Ideal viewing distance for artwork

[Ambulance Chaser]

Is there an ideal viewing distance for artwork? I am considering purchasing a 24" x 36" painting for my galley kitchen and am concerned it is too large for the space. The painting would hang on the wall opposite the refrigerator roughly four feet away, meaning that the typical viewing distance would be less than four feet.

 

[robin]

Yeah, probably. But who is going to want view artwork in your kitchen?

 

[kronik]

From where out of curiosity?

 

[StephenHero]

Be careful of the humidity in the kitchen.

 

[FatMod]

It would depend on the style of the painting. Have you a picture of it?

 

[milosz]

There's no such thing as an ideal viewing distance based on size. Depends on the context (size of the wall, etc.) and content/detail.

 

[greg_atlanta]

There's nothing wrong with a big picture in a small space nor a small picture in a large space, but paint and food don't mix. It will get splattered sooner than later. Opt for a framed print (or just paint the wall).

 

[r...]

My mental drafting skills are not what they used to be, but it sounds like people will have to stand in front of the fridge to see the print. Im not sure that sounds like an ideal place to put anything.

From four feet or less, avoid pointillism I guess.

 

[GQgeek]

Bad idea unless you have an awesome hood over your stove.

 

[caelte]

Try some arty refrigerator magnets instead.

 

[RJman]

When's the housewarming?

 

[epb]

Originally Posted by milosz

There's no such thing as an ideal viewing distance based on size. Depends on the context (size of the wall, etc.) and content/detail.

Yes, there is. You want to stand far enough back to take in the entire work as a whole at once. For something the size he's talking about, I'd want to be at least a couple of paces back. Art galleries don't put the benches close to the walls for a reason.

 

[milosz]

"A few steps back" is not "an ideal viewing distance."

 

[Hombre Secreto]

Originally Posted by GQgeek

Bad idea unless you have an awesome hood over your stove.

Agree. The stove is NOT a friend of paint!

 

[epb]

Originally Posted by milosz

"A few steps back" is not "an ideal viewing distance."

You're confusing "ideal" with "specific." I was clear on the parameters and the concept, and nothing you've posted gives me the impression you're too stupid to get what I was talking about.

Now, in the best tradition of the internet, you can spend the next few days nitpicking in a lame attempt to defend a position you pretty much don't give a damn about rather than concede your first reply was wrong, or you can live, learn, and move on.