Use These Tricks To Make Your Ceilings Look Lower

Does your home have really high ceilings? That can be a real decorating challenge, if you're not careful you can wind up with a clutter on your walls all the way up to your ceiling.

One way to let your decor speak for itself is to create the illusion that your ceilings are lower than they actually are. One way to bring that white ceiling down a little is to add something of interest on it. Items such as tin ceiling tiles which look heavy but are actually very light will add a big element of interest to your room. You can also use a darker color of paint on your ceiling and use a texture stamp to help bring your room in a little closer. Resin tiles that can be painted will also look stunning on your ceiling.

Use larger artworks on your walls and hang them a little higher and you'll also trick the eye into thinking that the room isn't quite as tall as it actually is and you'll be making good use of your wall space without cluttering your room. Boarders placed around your ceiling will also help bring your room in and make it seem more cozy and warm. Stick to darker and neutral colors such as off-white, dark beige, lightest brown, goldenrod are all good choices for creating the illusion of a lower ceiling and will make your room feel much more comfortable.

Use these tips and with a minimum of work, you can make your uncomfortable room with high ceilings and turn it into a comfortable feeling room that you'll look forward to spending time in.

Why Buy From Gallery Direct Art

Unlike buying clothes online, you know you can get a good fit when you purchase art for your home or as a gift.

At Gallery Direct we are an authorized dealer for every single item we sell and we unconditionally guarantee the authenticity and condition of every item we sell. We also offer a huge selection of artworks. From fine to folk to sculpture, you can find it here. If you purchase a particular number in a limited edition print series, you can rest assured that your investment was sound as that number won't be reissued.

If you would like to get any piece custom framed, we will do a museum quality custom frame job for you that starts at only $149. Additionally, there is free shipping within the continental United States for orders totaling over one hundred dollars, all other orders have flat rate shipping of $9.95 and each and every shipment is sent fully insured and guaranteed.

Shopping online with us is safe. We use 128-bit SSL online order processing that keeps your personal information safe. Furthermore, we don't sell your information to any third parties and your information about your purchases stays with us.

Also, we offer a PriceMatch Guarantee. If you can find a lower price at an authorized art dealer - we will beat it! Also, you're never charged sales tax on your purchases.

Whether you're purchasing art for your home or as a terrific gift, it makes sense to save time and money by making your purchases online.

Update Your Fireplace

Your fireplace might have been the selling point for your home early on but with most people their fireplace because the key point in the room they really aren't sure how to decorate around. You can't move it and it may seem that you're very limited as to what you can put around or on a fireplace.

First of all, what may be bothering you about the fireplace isn't actually the fireplace but the mantle over the fireplace. The mantle around your fireplace can make or break your room. Is yours dingy and worn looking? Don't fret about it-just replace it. You can choose either a 3-sided mantle that will go across your fireplace and down each side to the floor or just a short mantle that will go across the top of your fireplace. Simply improving the mantle will make a lot of rooms look instantly better.

Besides your mantle, you can upgrade your fireplace screen. Your fireplace screen doesn't have to be boring old metal that is painted black. You can get a myriad of styles to choose from such that will range from iron scroll worked patterns to the more traditional tightly woven screen.

For a dramatic effect, put a large mirror over your fireplace. It will have a dual duty of reflecting light from the fireplace and the room as well as making the room larger. Another beautiful option is to get a large artwork and hang it over the fireplace. A limited edition print will make a beautiful statement choose a cozy theme to add even more warmth to your room.

It's easy to update your fireplace if you know the basics. Use these tips and make your room with a fireplace the cozy, comfortable place you always knew it could be.

Change Your Room and Your Mood

With the holidays sometimes brings depression. Many more people feel their loneliness and feelings of emptiness amplified around the holiday season.

Some people say this is due to more people not getting regular sunlight and it's a seasonal increase in the occurrence of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), a disease that occurs brings depression and a general lack of incentive.

One thing you can do to avoid the holiday and seasonal blues is make sure that you're eating right and getting an adequate amount of sunlight and exercise. A brisk 10 minute walk, preferably during daylight hours will go a long way to making you feel better.

Another tip for beating the winter blues is to change your living space a little. You don't have to throw out your existing furniture or bring in an expensive suite of furniture, the goal is to figure out how to best use the pieces you've got. If your room seems small, you might have too many pieces in your room or you might simply not be taking advantage of your best use of space. An artwork in the form of a print or a sculpture displayed on a table can also add a good vibe to your room.

Some people like to feng shui their rooms to bring balance to not only the room but to themselves. You can also invest in a lamp that has a light range in the same range as sunshine. Many individuals report that these type of lamps alleviate their symptoms of SAD, along with making lifestyle changes such as cutting out junk food (which can create emotion crashing sugar highs and lows) and adding some physical activity to their daily routines.

Adding Personal Touches to Your Decor

One of the biggest keys to having a unique decor in your home is to add personal touches that make the look truly your own. A good way to add your own flavor to your interior design is to find an artwork that really speaks to you and incorporate it into your room.

If you're not sure what type of artwork to get, write down the three main colors in your room and get an artwork that features at least two of those strongly. If you're a collector of cat related items, get a cat themed artwork for your walls. Religious themed artworks comfort many people with just their presence. The selection is huge and if you know basically what you'd like to see on your walls, it will go a long way to helping you narrow down your selection.

Remember, art doesn't have to hang on your walls. If you don't see any wall space that would look good with an artwork added to it, consider adding a sculpture to your room. A David Schluss piece will add a good deal of vibrance to your room. A sampling of his works will inspire you to become a collector of his work. One piece that you will find inspiring is titled, "By Your Side" and features two figures leaning on each other and will make a great conversation piece in your home. Another vibrant piece titled, "The Dance" is a spirited piece that features two figures stepping to a lively beat.

Other personal touches include a favorite plant in a hand painted pot. Photographs from family gatherings and vacations that are framed in the same type of frame and clustered together on a wall will also make a nice impact for your decor.

The Spice Of Sculpture

There happens to be a very big difference between adding a good piece of sculpture to your living space and adding an incredible piece of sculpture to your living space. When you are looking for an outstanding work of art for your home, apartment or office space, the best idea is to make sure that you do a decent amount of shopping around in order to find the perfect piece that speaks to you. This way, each and every time you glance at it, you will have a unique and wonderful experience that only the perfect sculpture can bring.

As far as choosing your sculpture, you should keep in mind that it is always best to go with exactly what you like. This means not having to worry about whether or not the sculpture that you pick matches your current decor. After all, some of the most amazing works of art will end up being the ones that really stand out against everything else that is located within the room. You might even find that you will enjoy being on the hunt for a certain piece that happens to differ quite a bit from everything else that you currently have.

To get your hands on a terrific sculpture that will speak to you as well as all of your guests, you might want to look into the collection created by Govinder. One particular piece that is interesting and quite unique for any space is called Bad To The Bone. With the interesting design and splash of color, this is guaranteed to be a sculpture that you will be thrilled to look at each time you walk into the room.

Berit Kruger-Johnsen For Your Lover

It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day in order to purchase an amazing gift such as a Berit Kruger-Johnsen creation. Although, with the wonderful use of red and the romantic feel that these terrific paintings happen give off, it almost seems as though every single day of the year is February the 14th! Such a painting is just right for the special person in your life no matter what the occasion may be.

Perhaps you are going to be celebrating something incredible such as a one-year wedding anniversary or even an engagement. Any one of the beautiful paintings by Berit Kruger-Johnsen will definitely be appreciated and much admired by your loved one. You may even find that you really need some sort of a pick me up in a certain room of your home or apartment. The perfect placement of one of the paintings in this collection can bring a completely different look and feel to your space. You should be warned however, anything created by Berit Kruger-Johnsen has been known to become highly addictive, causing many people to want to purchase several others for other areas of their home!

The Combination Of Love happens to be the kind of a painting that really brings about quite a bit of conversation by everyone who has the chance to view it. When set up in your living space, you will certainly find that many of your guests will enjoy gazing at this painting for a while. Be prepared to get a plethora of compliments on such a wonderful art selection once you any one of these painting in your home.

Beautiful Art For Your Bedroom

Just because your bedroom happens to be one of the rooms within your home or apartment that most of your guests might not see, there is no reason why you cannot fill it up with some of your favorite art. You are sure to be very pleased with your bedroom once you have a couple of amazing strategic locations. All it takes is a little bit of consideration of what you might be looking for and a couple of empty spaces to fill up!

When you begin the process of choosing a couple of different pieces, you might want to begin by figuring our just what areas you might want to use to place your art. If you happen to have a big, empty wall space, you can opt for a wonderful large impact piece of even a nice collection. You might even find that you can add a nice sculpture on an empty bit of shelving or even on a corner of your bureau if you have a little room to work with.

Go ahead and begin your hunt for some of the pieces that speak to you and your tastes. You might find that you will want to go with a very dramatic piece that stands out in your room. Often times, straying from your current theme can add a bit of whimsy to your bedroom that can give you an incredible feeling each time you look at it. Feel confident in your choices and have fun with your choices and you should see that you will end up with the artful bedroom of your dreams.

