Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do when I visit the gallery?
A: Ask questions. If you don’t know what to ask, a gallery staff member can tell you about an artist or a particular piece. We can even guide you through the gallery and send you information on the artists and images of artwork via email or regular mail.
Q: What if I can’t come to the gallery during your normal business hours?
A: We are happy to make an appointment with you to see the gallery in the morning, evening or weekends.
Q: What if I live outside of Denver?
A: We can send you images of artwork. You can also send us images of the spaces where you are considering placing your newly-acquired artwork, and we can send you images of several art pieces that we think would fit well with your design. In addition, we have programs that allow you to see the actual piece in your home.
Q: How do I know what type of art to buy for my home or office?
A: We offer a free consultation at the gallery to assist you in your acquisitions. We will look at an image of your space and review your current color scheme and décor. We will then propose suggestions on which styles, subjects, colors and sizes in a piece of art would be ideal for your space.
Q: How do artists price their artwork?
A: Artists price their work based on many factors, including materials, time spent on the work, and demand. Artists often have more phases to their work than a typical viewer can see. For example, Sandhi Schimmel Gold first paints a portrait, creates mosaic tiles, applies the tiles, then puts finishing touches to the piece. James Koehler sometimes takes several months just to finish one weaving.
Q: Why doesn’t the gallery carry prints of artists’ work?
A: Our artists add credibility to themselves and their work by only producing original works of art. A lot of our artists work in mixed media or with work that is extremely textural, which is completely lost in a print.
Q: How does the gallery select the artists that it represents?
A: The staff carefully reviews work that is submitted to the gallery for consideration. We also research and recruit artists at international art expositions and at well-known galleries across the country. We think about factors such as quality of work, subject matter, and the artist’s skill in their mediums of choice. We also review the artist’s experience, including past exhibitions and corporate and private collections that include their work.
Q: How do I care for my painting/mixed media piece after I acquire it?
A: Dust them every four to six months. Feather dusters can scratch or snag on paintings. Instead, use a soft bristle brush, such as a white-bristle Japanese-type, sable (such as a typical makeup brush), or badger-hair brushes (called “blenders” and used for faux finishes). Never try to clean a painting yourself or use any liquid or commercial cleaners on a painted surface. Commercial preparations can cause irreparable damage to the fragile layers of a painting. Avoid touching the surface of paintings with your fingers. The natural oils in your skin can also cause damage or leave marks that may appear later. Avoid using pesticides, foggers, air fresheners, or furniture sprays near artwork. Remove paintings from a room before plastering, painting, or steam-cleaning carpets or wallpaper. Return the artworks only when the walls and floors are completely dry. (Information taken from the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works)
Q: How do I display my artwork?
A: The display of artwork requires careful consideration. Direct sunlight can cause fading of certain pigments, yellowing of varnish, and excessive heating of the paint surface. Although a fireplace is often a focal spot for a room, a piece of art displayed above a mantel will be exposed to soot, heat, and environmental extremes. Hanging paintings above heating and air conditioning vents or in bathrooms with tubs or showers is also inadvisable because the rapid environmental fluctuations will be harmful. When lighting artwork, use indirect lighting. Lights that attach to the top of the frame and hang over the picture can be dangerous. These lights cast a harsh glare, illuminate and heat the painting unevenly, and can fall into the artwork causing burns or tears. Indirect sunlight, recessed lighting, or ceiling-mounted spotlights are best for home installations. (Information taken from the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works)
The recommendations on this page are intended as guidance only, and Translations Gallery does not assume responsibility or liability.