Caring
for Your Pet Portrait
A mindful practice
Preserving the Beauty of Your Pet’s Portrait for Years to Come
Just as the bond between you and your beloved companion is a tender and lasting one, the care of your portrait is an ongoing act of mindfulness, honoring the love that it represents.
Like a tree that needs the right environment to grow, your artwork also thrives when placed in a space where it is nurtured with care.
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1. Protect It from the Sun
The sun is an expression of life, but like all things, it must be embraced in moderation. Direct sunlight can cause the colors in your painting to fade over time. Let your portrait reside in gentle light, a reminder that in the present moment, balance is key.
Use UV-protective glass if possible—this is not just a protection for the painting, but a protection of your connection to the timeless essence it embodies.
2. Create a Space of Stability
Just as your mind thrives in a calm and stable state, your painting requires a stable environment. Avoid placing it in areas of high humidity, like above an aquarium or in damp rooms. Stability in the physical environment mirrors the inner stability we cultivate. Your painting, too, finds stillness in a dry, consistent atmosphere where it can remain intact, undisturbed by the fluctuations of the external world.
3. Avoid Extremes
Your portrait benefits from balance. Avoid placing it in areas where it will be exposed to extreme temperatures, as sudden shifts can affect its integrity. A temperate, consistent environment allows the artwork to remain whole.
4. Handle with Mindfulness
When you interact with your painting, be fully present. The act of touching the artwork should be done with awareness. Lift the frame gently, with presence, and avoid handling the face of the artwork. A soft, dry cloth can be used for cleaning the frame, but even this act should be done with complete awareness, with no rush or distraction. When you care for your portrait, you are practicing mindfulness, and in turn, nurturing the connection you share with your pet.
5. Allow Time for Stillness
When you are not displaying your portrait, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper and store it in a quiet, undisturbed place. Just as you give yourself moments of stillness and rest, the portrait requires a space where it can be free from the disturbances of everyday life. This allows it to remain as a lasting expression of the love you share.
6. Place It with Awareness
The environment in which you place the painting is important. Choose a space where it can be appreciated but not subjected to physical stress or disturbance. Let it be a quiet reminder of your bond, not something to be moved or jostled. When you find its rightful place, you are creating a space where the painting can serve as a constant reminder to return to the present moment, to the love that never fades.