Bathroom Art Choices

When you are making some decorating choices around your home, you really want to be sure that you do not neglect your bathroom. If you stop and think about it for a minute, you will find that the decor in your bathroom can make you very proud of your living space. After all, the bathroom happens to be one of the places within your home that gets used by many of your visitors. Making sure that you have a bathroom that is decorated with amazing art can bring you a lot of compliments.

A little bit of art in the form of a painting or a sculpture can transform just about any bathroom from a sterile and uninviting environment to a room that is comfortable as well as interesting. If you already happen to have a particular theme going within your bathroom, you can always find an incredible piece that can bring out the theme a bit. A nice aquatic theme can be accented with a wonderful painting of a seascape or even an underwater oceanic scene. You can decide if you want a large piece on the wall if there is room, or perhaps even a collection of smaller pieces if you are working with a tight space. A wonderful canvas painting with a bit of size for your bathroom that you might love could come from the David Thimgan collection. Many people adore the peaceful seaside and port views captured in these paintings, and you can enjoy it in your bathroom as well!

Arranging Your Art

So, you have begun to collection quite an incredible amount of art over the years, however you might be finding that you are in the need of rearranging it. You do not have to be an expert in order to find the perfect way to arrange your precious art, which is often obtained by spending quite a bit if your hard earned money. Such items that are so valuable to you deserve amazing placement within your living space!

When it comes to trying to find the perfect places for any of your sculptures of paintings, you will want to take into consideration several different factors in relation to your living space. After all, protecting your art while it is on display should be one of your number one priorities. Go throughout your living space and begin to identify some of the perfect areas to hang paintings or display some of your sculptures. Take note of the areas that have a good amount of direct sunlight and also be sure to choose areas that are not near vents, chimneys or doorways. All of these areas can end up damaging your precious artwork over time and should be avoided.

If you end up finding that you do not really have enough room to display all of your collection at once, don't be afraid to store some of it for a while. You are going to want to leave enough room so that you can give certain pieces their time to shine. Once you have everything placed where you want it, you can then sit back and enjoy it!

Framed Mirrors For Your Home

There happens to be all kinds of ways that you can try to spruce up your living space whether you live in a house or an apartment. Some of the tricks that folks like to use will include a fresh coat of paint, the addition of some brand new furniture, or even a cluster of brand new sculptures. However, have you thought of how simply wonderful it can be to add a gorgeous framed mirror to your home or apartment?

If you are a person who loves to decorate, then you might already know just how valuable a couple of exquisite mirrors can be to the look and feel of your living space. Mirrors can add a whole new dimension to just about any room within your home or your apartment. As a matter of fact, most design experts will tell you that the addition of a mirror to a smaller space can actually bring in the illusion that the room is much larger than it actually is.

Well, if you are on the hunt for the perfect mirror to bring into your home, then there is nothing quite like an exquisite framed version. You actually have your choice of frames including imported wood veneers, natural burls, and hand-rubbed gold or silver metal leaf with an antiqued look. Go ahead and choose the size that is right for your space along with the perfect frame and you will have a new addition to any wall in your home that you can feel good about with every single glance.

The Warmth Of A Thomas Kinkade

You might have fond memories of a painting that your parents had, or you have always been on the lookout for the kind of painting that seems as though it has been in your family for years. One of the things that mark a truly wonderful painting will include the ability to draw people in, making them feel as though they have had the chance to look at it and appreciate it for years and years. If you are in search of such a painting that will have a soothing affect on your soul, then you might just find that there is nothing quite like the detail of a Thomas Kinkade.

Some folks actually say that a Thomas Kinkade print will have the ability to draw you in and make you feel as though you have been transported to another time and place. Many people are even very familiar with this works that are shown frequently during the holiday season. Most of the winter scenes by Thomas Kinkade are quite popular for those who like to think of old fashioned holidays at home. Whatever your reason may be for purchasing a Thomas Kinkade print, you are guaranteed to be very pleased with your purchase.

The Rose Gate is a purely stunning limited edition Thomas Kinkade print that you can get handsigned and numbered. The colors in this piece really come alive, almost making the trees look as they are swaying in the breeze. This canvas print is going to be just right for your home or apartment.

Paul Horton Sculpture

Are you on the lookout for an amazing piece of art that you can bring into your home? Maybe you have been searching for a nice piece that will have the ability to make you smile each and every time you have the chance to look at it as you walk by. The great thing about art and sculpture is that you do not have to be an expert to know what makes you happy. When you want to bring a beautiful piece into your home, you might just find that a Paul Horton sculpture will do the trick.

Full of whimsy and plenty of ability to spark your imagination, each and every Paul Horton sculpture is just right to bring into your home. Whether you are already a collector of fine art and sculpture or if you are just starting out, you are guaranteed to find great joy with the purchase of one of these incredible pieces. You even usually have the choice of getting each of the Paul Horton sculptures made from either resin or bronze. Make your choice and you will be well on your way to a piece that will bring you years of happiness and a wealth of compliments from all of your friends and family members.

The Paul Horton limited edition resin sculpture called The Works is a really nice piece that is just right for your family room, den or even a special spot in your bedroom. The interesting cluster of buildings, wonderful colors and attention to detail are going to bring you to another place with every glance!

A Memorable Housewarming Gift

If you happen to have a friend or family member who is near and dear to your heart that is moving into a brand new home, then you are definitely going to want to make sure that you give them an amazing housewarming gift. Such an incredible gift will be cherished and talked about by them for many years to come. So, what kind of a gift are you going to buy for their house to make such a lasting impression?

A truly fabulous gift idea that many individuals tend to overlook for a housewarming present is a beautiful canvas print. This is really a nice idea that your gift recipient can use to hand on one of the walls within their new home! If you know their tastes very well, then you should have no problem at all picking out a terrific design that they are sure to treasure. Perhaps a hand signed and numbered limited edition Bonnie Marris is something that is just up their alley!

Morning Run is the name of a breathtaking Giclee that you can order up in two different canvas sizes. You can send your gift recipient this beautiful piece in either the thirty by 42 inch size or the forty-five by sixty-two inch unstretched size. They may have already told you that they are looking for a stunning piece to hang on a certain wall. If so, then your recipient is definitely going to enjoy every single inch of this stunning piece depicting horses.

You Are Never Too Old For Disney

It is a know fact that there are just as many adults as there are children who enjoy anything and everything that is Walt Disney. This could be due to the fact that all of these adults grew up with Disney, or perhaps they really enjoy it because their own children do. No matter what the reason may be, it is just a fact that you are never too old for Disney!

If you are a big fan of anything and everything Disney, then the chances are very good that you have paid several visits to the theme parks, watched all sorts of the movies and are also quite familiar with most or even all of the animated characters. You might even be a collector of such items as Disney collector pins or even animals from their incredible line of plush toys. Well, when you are such a fan of Disney, then you might also want to look into the purchase of a wonderful limited edition print that you can be proud to hang within your home or apartment.

Perhaps you happen to have a favorite Disney movie that you enjoy watching over and over again. If so, then this is a magnificent idea for a print. All of the prints that are available are numbered and you can even get them already framed upon arrival. Spruce up an empty wall within your home with a limited edition print from movies such as Cinderella, Peter Pan, Finding Nemo, Alice In Wonderland and many others.

Holiday Shopping for the Dog Lover

Shopping for your dog loving friend is easy. Well, the shopping part is - narrowing down a good gift choice can take a little effort.

If you're looking for a fun gift, you can't go wrong with a C.M. Coolidge print. You may not recognize the name but you will certainly recognize the painting, it's the famous poker playing dogs. There are several in the series and the most well known of the bunch is titled, "A Friend in Need" it features a bulldog that has folded his hand slipping an ace to his buddy that has a pretty good poker hand going.

There are also other dog related items that would look fantastic on the walls. There is the absolutely sweetness of an Amy Brakenbury piece depicting a basket of puppies. Another fun item to give as a gift for a dog lover is one of Tammy Laye's beautiful prints. Her artworks are nearly photographic looking in detail and especially the piece, "Best Friends" is a truly heartwarming artwork. It has a little girl blowing bubbles for her faithful best friend, a large black laborador retriever.

Sculptures also make very nice gifts. You can't go wrong with a Roark Gourley piece. Schitzo Dog is a resin reproduction of the original piece. The brightly colored and roughly cut dog sculpture will appear to be literally walking off the walls.

Use these tips and get your dog loving friend a great holiday gift and one that they will cherish all throughout the year.

Give Yourself a Regal Room

Have you been watching those do-it-yourself room decorating programs and thinking to yourself, "I could do that"? Well, guess what? You can and it's very simple once you get yourself organized and figure out what you need to change in your room to get the look you want.

If regal is the look you want. Think rich colors. Dark, mahogany and cherry woods. Furniture upholstered in detailed tapestry fabrics and draperies that match. Recovering most furniture takes a little time but it isn't difficult. You can get a good idea for a budget on your furniture, which will probably be the most costly aspect of your room, by simply measuring your sofa or chair and then going to your local fabric store and picking out a few upholstery fabrics. Get a few swatches so you can take them home and see how you like them in your room. What looks great under the store lighting may look less than fabulous in your home.

