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There are many valid reasons for purchasing a work of art: 1) Decoration: it matches the couch. 2) Investment: it might go up in value. 3) Image Enhancement: it shows you have great taste. 4) Altruism: it is important to support the arts. You can probably think of several other reasons, and more than one motivator may be involved when you buy art. However, when you feel a true connection, when you are drawn back to look again and again, the other reasons pale in comparison. The couch will fade, the investment value may never happen, etc, but if you sincerely love the piece none of the rest really matters. Art that speaks to you will be forever fascinating and give you a lifetime of joy. How many other purchases can live up to that?

Many of you who have taken my pouring workshop have tried mightily to get out of soaking, stretching, and stapling the watercolor paper. We just want to get on to the fun stuff, right? Finally I have found a good product that shortcuts the process: Canson Arches Art Boards. Available in several sizes and reasonably priced, the Arches paper is adhered to an archival conservation board, and needs no labor-intensive preparation prior to pouring. I like to use masking tape to hold the edges of the board to a larger sheet of gatorboard for rigidity and ease of handling. The surface has a lovely velvety quality that is perfect for achieving smooth, glowing washes. I'm a believer! My painting Nine Bicycles at the top of this column is on one of these boards. They are available at art supply stores, Jerry's Artarama, http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/paper/drawing-and-multimedia-paper-and-boards/canson-art-boards.htm and Dick Blick. (No, I am not sponsored by anyone.)

© Kris Parins

Framed works on paper need a mat to keep the surface of the art from touching the glass. To further protect an original, only acid-free mats should be used. The mat also serves to visually separate the painting from the adjoining background where it is hung. (I prefer a minimum mat width of 2" for a smaller piece, and at least 31/2" for a full-sheet 22x30 painting.) The proportion of the mat and frame to the artwork is an important design element; a professional framer or designer can help get it just right. Very large watercolors are sometimes framed with an acrylic spacer or narrow mat holding the glass away from the painting. However you decide to present your new treasure, keep it subtle so the artwork is complemented, not overwhelmed by the framing treatment.

© Kris Parins