How to Care for Works of Art One of my goals in life is to own an impressive art collection, complete with museum-quality lighting and climate control capability. Each room in my 13th century English country house would be decorated with paintings that I have picked up throughout my travels all over the world. Before this goal really does come true, it's a good idea to understand the world of fine art, including how to care for it and how to display my art. Paintings are sensitive to extreme heat, light, humidity and dryness. Canvas becomes brittle with age and is easily torn or damaged.
Oil paint tends to dry, shrink and crack.
Wood paintings need constant attention as sometimes the wood naturally expands and contracts. If you own valued art work the ideal temperature in your home or office is around 68 degrees. On the other hand, centrally heated homes can become very dry and humidifiers might be necessary to keep the painting intake. Never place paintings above radiators or heating vents. They can cause serious deterioration of a canvas surface.