Next, add regal touches around your room. Scroll worked bookends finished in a rich wood tone, shelving that has a scrollwork pattern or other accent will go well beyond the boring old wooden shelf. As far as artworks, put one Old Master on your walls. A gorgeous Rembrandt print or Renoir will add a sense of old world style to your room as well. The secret is to put them in very expensive looking rich woods such as mahogany or cherry finish.

Last but not least, change out your lighting or rather your shades. You can usually keep your lamps and just opt for classically styled lamp shades for a very refined air in your room.

Want a Country Kitchen?

What could be cozier than a country kitchen? If your kitchen is suffering from a case of low-budget decorating or it's just a matter of "haven't had time" decor - you can add some elements that will pull your kitchen together and make it look like you paid an interior designer to give your kitchen the country look.

Clear your room as much as you can and take stock of the items you have that will work. Put up clutter and knick-knacks. Then look around your room and you should have a pretty clean slate to work with.

First of all, if you don't already have one, invest in a hanging pot rack. It looks very country and it allows you to make use of otherwise wasted ceiling space and freeing up valuable cabinet space for other items.

Fresh flowers in simply decorated vases will also lend a fresh country air to your kitchen air. Go for an old fashioned gingham checked tablecloth and simple curtains in a light color to match. Gingham trim on the curtains will tie everything together nicely. Another way to tie in your room for a fun country look is to add a country themed artwork or two to your walls. Something with a relaxing country scene, wheat fields, landscape or a simple barnyard scene will fit in nicely with your decor.

If you have limited space, you might consider adding a tall and slender baker's rack to your kitchen. The rack won't take up much floor space but will go a long way to holding a large number of items. Other country touches are to hang strings of herbs, peppers, or garlic in your kitchen.

There are a lot of homey touches you can make to your kitchen and get an entirely new look without spending a fortune to do it!

Make Your Room Into a Tropical Paradise

With the cold winds of winter making their way into nearly every corner of the country, it might be fun make your main room into a tropical paradise that keeps the cold at bay - at least when you're indoors.

First of all, if you live in a part of the country that really has a frosty winter, keep your heavy fabric for your draperies as they do a great job of keeping the chill out of the room when they are closed. Opt for lighter colors however and you'll go a long way to setting the mood in your room towards a lighter and more tropical tone.

Next, think tropical items. Splashes of bright color here and there on white or lightly colored sofas and ottomans. A bright ocean blue pillow will look fantastic on an off-white sofa. Throws with tropical themes are also great. Put some artwork on your walls that depicts palm trees, palmettos and other tropical plants. Go one step further and put a bonsai palm tree in your room. They need very little care and can live for hundreds of years.

If you use area rugs in your room, opt for light colors that will lend a dreamy, relaxing tone to your room. Other items you can use to bring the tropics into your room include shells and also consider the addition of a tropical fish tank. You don't have to get the old boring rectangular shaped aquarium, they come in many styles and shapes, including some very futuristic tall and slender designs that look stunning in nearly every type of decor.

It may be cold and snowy outside but it can be a warm tropical paradise inside your home. Just make a few changes and you'll be sitting in your comfy chair and sipping a drink with an umbrella in it watching the snow fall this winter.

Purrfectly Wonderful Cat Lover Gifts

Got a cat lover on your holiday list and you're pulling your hair out trying to find the perfect holiday gift for them? Think art.

If you know the basic colors inside their house, you can get them a cat inspired or themed artwork for their walls and if they have a specific breed of cat such as a Siamese or Persian you can even get them an artwork featuring a kitty that looks just like their favorite feline.

A Tom Neel piece featuring a cat in a business window with a name like "Al E. Katz" or "McKitty and Sons" will lend a whimsical air to a room.

For a more realistic look a print made from one of Cortez's original paintings will make an outstanding gift. Cortez uses a technique of layering paint so it creates a very realistic effect. One of the best loved pieces in the series of paintings is "Unmade Bed" that features two rascally felines laying in a previously well-made bed that they have now ruffled up the covers and messed up the pillows with their play.

If you're not sure what the colors in their room are, you can opt for a small sculpture piece to liven up their decor a bit. The cat themed sculptures run the gamut from the realistic to the whimsical. You can get a resin cast of Bast the Egyptian Cat Goddess or a casting made of resin from an original metal sculpture.

Fun ways to present your present would be to stencil some cats on a plain wrapping paper or even gift wrap and put a little cat shaped frame with the holiday "to and from" gift message inside where the photo would go.

Update Your Kitchen

The two rooms in your home that you will spend the most time in on the average are your kitchen and your bedroom. If you feel like your kitchen is too small or not functional enough, consider a little updating in your cooking space.

First of all, get rid of the clutter. If you don't use a particular object on a daily basis- consider it clutter and find someplace to put it. You can put up shelves or even better, use a bakers rack or a standing kitchen cabinet to hold all your items. Most cabinets will have glass doors so you can see what is within and also close away the clutter.

One old fashioned kitchen apparatus that is making a comeback in modern kitchens is the hanging pot rack. The hanging pot rack is a simple, metal circle or oval with hooks that is suspended from a chain and will hold a myriad of pots, pans and even your long handled spoons and other cooking accessories. They stay up and out of sight until needed.

Stackable bowl sets and space saver storage kits not only keep your dry goods fresh, they end the clutter and space wasting of commercially packaged products. You can pour the cereal out of the boxes and into plastic containers and thereby save space and best of all, there's no mystery as to how much your kids have left in the box - with clear plastic containers you can tell just by looking.

After you create space in your kitchen, consider updating the entire look of your kitchen with new artwork for the walls. If you have a theme in your kitchen such as the sun or roosters; get an artwork or two that reflects those elements and you'll see a brand new kitchen with just a little effort!

Entertaining in a Small Space

If you want to have some holiday gatherings of family and friends are your place but you feel it is too small, don't fret - it might just be a matter of making the most use of your space.

Before you go through the trouble of replacing your furniture or adding or subtracting items, use the items you have to their biggest potential Small bookcases can do double duty as nifty places to store wine and glasses. Just use the bookshelf as normal and on the top, put a nice tray with glasses and a two or three choices in wine.

Not enough seating? Large, overstuffed pillows can do the job of providing a comfortable place to sit for guests and they can be stacked quietly in the corner until they are needed. Recycle a broken wooden chair and trim the legs to be shorter and take the back off to make a small stool. Topped with a pillow it will make a comfy place for guests to sit.

If you don't already have some shelves - they are a cost effective storage solution and will end a lot of the clutter. Another way to open your room a little more is to switch out your window treatments for lighter colors and add a mirror or two to your walls. Mirrors create the illusion of more space and depth to your room, they also reflect light and will add to the overall feel of the room.

You may have a small space but by using some of these tips and tricks, it doesn't have to feel small!

Mad for Erte

You may not know his name, but you've certainly seen his style. Erte was born Erte Romain de Tirtoff and was of Russian descent. He lived to the ripe old age of 97 and created an incredible body of work and is considered to be among one of the most influentially unique artists of the 20th century.

When he was young he moved to Paris and embarked on an art career. He was quickly recognized as his style was unique and didn't fit into any of the known categories for art. He collected patrons quickly and thus was able to develop his talents quickly and support himself through his art.

His art influenced both artists, theater and fashions. In 1915 he won a coveted position with Harper's Bazaar and designed every single cover of their magazine for the next two decades. He is considered the father of the "Art Deco" movement and he expanded his artistry to not only canvas and print but to fashion designs and created designs for some of the biggest names of the day including Joan Crawford, Lillian Gish, Marion Davies, Anna Pavlova, Norma Shearer and more.

When he was 75, Erte was encouraged to recreate designs that called back to his youthful days in Paris and they were captured in bronze and serigraphy. Once again, the Art Deco movement came back with a stronghold in many aspects of both home and fashion.

Add a piece of Erte to your walls and experience the unique vision of this talented artist. The Rooster is a gorgeous piece that shows the bold lines and bright colors without being garish that make up the Erte style.

Make Your Room Cozy

If your main room that you have your friends and family over in seems to be seriously lacking in warmth and coziness, there are a lot of little tricks you can do to make your room radiate a warm and fuzzy feeling to all who enter.

First of all, apply the clutter rule to your room. The clutter rule is if an item hasn't been used in 1 month and it's still sitting out, find a place to put the object up and out of sight. The next mood killer for a room is the lighting. Bright lights aren't cozy. Soften up your lighting in your room with heavy shades and add a dimmer light that will allow you to warm up the mood with a flick of your wrist. Candles also put off a nice warm glow that will bring an air of warmth and friendliness to the room.

Also make a central gathering point. Put your furniture a little closer to make the spot where people sit the most into a cozy conversation pit. Seating doesn't have to be formal for these gatherings. An ottoman will serve the same function as your Queen Anne chair in the corner. A table in the middle where you can share snacks, drinks and stories will make the room even more inviting.

Next pay attention to your wall spaces. If you don't have photos of your family and friends, warm up your room with some individual touches. Also, artworks depicting love, togetherness and even a fireplace scene will continue the cozy vibe you have going on in your room.

It's easy to change the entire mood of your room with only a few additions or subtractions. If you want to have the best gathering spot for your family and friends this holiday season, use these tips and make your place the number one choice for everyone to meet up!

