s) (e.g.'s, client purposes, storing for personal collection, etc.); you have several options. One option is to buy a basic frame to protect the sides of your canvas. A basic frame (e.g., wood with no unique design) will prevent the canvas from physical damage (e.g., canvas material tearing on the side, thus the possibility of the canvas unravelling in the front). You would also protect your work from dust (good old dust!) and any surprises (e.g., new paint!). You can purchase a basic frame (or even a kit) at most arts and craft shops (but please check your local stores first). If you want to upgrade and protect the front part of the canvas, you can always purchase a "shadow box" frame. What this will do is completely protect the canvas (physically, of course). While a "shadow box" frame is more expensive, if you're concerned with any external factors from affecting the canvas, this option might be for you. If sunlight is an issue, check to see if your local arts and craft store has an option to add UV glass protection (this will more likely than not add to the price of your custom frame order). However, if you're keeping your artwork in your personal collection (and simply storing it), you can purchase an inexpensive shelving unit that is large enough to hold various sizes for your canvases (or papered art work). If you were running out of room on your shelves, you can always purchase craft paper; craft paper can be used in between your artwork, preventing issues such as your art work sticking to another canvas (e.g., acrylics), or scratching another art work.

  And finally, if you decide to do your art work on the go (or if you need to take your art work outside), you can always purchase an art portfolio for outdoors. You might think I am repeating myself; however, I am not. This type of art portfolio is a bag (ranging in various sizes but usually/ideally with handles and a strap you can put over your shoulders) which can be taken outside (e.g., to paint/draw outdoors). It's nice to have because you can bring exactly what you need, store your pads/paper/canvases (if your bag is large enough), and not worry about the weather (if you purchase a portfolio bag that is weather/waterproof). Of course, you can also use these bag portfolios to store your art materials and artwork if you don't have anything else to store/protect your material/artwork. 

  If you're looking for a way to protect your artwork (or to take your art with you), what is listed above will work. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or leave a comment below. I hope you enjoyed my post! Thank you! 

Art Portfolios (here are a few places to go for your art portfolios!):

-Dick Blick: http://www.dickblick.com/products/itoya-original-art-profolios/

-Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_1?fst=as%3Aoff&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aitoya+art+portfolio%2Cp_89%3AITOYA&keywords=itoya+art+portfolio&ie=UTF8&qid=1420016534

-Michales: http://www.michaels.com/itoya-art-profolio/M10998987.html?dwvar_M10998987_color=Black#q=Itoya+Art+Profolio&start=1

-Itoya's official web site: http://www.artprofolio.com/Art_profolio.htm

Frames:

- Michaels (they have a large selection!): http://www.michaels.com/framing/frames/809188412

-An example of custom framing: http://www.michaels.com/custom-framing/ca-custom-framing.html?utm_source=MichaelsTopNav&utm_medium=CustomFraming&utm_campaign=CustomProducts

Art Portfolio bags:

-This is more for your drawing/paper pad bag: http://www.michaels.com/artists-loft-studio-portfolio/M10472489.html?dwvar_M10472489_color=Black

-This is more for canvases (The Weber 1853 series comes in 3 different sizes!): http://www.amazon.com/Weber-Series-Artist-Portfolio-Small/dp/B0034JG4OA

-V.V.