One might think that that "great" decorating idea is ours alone. We might be the first to suggest a particular subject matter with an unusual color palette for a chosen still life, portrait or landscape painting. Perhaps this idea could start a completely new positive trend within our circle. However, it can safely be said that it has all been done before.

Throughout history it has been documented that early civilizations had an interest in beautifying their surroundings. The Egyptian, Minoan, Roman culture all had one thing in common, to bring beauty into their environment.

For thousands of years Egyptian artisans were required to follow a particular state style that regulated all official sculptures and paintings. Even with these limitations these ancient artisans hand decorated the Pharaoh's burial chamber with breathtaking beauty using still life paintings of everyday objects in the hope that these wall murals would guide the deceased through the afterlife for eternity. Landscapes painted in ancient Egypt depict hunting scenes set in the delta of the River Nile, with emphasis on the reeds along the river bed, human and animal figures.

Proper maintenance and protective care will help ensure that your photo oil painting’s beauty and quality remain in tact. Preserving your painting is neither difficult nor time-consuming; a few simple steps and precautions will keep your commissioned painting in beautiful condition.

Follow the framing instructions that came with your painting. Do not use a glass in your frame, as the glass can smudge or stick to the paint. To avoid bumps and scrapes to the exposed canvas, hang your painting properly on picture hooks, using a hanging wire. These can be purchased at most art supply or hobby stores. Periodically check the hanging wire, nails, and hooks on the back of your painting and in the wall to ensure that they are all secure. Any time that you handle the canvas remember to wash your hands before touching the painting. Like oils and steam from cooking and like cigarette smoke, the oils on your fingers can accumulate on the painting and damage it. Touching the canvas with clean hands helps to keep the canvas free of debris. When moving the painting, always hold it securely by the frame with two hands to avoid loosening the support beams.