Art for the Holidays

Do you envy the people who seem to be able to transform their homes for every major holiday? On New Years, their homes are a collection of sparkles and newness. With silver accents and white to symbolize a new year. When February rolls around they have an abundance of hearts and flowers to celebrate the love and friendship on Valentine's Day.

If turning your house into a celebration of every major holiday throughout the year is a bigger job than you truly have time for, don't fret; just pick one holiday to celebrate and turn your house into a fun celebration of the season.

The holiday season from October through December is a perfect way to get your house in the mood for the coming celebrations of family and friends. Right after Halloween, start adding some autumn touches to your room. Burnt oranges and earthy tones will further add a tone of the season to your room. You can add pillows to your sofa and touches of dried flower arrangements to continue the colors of the season throughout your room.

As you get nearer to Christmas, you can add touches of pine cones, red and green candles on your fireplace mantle and many people set out small Nativity scenes as well. Another fun way to celebrate the holiday is to change out a couple of your art pieces on the walls with pieces that ring in the holiday season. A fun snowman, excited children on Christmas morning or a dreamy winter's night watercolor will more than fit the bill.

Use these tips and give yourself a beautiful room to celebrate the holiday season in with your family and friends.

Inspiring Artworks!

Some people purchase artworks simply because they have colors that match their decor, which is a fine idea if you're looking for a particular "vibe" for your room; however if you want something more for your room - get an inspiring piece.

Morgan Weistling has a beautiful series of inspiring prints that are not only done in colors that will meld beautifully with your home, they will also be duly inspiring for yourself.The colors in these outstanding pieces are done in a good blend of neutrals that will fit into nearly any decor, while losing none of the vibrance of the artworks.

Inspirational art is a great way to celebrate the holidays. On piece of this collection is particularly striking as it depicts a small child staring out innocently outward. The writing beneath the painting reads, "He Was One of Us" to remind all who see it that Jesus was indeed one of us. Other inspiring pieces in this series depict Jesus in many other guises such as performing miracles in "Healing the Blind Man" or in a field of lilies in another beautifully done rendition. "Kissing The Face of God" is another fine print that will be truly inspirational in your decor.


If you're going to have a gathering of your family and friends over for the holiday season, put some inspiring artworks on your walls and
inspire everyone to remember what the holidays are truly celebrating.

Duck, Duck, Goose

A fun motif to have in your home are ducks and geese. They are easy to find and lend a comfortable vibe to any home space they are used in.

In early times, it was tradition for Korean grooms to travel to the homes of their intended bearing a duck or a goose, both of which symbolize a promise for fidelity. In present day, birds which are considered to mate for life such as ducks and geese are still given as gifts. A newlywed couple may receive a pair of wooden ducks or geese to display in their homes. One symbolizes the bride and the other the groom. When the couple is happy they should be displayed facing each other. When the couple is having a spat, the statues are frequently placed tail to tail to indicate the couple isn't getting along at the moment.

If you want a duck or goose in your kitchen area and you can have a lot of options. A fun little sculpture placed on a shelf by the spice rack or an artwork on the wall such as Burton Dye's "Last One In" is a whimsical piece depicting a line of geese heading for their local swimming hole.

This open edition print has vibrant colors and is matted and framed using archival tapes and materials to ensure longevity of your print. Do not hang your print in direct sunlight and it will look brand new for years to come because of the quality of the papers and materials used in putting together this artwork.

Ducks and geese a classic way to have both harmony and a little whimsy in your decor. If you want to lighten the mood in your room, go for a little duck, duck, goose!

A Sweet Gift From the Family Guy

For the person with a truly warped sense of humor, a Family Guy gift will get them grinning this holiday season.

Family Guy originally debuted in 1999 after the Superbowl and offended pretty much everyone across the board. Family Guy managed to cross in one night the line of general good taste that the Simpsons have carefully walked for over a decade.

This animated series had two very strong voiced camps, people who loved the show because it was so far ahead of its time and others who found it to lowbrow humor at its worst. Entertainment Weekly made their perceptions on the show clear by dubbing it "the awful show they just keep putting on the air". The Fox Network eventually buried the show in a variety of frequent schedule changes and the show was cancelled in 2000 again in 2002 and the cult popularity of this show led Fox to resume production again in 2005.

The plot is centered around the goings on in a very strange Rhode Island town called Quahog and a family that puts the "fun" in dysfunctional called the Griffins. The family is Peter Griffin, the father of three children who is utterly clueless but good hearted. His wife Lois who tries to keep the family together. Meg his teenage daughter who dreams of being popular and is constantly embarrassed by her family, Chris, the teenage son who fully inherited his father's clueless nature and Stewie who has become a runaway favorite with the fans - the football headed baby bent on world domination. Brian the dog is the voice of reason in the family and enjoys a good dry martini.

This print is from the "To Live and Die in Dixie" episode. Where the Griffins get placed in the heart of Dixie courtesy of the Witness Protection Program. This print is bright colored and will arrive ready to hang - it will make a perfect gift for a Family Guy fan or as Peter himself would say, "Sweeeeet!".

Art for the Comic Book Collector

You may not know what the most collected Superman comic is and you may not have a clue that Nightwing is a comic book series that depicts young Robin after he grew up and left Batman; however you can get the comic book buff on your holiday list a present they will love in the form of an artwork based on some of their favorite collectable comics.

Whether they like long time running series such as "Batman" or newer series like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" they will love their own framed artwork from a cover design.

It's easy to be a detective on your own and find out, just make a few notes of the prints available and then casually mention you saw some cover art for sale here or there you really don't remember where and mention a great looking piece like Warner Bros. Limited Edition Print:"Kissing The Knight" which depicts Batman finally kissing Catwoman after years of tension and attraction between them. Your collecting savvy friend will probably even offer up that it's from the "Mouth of Madness" story line. This print comes framed and ready to hang right out of the box.

There are also prints available from Disney and other Warner Brothers series such as Batman: The Animated Series and well known comic book artists such as Jim Lee and Alex Ross who has an outstanding print of Superman available as well as a great piece that depicts all the members of the Justice League including Superman, Wonderwoman, Green Lantern, The Flash and ten other super heroes standing as one.

If you want to get a gift that will appreciated all year round, get the collector an unusual piece for their collection.

Artwork for a Young Child's Room

If your baby has grown into a curious and active preschooler, you'll be ready to update his room into something that will let him feel like he is not longer a baby, but a "big kid".

First of all, replace his crib with a child sized bed. There are traditional head and footboard beds and also fun beds that come in the shapes of fire engines, race cars and even fully detailed castles for a princess to sleep in.

Give special attention to every item you put in the room. Though your little one may not be prone to putting things automatically in his mouth; he will still experiment with small objects and may run a little haphazardly in his room - even though you tell him to "Walk, don't run" on a frequent basis. Make sure furniture items don't have sharp corners and don't put toys with small parts, toys that have sharp points or toys that shoot in his room. You'll eliminate the three biggest causes of accidental childhood injuries just by a little preventative maintenance.

Paint the walls a bright color. White, even scrubbable paint, will look dingy in short order. Go for bright colors or even let your child have some say in the colors for their walls, they might surprise you with their thoughtful choices. The colors are stimulating and they won't show wear as quickly as lighter colors.

As far as artwork, the sky is the limit. A good framed print of a favorite movie or book character is a good choice and a detailed artwork that you can talk about with your child and make a game out of picking out objects will not only be fun but also teach your child to look carefully at his surroundings and helps build awareness and recall.

If you're ready to upgrade your child's room, make it a fun experience and he'll even look forward to nap time in his new room!

Put a Van Gogh on Your Wall

If you want something eye catching to put on your wall and you'd like something with bold colors, go to the top of the line and put a Van Gogh on your wall.

Van Gogh's art is well known for the use of bold brush strokes and vivid colors. His art was dismissed during his lifetime and a fact about Van Gogh many people don't know is that he only sold one painting in his entire lifetime. Another painting he gave as a gift to his doctor was used a shingle for a chicken coop for many years until it was discovered and later sold at auctions for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Obviously an original may not be in the cards for you but you can own a print that is as dazzling as an original. One of Van Gogh's most celebrated paintings is called "Starry Night" and it features brilliant stars with a swirling blue background. This print is matted in a cream and blue frame to further set off the print. Framed in a gold frame this will be an outstanding addition to any art collection.

If you have a Van Gogh fan on your gift giving list, there are many pieces available in the Van Gogh collection of prints and every Van Gogh aficionado has their favorite. Try a sneaky conversation about Van Gogh and see if you can find out what their favorite painting was and get them that particular print as a holiday gift, they'll be thrilled and wonder how you knew!

The print is framed under glass and archival tapes and acid free papers are used to make this artwork long lasting. It will arrive ready to hang out of the box.

Interior Tricks To Make Your Decor Look Expensive

You don't have to have the bank account of Paris Hilton to make your room look like it was decorated by a top dollar interior designer. There are a few tricks that interior designers use to give a room a chic feel and you can do it yourself for a lot less.

First of all, clear the clutter. Expensive rooms have no clutter. Invest in a cabinet or simply move it a box in the bottom of your closet. Just remove it from sight.

