Some people use a pencil to mark picture placement. This is inadvisable unless you can be absolutely sure that the pencil marks will be covered up by the frame. Those who must, should first hold the picture up to the proper height, then mark lightly along the top edge of each frame. Then center the picture side-to-side, and lightly mark the top corner of each side. The picture may then be set aside without the need to re-measure.

2torial #0460: Learn2 Hang a Picture (Continued) Find the spot Given your placement decisions, hold it up by the sides of the frame in the area where you want it to hang. A friend could be especially useful now, to hold the picture while you stand back and see exactly where you want it to go. Different people use different schemes for hanging wall art. Some like to have the top edge of each piece exactly level with every other piece, others like to have the center of each piece exactly even with the level of their eyes when they are standing. The method described below is commonly used in art gallery exhibitions. Remember the eye wants order and this is the time to establish it. Hold up the art work so that the geometric center of the image is five feet and two inches high. This allows for most people to look directly into the picture. Tall folks will be looking down into the picture, but experience has shown this is far easier than having short people look up. (Life is full of compromises.) Measure the distance on either side of the frame toward the edge of the adjoining art work or piece of furniture. The spaces should be even on each side. You may use a measuring tape if desired--a hammer's handle or the span of your hand work well too. (Remember to respect an object's space. Leave extra room between your picture and the large plant in the corner, the lighting fixture, or that big, dark, heavy bookcase.) Start with the picture in the center of the available space. Slowly move it away from the object. Your eye will feel the moment when the room starts to balance, and will relax. When you feel your eye relax, stop. That's the spot to hang your picture.   Step 4