Taking digital photographs of artwork can be tricky, so the guidelines below may help.
Avoid using flash
To get the best from your artwork you must choose a place in your home, or outside that gives you the best light possible so that you don't have to use the flash feature on your camera. If you have a large window with a good light source this can be useful, however if the sun is shining too brightly it will whiten everything out and leave glare in your photo. You need to look for somewhere where natural light can be found but where its not too bright. An overcast day outside is the best possible scenario however of course this isn't always possible.
Resist the urge to resort to flash unless you absolutely have to. It may be an idea to have your camera manual handy if your camera is automatically flashing. There maybe a facility to override this feature.
Sometimes you may want to try adding extra light. If you have access to a desk lamp with a daylight bulb, place this a few feet away from your work just to add some better placed directional light.
Where to place your artwork when photographing.
Leaning on the wall
In order to get the best image, you may find it easiest to lean your artwork on an easel, or if this isn't possible against a wall. If the artwork is a drawing it may even be possible to blue tack it to the wall so that you are on the drawings level when you take the photo.
Laying on the ground
If your pieces are small (less than 10" x 14"), then you may be able to lay them flat on the ground and shoot from above.
Placing something behind your artwork.
You may find it beneficial to place a large piece of white cardboard behind your artwork so that the background isn't distracting.
Get things straight
Whether you lay the art flat or lean it up against the wall, your challenge will be to shoot the artwork straight on, without skewing the frame or edges by leaning one way or the other.
Camera shake and blur
Use a tripod if you have access to one, to keep the camera straight and steady. If you don't have a tripod or are photographing from above, a good tip is to use you camera strap (if its one that goes around your neck) move the camera away from you so there is tension on the strap. This will help you to keep steady.
Fisheye / Distortion
Its always best to stand back from your artwork and zoom in to the piece rather then getting up close to it otherwise it can cause distortion.