Next, look around your room and write down two main colors that you see and then write down two minor colors. Your goal will be to bring the main colors together and then add accents with the two minor colors. You can use your window treatments to bring in your two main colors. As for your minor colors, use them in pillows and area rugs to highlight lesser used colors.

Another way to add "wow" to a room is to add a artwork that had your minor colors in it. A large piece that can work as an impact piece is also a good trick to use if you are decorating a larger sized room. If you have a small space that you're working with, go for a small collection of three to four small artworks will look outstanding. If your budget won't allow for an original, go for a brush stroked print. The brush strokes appear on the print and when matted and framed under glass, it will look like for all the world as an original artwork on your walls. You can get a Monet in a brush stroked print or a lesser known artist.

Use these little tricks to give your room an expensive look and feel and no one has to know you really didn't spend an arm and a leg to do it.

Strange Love

There is not much stranger of a relationship than the one that is played out in the pages of DC Comics and on the "Batman-The Animated Series" than the relationship between Harley Quinn and the Joker.

The story of how they met goes that Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a beautiful blonde doctor was working at Arkham Asylum as a psychiatrist where the Joker was incarcerated for life. She was attracted to him immediately and fell in love with him completely. She helped him escape, had her license revoked and wound up a patient along side her "Mister J".

During an earthquake, Harley escaped with the Joker and they become partners in crime. Joker and Harley have an on-again and off-again relationship. During one off-again moment, the Joker tells Harley as he puts her into a rocket ship that "I've noticed some changes coming over me since you came into my life. I've been reminded what it was like to be part of a couple. To care for someone who cares for me. It's the first time in recent memory I've had those feelings... And I hate having those feelings!" With that said - he launches the rocket sending an infuriated Harley into space, but as with great love stories, he soon misses her and they wind up back together as only a comic book couple can.

If you'd like a print of your favorite dysfunctional comic book couple, Alex Ross has a print out of a well known comic cover that features the Joker and Harley in a close embrace. Alex used his own likeness for the Joker and the piece is striking. This is a limited edition of only 250 and will arrive ready to hang. Now that you know the inside story of the Joker and Harley, add them to your walls and make this vibrant piece part of your personal collection.

Send a Message - Love Will Find a Way

Adding artworks that carry a message is a unique way to get a "theme" going in your decor. If you are a true believer that love will indeed find a way through any hardship life can throw at you. Or you and your partner are living proof that hard times make good loves - there is a Paul Horton sculpture that will truly touch your heart.

Paul Horton's "Love Will Find A Way" is part of a limited edition of 395 resin cast sculptures that look and feel like the real deal. The sculpture features a detailed dog holding a brightly colored flower and a sack tied on a stick in a classic runaway pose. The dog's fur is etched into this piece in great detail. The dog and the sack and stick are all done in muted shades of pewter; however the flower rings out with a beautiful shade of red and makes this sculpture a very eye catching addition to your decor.

It has a flat base that is slightly wider than the sculpture itself and will sit beautifully on a favorite console table or on your desk to remind you every time you look it, no matter how annoyed you get with your partner, sometimes you need to step back and remember who has always had your back and you know that title of this sculpture is true, "love will find a way".

This would make a fantastic gift for a young couple celebrating their first year together as man and wife or if you have a dog lover on your holiday gift list, this piece is sure to speak volumes to them. Your sculpture will come with a certificate of authenticity and a numbered card so you know which one of the limited edition it is.

Go Wild in Your Design

If you want something to create a fun yet elegant tone to your room, consider adding a piece or two of designer framed art. There's something about monkeys that brings a smile to nearly everyone's face and now you can have a surefire smile maker on your wall in the form of a designer made pair of tiles that feature a monkey on each one.

Feng shui is the creation of balance within your room and if you use this method of design in your decor, you know the value of adding pairs of items to create harmony along with the spirit of the monkey that is said to bring wisdom and bit of good natured mischief to any room they grace.

These monkey tiles were created by the artist Swartzendruber and come in a set of two. The dimensions of each framed tile are 24 inches by 28 inches and the tiles are surrounded by filets and mats to create a real one-of-a-kind piece that will garner a lot of attention in your room. The piece is framed using archival (acid free) tape and mounted and framed using museum quality materials. The finished framed piece has a paper dustcover and will arrive ready to hang with the hardware attached. You can literally pop this set of exquisite tiles out of the box and find a place that you think they would look best on your walls.

If you want to add something to your walls that will wake up your room, add a designer touched artwork with something a little wild, like monkeys!

Gifts the Sportsman Will Love

The outdoor loving sportsman on your holiday list can be a hard duck to buy for.

A Jim Killen print will make an outstanding gift. His lifelike renderings of faithful labs carrying back ducks, mallards flying overhead, Canadian geese and other common wildlife scenes brought to breathtaking life will enhance any sportsman's den.

Most of the print series are limited editions. This means that a set number of prints will be made from an original painting and those are numbered with a unique number like 1/450 will you have purchased print number one in a set of four-hundred and fifty. Once the four-hundred and fiftieth print is sold, the run is closed and no more will be sold. This ensures that your print is a one of a kind and unique.

If your sportsman would prefer something like a Wildlife Regulator Clock. These clocks are one foot wide and two feet tall and are handcrafted from solid red oak from Wisconsin. The clock runs on a AA battery and you get a choice of several images to put in the bottom of the clock that will reflect an aspect of the outdoors that your sportsman likes the best. This clock makes an outstanding gift and also comes with a one-year warranty.

Also, consider a sculpture of a flying duck, a strutting pheasant or a regal buck with his antlers held high. All will make wonderful gifts for the sportsman on your gift list!

Things Worth Keeping

Steve Hanks does delightful artworks that are richly colored, incredibly detailed and nearly lifelike in appearance. If you are already a collector of his works, you know any piece he releases in a print will be as outstanding as the original work itself.

An outstanding piece in his limited edition print collection is his piece, "Things Worth Keeping". This print is only one in a small series of 95 prints total in the entire series. The print features a series of things that a young girl may have kept in her room until the time she grew up and became a woman.

Items such as a cherished dolls, Cabbage patch dolls, Teddy bears that look like they were loved and played with for years and years are all scattered across a young girl's bed along with all her other carefully saved toys from years gone by. In the middle of the bed is a snoozing newborn baby, who is now the most treasured part of her now adult life.

This piece is done in soft colors and the attention to detail is breathtaking. The print is done on a giclee print and will be a brilliant addition to any art collection. You have numerous matting and framing options to ensure that the print you get will meld into your individual color scheme of your home decor seamlessly. If you have someone on your gift giving list that has recently added a child or grandchild to their family, this print would be a thoughtful and well received gift.

Impact Pieces in Your Decor

Sometimes a room needs something dramatic to really wake it up. That is known as an impact piece.

You can use a myriad of items to create an impact piece. Create a focal point in your room using a sculpture on a short column and add tall plants on either side to accent it. Another way to add an impact piece is to add a resin cast medallion that is lightweight and can be hung in the center of your ceiling (also referred to as your "5th wall").

You can also use artwork to create an outstanding impact piece. The type of artwork you want to add on your wall is entirely up to you. Think eye catching and think bold. If you only have fine art on your walls, consider adding a striking photograph to your collection. Put it in a solid black frame and a simple white mat will make it really stand out in your room.

Steve Hanks has a set of three limited edition prints that feature a woman at the bottom of the stairs, the climbing the stairs and finally at the top of the stairs. These three prints hung together will make a real impact in your room and tell an inspiring story of a woman who began a journey and at the top of the stairs is looking out at a new beginning. Steve didn't use the same model for the final painting that he used for the first to in order to get the idea across that we are not the same person that the end of a journey that we were at the beginning.

Horses and Wolves - Symbols of Freedom

Nothing says freedom more than the image of a running horse or a wolf in the forest with the pack.

If you have a love of freedom or you have a real free spirit on your holiday gift list, you can't go wrong with a print that resonates one of the things they cherish the most : freedom.

Judy Larson has a beautifully done line of imaginative renditions of both wolves and horses that are sure to please. Almost all the works are limited edition series meaning that your numbered print in the series will be unique and won't be reissued. A limited edition print is as good as an original painting to many art collectors as it is unique and one of a kind.

One outstanding piece that will fit into any decor is her darkly popular piece, "Intent". It features a lone wolf between two trees in the forest and the only color in the painting is brought in through the beautifully captured fall leaves that wind around the painting.

If horses are more to your liking, a piece featuring a white and dappled running mustang will bring pure freedom to life. She also has a beautiful print of an American Indian painted pony, complete with feathers.

No matter if you want a special treat for yourself or someone special on your gift list, you can't go wrong with the gift of art.

A Cat of Many Seasons

If you have a cat lover on your holiday list that also has a quirky, fun sense of humor, you will most definitely want to put a Bryan Moon print down on your gift giving list for them.

Moon has been painting realistic cats in very unreal settings and the result is a brilliant executed piece of art that is whimsical and detailed. "The Peace Treaty" is a detailed piece that depicts an Old West setting with Native American cats exacting a peace treaty with the cowboy clad settler cats.

Another artwork that will please any Old West fan, is the "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". This piece shows the two famous outlaws at cats on horseback, looking over the horizon for the ever present posse that was always on their proverbial tails, which can be seen in this artwork.

