You can! In fact, this is a simple and reliable way to hang a picture if you have access to a wall stud. Studs are typically spaced every 16 inches and are usually about 1½ inches thick. A single 1 1/2-inch or 2-inch finishing nail is good for pretty much any picture. Drive the nail into the wall with an angle of at least 45 degrees. This offers a significantly greater holding power than a straight nail into the wall.