AboutJennifer Pierce Expertise I can answer any questions related to picture framing, art display, or art installation, including very large pieces, canvas stretching, shadow boxing, needlework mounting, and just about any type of dimensional or non-dimensional artwork display. The only questions I cannot answer pertain to fine artwork restoration (e.g. your Van Gogh oil painting is faded and you want it to be restored to the original brilliance--call a reputable museum for that).
Experience I have been in the picture framing business since 1987, with a specialization in hospitality (hotels) and commercial office installations. I have worked on artwork for nearly every major hotel and design firm in the world and have designed some pretty wild installations. Additionally, I have experience with almost every type of conservation technique
Education/Credentials All of my education was acquired in the field.
Please view the attached photo. Is the painting too high? Thanks.
Answer I don't think it's too high, no. I have seen similar size/shape paintings placed lower and they looked very well in that placement also. It looks like the installer tried to center the painting vertically between the top of the mantel and the ceiling, which is a perfectly reasonable thing to do. The painting would also look well not hung at all but instead just leaned against the wall on top of the mantel.
What might help you decide how you like it, if you're still not sure, is to exchange those two medium-sized decorative vases for some taller ones. You can only truly experience the proportion of a vignette if you include all the elements. If you're questioning whether your painting is too high, I think taking the vases down temporarily will help you figure out what's bothering you about the scene. The longer I look at this picture, the more those vases seem small to me. They are also visually the same size as the plants flanking the fireplace on the floor, which is a bit repetitive. I'd almost like to see some skinny, tall vases or candlesticks on either side of this painting, and maybe something low and wide in the center. Things with some substance, nothing too airy and light.
Having said all that, I think it looks perfectly nice the way it is. But I'd mess around with the knicknacks before I tried re-hanging the picture.
)