You have numerous framing options and a choice in colors for both an inner and outer mat. You can pick the best frame and mat colors to match your interior design or the interior decor color scheme for someone else if you're purchasing this print as a gift. These are open edition prints, meaning there is no specific number being printed and at the size of 15 inches by 16 inches, they aren't a huge commitment for a wall space.

Any of Moon's works will make a fun gift for a cat lover and if you have someone who already collects his works, they will be truly purring with satisfaction at your thoughtful choice in gifts!

Bring a Different Kind of Turkey to Thanksgiving

If you have a special Thanksgiving dinner to attend and you want to give the hosts a special gift and you find you won't have time to whip up your signature dish, consider bringing a different kind of turkey to help celebrate the togetherness with your family and friends.

A gift of a limited edition print by Jim Kapser titled "Acorn Hunt - Turkey" is a beautiful way to bring a little holiday spirit along with you. As a limited edition, each print in the series is numbered and when the run ends - it is final. So you can be assured of not only giving an artwork that is pleasing to the eye but also know you have purchased a gift that is truly unique.

The piece features soft earthly colors that will blend well in nearly any decor and is an artwork of a fall woods setting with a quiet stream flowing through it. The wild turkeys are busily harvesting acorns as they fall from the fall colored trees above. The print is 17 inches by 25 inches and you need only choose the color mat and type of frame you would like to put your gift in. It will arrive framed under glass and ready to hang. If you would like to personally mat and frame this piece yourself, you can purchase the print only.

This Thanksgiving, bring a turkey that has no calories and will result in no leftovers but bring everyone that views it lots of smiles!

For the Sponge Bob Fan

Children and adults alike love the whimsical nonsense of Sponge Bob Square Pants. The theme song is infectious and the stories will make young and old laugh out loud. The series centers on Sponge Bob who lives in pineapple under the sea in a place called Bikini Bottom. He lives next door to his best friend Patrick Starfish who is a little lacking in the brains department and Sponge Bob works as a cook at the Krusty Krab owned by the notoriously cheap, penny pinching but lovable Mr. Krabs.

If you're a collector of all things Sponge Bob, you can get a limited edition hand painted Sponge Bob cel. The piece is called ,"The Story Tartar Sauce" and a brief synopsis of the story goes that King Neptune's crown was stolen and Mr. Krabs was wrongfully accused of the theft. Sponge Bob and Patrick embark on a journey to get the King's Crown back and clear Mr. Krab's good name.

Each cel in the series was produced by a Nickelodeon Networks approved ink and paint artist. Additionally, each cel features 4 silk-screened line colors, 5 hand-inked line colors and 18 Nick-approved paint colors­ and is paired with a fine-art giclee background. Each cel is matted and framed under glass to ensure longevity of the piece and mats and frames can be customized to match your individual decor.

If you want to add a sense of whimsy and fun to your art works, add one of these one of a kind limited editions to your private collection.

When Pigs Fly - Interesting Art

If you're interested in adding a truly unique piece to your art collection, consider adding art with a message such as with the whimsical imagery in the James Christian's "When Pigs Fly".

Everyone has heard the saying, "When Pigs Fly", this artwork portrays the impossible as happening and reminds the viewer that just because someone says something can't be done, doesn't mean it can not be accomplished.

This is a very detailed artwork depicting a hunchbacked person walking holding a candle. In Christensen's art, the hunchback represents the imperfect "everyman" and the candle he carries signifies his wisdom and faith. The hunchback trudges blindly forward and is completely oblivious to the flying pigs just over his shoulder and the fact that the wall behind him is changing as he walks forward from a plain stone look to a bold black and white checkerboard look.

You can have this piece matted and framed under glass and this is a limited edition run of 350 prints only so the piece you choose will truly be one of a kind. If you're looking for an outstanding one of a kind gift for someone special, you can't go wrong with a limited edition print, you can easily have the piece customized to match the decor of the recipient. If the person on your gift list has a whimsical sense of humor - this piece will delight their funny bone every time they view it.

Matt Rinard - A Little Naughty But Very Nice

Matt Rinard's works aren't for everyone but if you were blessed with a great sense of humor, his works will have you smiling upon first glance.

Matt brings a great sense of humor to his whimsical works such as in his S2 series that includes his well known "weenie dogs" and has such funny artworks as "Inferiority Complex" which features three dogs in a box next to three cats and the dogs are for sale while the cats are free. Other humorous offerings include, "Bottled Water is For Wimps" and features one of his famous dogs drinking out of a common commode.

Other works in this series include the very funny, "Bad Dog" which features a dog using their owner's ATM card. "Attack of the 50 Foot Weenie" which is a take off on some of the bad 1950's movies in the same genre and another fun piece that has a weenie dog at a fortune telling cat's domicile hearing his fortune "One Day You Will Be Neutered".

Matt's works are outstandingly fun and strongly colored. You will have a choice having the piece sent to you as a print only or you can have it framed in a classic black frame under clear plexiglass.

If you want to add to your art collection or you have someone on your gift giving list that loves "weenie dogs", a Matt Rinard artwork may be appearing on a wall near you in the future!

Give a Gift Certificate

Stumped for the perfect gift? Sometimes the best gift of all isn't one that you but one that you let the recipient have the freedom of picking out. Who knew Aunt Agnes really would have liked the photo print of a pig diving into a lake by Michael Sowa? You may not have ever guessed your father would enjoy a floral print in his den. Sometimes we can't guess the tastes of other people and if you are not one-hundred percent sure what to get someone on your holiday list, then consider getting them a gift certificate to use at their leisure.

They can use their gift certificate at any time during the year and if they want to spend it to get a print of a photo or a favorite artwork it will work at any time; all they need to do is find the item that strikes their fancy, order it with a click of their mouse and then use their gift certificate when they check out securely online. The beautiful thing about giving a gift certificate is that it is always the right size and it allows the gift recipient to choose exactly what they would like to see on their walls or on a special shelf they have reserved for a sculpture.

If you're having trouble deciding what to get for someone on your gift giving list, make your holiday shopping easy and get them a gift certificate.

Reel Scary!

If you are looking for a really cool and unusual gift for the horror movie fanatic on your gift giving list, there is a very good way to give them a thrill when they open their present from you.

Movie posters of classic horror films such as "Creature from the Black Lagoon", "Dracula", "Frankenstein" and more are all available in limited edition reproductions of the original movie house posters. The original posters are hard to come by and can cost thousands of dollars. These reproductions are made from the original posters and are printed on acid free paper to ensure they will gives years upon years of enjoyment.

This series is only available through authorized dealers for The Reel Scary Monster series and is licensed exclusively to S2 Art Group by Universal Studios Licensing, Inc. You will have the choice of getting your print matted and framed or get a print only and let the recipient choose how they want to display the piece. Please order early for custom framed items as they take three to four weeks for delivery. Make sure the recipient knows there are several classic films available in case they'd like to start a collection!

No matter which print you choose, this is a gift that will be thrilling all throughout the year.

Giving the Gift of Art

Giving the gift of art doesn't have to a big and bulky painting in an enormous frame that is going to take up precious wall space in the recipient's home. If you want to give someone a gift of art, you can get them a smallish print or sculpture piece that will not be a huge space commitment on the wall and will look stylish as well.

You can choose from fine art, whimsical pieces that will bring a smile to the recipient every time they see it on their wall or go for a personalized piece that allows you to enter a phrase that means something to the both of for a truly one of a kind piece of art.

If your gift recipient is a collector of a particular artist or liked a certain animal such as cats, pigs or fish, you can get them an art piece that will meld right in with what they love to collect. Another great way to give a gift of art is to have it ready to hang. Buy the piece and have the frame, mat and glass already on the piece so all your recipient has to do is find a place on their wall for the artwork.

Sculptures can be wrapped in a pretty scarf that is a gift as well or if you got a sculpture that will allow it, put a big, fat red bow on the sculpture and watch the receiver bust into a grin.

There are so many ways to give art; if you need some holiday ideas use these tips to get the best gift for that hard to buy for person on your holiday list!

Collectormania

If you enjoy shopping for holiday presents, you probably really love the collectors on your gift giving list. They make buying gifts oh so easy!

Have someone that loves to collect horses or western art? Get them a limited edition print featuring running mustangs, cowboys on the plains or Native Americans in an encampment or riding painted war horses. There are so many choices. You aren't just limited to items that can be hung on a wall. Get a sculpture to be displayed on a desk, table or shelf. You can get them in any size. Angels, cats and even large hearts can make the perfect gift.

If you want to be sneaky and get the colors right for your friend's house. Pay a visit to them and either sneak a few shots around the house with your cell phone camera if you have one or just make a note to yourself of the dominate colors in the room and you can be assured of getting a gift that will match the decor perfectly.

Prints will arrive matted and framed under glass and ready to hang. You can present the gift of a sculpture in its own box it is shipped in or put it in a gift box of your own. Either way, your gift recipient is sure to be thrilled!

One of a Kind

If you want to give someone a gift that is as unique and individual as the person receiving the gift, give them a gift that is one of a kind.

A limited edition print is always a hit. There are limited edition prints to suit literally every taste and if your gift recipient is a clown with a whimsical taste to the austere collector of museum quality memorabilia, you can find a print to please.

The very nature of a limited edition print series makes it one of a kind. A print run may only be 100 prints in the series and each one will be numbered 1/100, 2/100 and so on. This designates that the print is number one in a series of one hundred prints and so on. In many limited editions, the print is signed and numbered by the artist making it even more of a collector's prize.

And don't think a print has to be a printed paper. Prints come in a myriad of styles and designs. You can get 3-D prints with raised sculpture like qualities and you can also get the ingenious series of Brushstrokes. These are created through a state of the art process in which artists use the finest quality oil paints to highlight each image by hand on a printed canvas making your print appear as an original work of art. Every Brushstrokes painting arrives ready to hang in a museum-quality frame, expressly chosen to compliment the beauty of the painting itself. Each frame is made of hand-finished seasoned woods. To protect and preserve its integrity, each painting is numbered and authenticated on the back of the canvas, then framed and delivered according to the sequence in which orders are received - until the edition limit is reached. If you're worried about a new edition of the print line being issued, Brushstrokes cancels all materials used in the creation of the limited editions and the edition is closed forever. That way you can be assured of giving a gift that is truly one of a kind!

Gifts That Even Make Scrooge Smile

If you want to give a gift to someone who is very hard to buy for and they tend to look at any gift as too extravagant but you want to get them something, Gallery Direct has gifts that will even make Scrooge smile.

Sculptures are usually great pieces to give for gifts as they require no wall space and most people consider them a little more "artsy" as even a reproduction will show touches of the artist. Each chisel stroke or finger push on a clay will show in the sculpture. Hunters and sports people will enjoy a sculpture from the wild wings series; game animals such as moose and deer and for the wild at heart, mustangs running in a herd will make a fabulous statement. For the person that enjoys all types of fishing, a jumping bass will make a neat accompaniment on their desk.

Should the gift need to be more personal, a sculpted herd will certainly convey your feelings to the recipient and there are also humorous pieces that will make them smile. "Messages from Wolves" is an outstanding piece that carries any message you want to write to the recipient. From the message "Dare to Dream" to "You are the Best". Whatever you want to say to the recipient, the wolves will say for you. The piece itself contains three wolves and a sycamore that is ready to be engraved with the message of your choice. This piece is cold cast from the original relief carving in the mountains of Arizona and meticulously hand-painted. This is a limited edition of 3,000 signed and numbered sculptures. A Certificate of Authenticity is included. You may include a personalization of up to six lines containing ten characters each.

If you want to give a gift with a meaning, this one is an outstanding one.

Planning a Gathering

It's easy to throw a party during the holidays and you don't have to wrack your brain, spend an arm and a leg or spend the entire time in the kitchen either.

For a Thanksgiving gathering of your family and friends you can opt to go two ways, have a smorgasbord and invite everyone to bring a dish which will completely free you from kitchen duty; or if you want to be the "hostess with the mostess" carefully plan your meal and you can make several things a day or so in advance and only have to make a glorious turkey and a few other items for a Thanksgiving Day feast.

You can make your cranberries and other cold salads a day or so in advance, go ahead and make your rolls a day before and you will only have to pop them in the oven. Make sure your turkey is defrosted the day before Thanksgiving as many a dinner has been delayed because of a rock hard frozen turkey that someone forgot to thaw for Thanksgiving Day. Fresh veggies such as corn on the cob, green beans with toppings such as bacon and Vermont cheese sticks are all Thanksgiving favs and easy to make as pie. Speaking of pie, you can make your pies a day in advance and if your guests want a warm piece of pie, simple slice and put their plate in the warm oven after you've taken out the turkey.

You can make a lovely centerpiece from found objects around your home such as pine cones, fall leaves and acorns can make a stunning centerpiece arranged around a candle. Also, add a Thanksgiving artwork to your wall nearest your dining room table to encourage more of a holiday spirit.

A little planning can help your day come off without a hitch!

Help Celebrating Hanukkah

Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights and people of the Jewish faith celebrate it usually around the end of December. It falls on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, which may be in December, late November, or rarely early January as in the Hanukkah of January 2005–2006.

The festival is observed in Jewish homes by the kindling of lights on each of the festival's eight nights, one on the first night, two on the second night and so on. The lights are traditionally lit on a Menorah. A candle holder that holds eight candles.

The traditional story that commemorates Hanukkah is that at the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days - which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate new oil.

After prayer and lighting the candles, there is usually a feast of traditional foods, breads fried in olive oil and potato pancakes are another tradition and in Israel, many eat deep fried donuts. You can also hang an artwork in the room you will be holding your Hanukkah gathering that will help set the mood, such as a lovely detailed print of a Menorah.

All of these things combined can help you pull off a great celebration with your family and friends during the Festival of Lights.

Mirrors Don't Have to Be Square

If you want to use the old trick of adding a mirror or three to a small space such as a foyer or a small room in your home to give it the illusion of being a little larger, great now you just have to choose a mirror to fit your decor!

Many people don't want a boring square cut mirror in a square cut frame on their walls, if you want every piece on your walls and in your home to perform a function of contributing to your overall decor, you're in luck! There are a huge number of mirrors to choose from and they range in shapes and sizes from small to large and come with scrollwork, round, circular and in unusual and whimsical frames. If an ethereal mood is what you're going for in your decor, try a mirror that has a moon frame. A crescent moon forming a half circle around a round cut mirror within will add an elegant and serene look to your room.

In a foyer, go for a tall skinny mirror that will catch as much length as possible and when someone enters your foyer it will give the full illusion to the eyes that the area is much longer than it appears and the area will feel a lot more spacious. If you're using smaller mirrors to decorate a room - put them around a room and they will randomly expand the room in the mind's eye and give a feeling of more openness around the room rather than using one large mirror in one place only in the room. Either way works but if you have a very small space, several smaller mirrors will perform the same trick that one large mirror will perform without calling any attention to themselves besides looking beautiful on your walls.

An Apple a Day...

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie, "Snow White" is when the evil queen assumes the form of an old woman selling apples and gives a poisoned one to Snow White, who eats it and falls into a deep sleep that can only be awakened by a kiss from her true love.

This scene has been brought to life by artist John Alvin in this limited edition series of 195, each is signed by the artist. John has designed and illustrated some of the world's most recognizable cinema art. He has worked on movies such as E.T. - the Extra-Terrestrial and has produced many special editions for Lucasfilm Ltd.'s Star Wars phenomenon.

Alvin is known for both his design of the Star Wars Concert and Star Wars Tenth Anniversary poster which are highly sought after by collectors of Star Wars Memorabilia. Disney sought Alvin out to produce their limited edition prints for some of their classic movies such as Snow White and the results have been breathtaking.

If you need a cool gift this holiday season and you have someone that loves the classic Disney movies or they just love to collect "the bad guys" in their collection, this print would make an outstanding gift for them. The print titled, "The Fairest in the Land" is size 20 inches by 15 inches and comes in your choice of matting and framing. The piece itself is outstanding in its rich colors and details and you can even see the detail of Snow White's face in the apple as it is being handed to her by the evil queen in disguise.

Get your own signed and numbered limited edition print or make the collector of film memorabilia on your gift list very happy this holiday season with this rare and unusual gift!

Fall Style

You don't have to be stuck with the same room winter, spring, summer and fall. You can plan your decor to reflect the cool and breezy style throughout the fall months and change it as the seasons go with just a few changes.

It's easy to get bored with your decor. Looking at the same couch, same tables and same chairs along with the same art on the walls can get really dull and you can feel the twinges of cabin fever during the winter months if you don't do something about it. Making a seasonal centerpiece is one way to add a little seasonal pep to your room. Use falling leaves, pine cones and other readily available items to make a beautiful centerpiece for your table and arrange it around a yummy pumpkin scented candle for a little more season feel.

Move your artworks around on your walls and add a seasonal piece too. Robert Duncan's "Fall in the Kingdom" is a great addition to your walls. This print has all the rich earthy colors of fall and will meld nicely into nearly any decor.

Other additions you can make are to add homey touches such as a handmade quilt draped dramatically on a sofa or chair, whether of your own design or a gently handed down heirloom is up to you; quilts add a wonderful sense of warmth to a room. Soften your lighting and you will find your room instantly changed to a cozy and warm room for the fall season.

A Must Have for the Tim Burton Fan

Think ahead to the holidays and put this little number down on your gift giving list for the Tim Burton fan.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" was a wildly popular film about different holiday towns that didn't really know each other existed and when the Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington gets bored being the King of Halloween, he walks all night and winds up standing before a circle of trees with doors on them and then goes inside one door and finds Christmastown full of snow, lights, presents and the mysterious "Sandy Claws". Jack decides he wants to celebrate Christmas and take the place of Sandy Claws for a night and a lot of mix-ups ensue in the form of scary Christmas gifts, dead animals for hats and other "tricks" from Halloweentown.

This Tim Burton animated classic delighted both children and adults alike and the magic has been captured in a Framed Giclee Triptych: "Trick or Tree". A triptych is a series of three artworks that when placed together form three distinct pieces of one whole piece together.

This print edition is detailed available in two styles, paper and canvas. Fans of the movie will be thrilled to see that the three deckle-edged giclee prints on paper and mats are printed with the pattern from Sally's-rag-tag-dress - the other version of this set is printed on canvas and the dress pattern is not used on the edges of the canvas edition.

This fine art Limited Edition Giclee is limited to approximately 100 works and the triptych when framed is approximately 20 inches by 50 inches. If you're looking for an unusual and unique gift for the Tim Burton fan on your list, consider yourself Sandy Claws this year and give them an artwork that will thrill them this holiday season.

A Sexy Gift

"She's not really bad, she's only drawn that way". That's one of the most quoted lines from Walt Disney's ground breaking animated film "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?".

In the movie, Jessica Rabbit was the wife of famed and soon to be framed star of Toon Town, Roger Rabbit. She was a combination of Rita Hayworth, Lauren Bacall and Jane Russell and even her hair style was borrowed from another real life siren of the screen, Veronica Lake. The voice of Jessica was brought to life by Kathleen Turner, another sultry siren in her own right.

While animated characters interacting with real life actors was nothing new, Jerry of Tom and Jerry fame had danced with Gene Kelly in 1945's Anchors Aweigh, however Jessica made history because she was much more complex than the previous 2-dimensional characters seen in animated films. Every detail was paid to her lights and shadows and even the sparkle of her dress was achieved through the creative use of a plastic bag that was scraped with steel wool and then had a light shining through it requiring three layers of animation. The only scene that Jessica's dress actually sparkles is the nightclub scene as at the time, doing special layered effects like this to an animated film, even a Disney film, was too costly and time consuming.

This stunning scene is available as a limited studio edition giclee print titled, "Sultry Siren of Toontown" and will make an outstanding gift for anyone that loves to collect scenes from their favorite movies or if you just want a bit of movie history for own walls, as this was the first full use of computer animation used in a major animated film. The giclee print is vivid and bright and is printed on premium-quality, acid-free paper with a printer specially modified for fine art reproduction.

Awesomely Ozzy

The Osbournes took what seemed to be the average family with a husband and wife their son and daughter and followed their adventures for a few years. This series turned out to be a wildly popular television series for MTV and the Osbournes proved anything but average. The Osbournes consisted of legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne, his no-nonsense wife Sharon, daughter Kelly who followed in her father's footsteps and son Jack.

The series followed Ozzy's struggle to stay clean and sober and then recovery from an accident he suffered while riding a 4-wheeler on his estate that resulted in numerous broken bones and near death for Ozzy, Sharon's battle and eventual victory over cancer, Kelly's struggle to make it as a recording star in her own right and beat a drug addiction that had taken hold of her life and Jack's attempt to stay sane through it all.

The series made new fans for Ozzy who already had a legendary legion of dedicated hard rocking fans from his years as the lead singer for Black Sabbath and then as a solo performer. A great addition to any Ozzy Collection would be a 24kt Ozzy Osbournes Framed Gold Record : "Crazy Train ". This gold record is part of a limited edition of just 2500 pieces in the collection and each 24kt Gold Plated Record is beautifully matted and framed. They are framed under glass with an aluminum frame.

If you need a great gift or you just want something rockin' for yourself, this will make an unusual and hard to find addition to your collection of Ozzy and rock-n-roll memorabilia.

A Christmas Gift for the Hostess

Think ahead to the holidays and you can have all your Christmas shopping done well ahead of time and even surprise the hostess of your holiday party with a special gift.

It's simple to get your shopping done early. Make a list of everyone you know and like. Include people from work, neighbors, people who perform services such as your postal delivery person or the person that delivers your newspapers and also people from your church and any clubs you belong to. It can turn into a very large list very quickly.

Next, beside each name, write "Card" or "Gift". Take your budget strongly into consideration. It would be great to get everyone a gift but for some budgets it is just not possible. Then, from your "Gift" list whittle down who will get homemade gifts such as cakes and cookies and who will get purchased items. Now you know who you need to buy for. Keep this list with you so you can make notes and purchase items as you find them - on sale is even better - and then you will have the majority of your holiday shopping completed by the time the holidays do roll around and you can enjoy them instead of fighting the traffic and the people in a rush to shop.

For your favorite hostess that throws the Christmas party you truly look forward to attending every holiday season, give her a gift she will treasure for years to come in the form of a Thomas Kinkade piece of framed art. "Memories of Christmas " is a beautifully done open edition print that is complete with a quote that reads,"May your Christmas memories be filled with love of family and the warmth of home".

This will make a gift she will look forward to hanging on her wall every holiday season and may perhaps keep up to keep the giving spirit of the holiday season flowing throughout the year.

Waiting on Halloween

Have you ever thought of adding a piece of Halloween art to your decor? It doesn't have to be all scary skeletons or witches. There is a very charming piece by the artist Steven Hanks titled "Waiting on Halloween" that features two children sitting on a huge carved pumpkin in their costumes waiting for the chance to go out trick or treating. The original piece was done in oils and the details captured in the print are breathtakingly beautiful.

The colors in this vivid print are outstanding and will blend with nearly any decor. You will get your choice of mats and frames and it will arrive ready to hang. If you enjoy hanging seasonal artworks in your home, this one will take you from Halloween right through to the beginning of winter with its fall feel. If you have someone special in your life that is a huge fan of Halloween and they tend to "spookify" their homes all throughout the year, this print would make an outstanding gift for them and will most likely be a treasured piece on their walls all year round.

This particular print is an open edition meaning there are no set numbers of prints that may be made off this artwork and each one is hand signed by the artist. If you love to collect personally signed pieces or you have someone special that does on your gift giving list, this would be an ideal treat to give for the upcoming holiday season.

Halloween only rolls around once a year, give a gift that will be a real treat or just treat yourself to a fun artwork that will add a sense of whimsy without being loud or blaring in your decor.

Add Some Splashes of Non-Color

Sometimes all your interior needs is a little non-color to make your decor a little more alive. No matter if you've gone Shabby Chic or with a modern looking Eames theme in your interior, a splish here of white or a splash there of white will make your decor brighter and more welcoming. White is often jokingly referred to as the non-color as it is comprised of no colors just as black is comprised of a combination of all colors.

When you think "white" what do you think? Clean, calm and open. Those are all feelings you can bring to your room when you use primarily white pieces at regular intervals around your room. You can use items like white vases holding brightly colored flowers for a great contrast or choose white pillows to set off your sofa.

Also look towards your walls for help. A primarily simplistic piece that is mainly white such as David Brega's framed art print "White on White" is a cool choice that will incorporate the basic colors of your room along with adding that necessary bit of whiteness to your decor. The piece is a simple bucket with eggs on a country barn half door. The print is matted in a cream mat and is further accented by a sturdy frame in your choice of color.

If you're looking for an economical way to brighten up your interior, look around your room and switch out a few items in the non-color.

Go a Little Surrealist in Your Collection

Surreal art is often misunderstood as only being on the border of being ridiculous but often it is thought provoking. Surrealism got its start as both an artistic movement and a way of thinking that gained great popularity during the 1920s.

It has its roots in Dadaism which basically angled that traditional art should be placed with something out of the ordinary and create an entirely new piece that made the viewer see both the artwork and the added item in a new light. Surrealism took that a step further and incorporate traditional art techniques to showcase things and ideas both tangible and intangible.

Much as Virginia Wolf used "stream of consciousness" writing; automatic drawing using pencils for sketches was used frequently by artists who let their deepest subconscious dictate what was displayed on the canvas. Other surrealism aspects were later based on Jung's theory that all humans possess an innate ability to interpret the "true" meaning of images.

Both Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso practiced early forms of surrealism in some of their most imaginative works. Another fun piece that is very surrealistic is Hanna Kay's surreal "Tree and Pipes" which is a neat journey through a series of tangles tree roots and industrial pipes that creates a puzzle like image. The piece is a limited edition print and can be framed to match your decor.

If you want to add an artwork that will most definitely become a conversation piece to your collection - add a surreal piece!

Limited Edition Sculptures Make Great Gifts

With the final quarter of the year upon us, many people are starting to think holiday gift buying thoughts and if you want to get someone a gift they will truly adore - check out getting them a limited edition sculpture.

Sculptures are idea art pieces to give as gifts because they take up no wall space and are not a space commitment besides a little bit of table top or shelf space to display them. Unlike a print, a sculpture is also a more intriguing gift for many people as the artist actually handled the piece and worked on it. For people that enjoy collecting a particular artist's work - this is always a selling point.

Sculptures can be whimsical, serious or thought provoking. If you're giving a sculpture as a gift - choose wisely as someone with a rather serious nature probably won't be as appreciative of a sculptured dog with "Bad to the Bone" emblazoned on it as your practical joke loving uncle who would absolutely love such a gift.

Another way to give a sculpture as a gift is to give a set of sculptures as a wedding gift. Many cultures consider the giving of pairs as a wedding gift a sign of your belief the union is a good one and the giving of pairs is said to being luck to the new couple. A great item to give any pair of newlyweds is a limited edition sculpture called "The Lovers". It is a stylized pair of cats that are displayed closely together and their inner bodies form a heart between the two pieces.