When you are a college student, you are probably looking for a couple of great ways that you can spruce up your dorm room. Often times, these rooms are very stark and bland and can use a whole lot of work in order to make it feel like your own. However, sometimes it can be tricky when it comes to decorating your walls due to some of the restrictions that there may be for using nails and other ways to hang pictures. As long as you use your best judgment and pick some smart pieces and innovative ways to hang them up, you should be able to decorate your dorm room with little or no damage at all.
If you have a few posters that you would like to hang up, then you might want to look into some of the double sided adhesive tapes or even a kind of adhesive art dough that comes off easily without causing any damage to the wall. You could even cover a large section of a wall with a nice cloth tapestry for an incredible, dramatic look. When you find that you would really like to add something such as a shadow box or a framed print that requires a nail, it is important that you keep in mind that it may need to be fixed with a little bit of spackle later on when you move out.
As far as the dorm room that seems to be a bit too cramped, you can always give the illusion of a larger space with the simple addition of a beautiful mirror. The Antique Floral Motif decorative mirror is a classy way to add a little something extra to the wall of your dorm room. The design is just lovely enough to go with just about any style and it is even affordable for those on a student budget!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Making Over Your Child's Room
If you find yourself becoming inspired by one of the many popular home makeover shows that you have watched on television, you might end up wanting to start the project of making over your kid's room. Whether you have a boy or a girl, such an undertaking can be a very fun and rewarding experience. All that you really have to do is have a little bit of decorating know-how, a great budget and a fun idea and you will see your son or daughter's room shine in no time!
Perhaps your child is a huge fan of some of the popular Walt Disney characters. If so, then you can go ahead and choose a theme that you can work with and build it around something like a picture. For example, think about how much fun it can be to set up a bedroom with a wonderful marine theme based on the movie Finding Nemo! The Finding Nemo Crush Hour giclee print is a terrific piece that you can choose in order redesign your child's room. You can use this print to choose several different colors that are just right for a festive marine setting.
Choose some fabulous paints and nice fabrics that give the feeling of the sea and you should see that everything will begin to fall into place. You might even want to think of the addition of a beautiful fish tank in the room on top of a stand or dresser depending on the age of your child. Once you are finished, you are guaranteed to see that this will be one room that you can be proud of and your child will enjoy it with all of their friends.
Perhaps your child is a huge fan of some of the popular Walt Disney characters. If so, then you can go ahead and choose a theme that you can work with and build it around something like a picture. For example, think about how much fun it can be to set up a bedroom with a wonderful marine theme based on the movie Finding Nemo! The Finding Nemo Crush Hour giclee print is a terrific piece that you can choose in order redesign your child's room. You can use this print to choose several different colors that are just right for a festive marine setting.
Choose some fabulous paints and nice fabrics that give the feeling of the sea and you should see that everything will begin to fall into place. You might even want to think of the addition of a beautiful fish tank in the room on top of a stand or dresser depending on the age of your child. Once you are finished, you are guaranteed to see that this will be one room that you can be proud of and your child will enjoy it with all of their friends.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Freshen Up Your Room For 2007
With January 2007 already winding down, you may have found yourself letting a few of those "resolutions" go already. If you still are goal oriented towards updating your interior design. You can change the look of your room with just a few simple changes.
First of all, look around your room and make a note of the two main colors in your room. Then look around your room and make a note of two lesser used colors. Now choose one of the main colors to lessen and choose one of the lesser used colors to use more of - this alone will create a new feeling in your room. Consider changing out your window treatments or if you don't want to change them complete, take the lesser color and add it in the form in the shears underneath your main draperies. This will subtly bring the color up in your room.
Another way to add color is to use pillows to bring the lesser more attention throughout the room. Put them on the sofa, chair and some people like to make a stack of three in graduated sizes will make a neat use of a corner space. Area rugs will also bring the use of colors into your room.
You can make the new color scheme flow from your floors with area rugs to your room itself through the furniture with pillows and in your window treatments. If you want to further send the color around the room and balance it, add an artwork or two to capture the colors and make them flow seamlessly around the room.
And those are just a few ways to change the look and feel of your room without spending an arm and a leg to get the look you want.
First of all, look around your room and make a note of the two main colors in your room. Then look around your room and make a note of two lesser used colors. Now choose one of the main colors to lessen and choose one of the lesser used colors to use more of - this alone will create a new feeling in your room. Consider changing out your window treatments or if you don't want to change them complete, take the lesser color and add it in the form in the shears underneath your main draperies. This will subtly bring the color up in your room.
Another way to add color is to use pillows to bring the lesser more attention throughout the room. Put them on the sofa, chair and some people like to make a stack of three in graduated sizes will make a neat use of a corner space. Area rugs will also bring the use of colors into your room.
You can make the new color scheme flow from your floors with area rugs to your room itself through the furniture with pillows and in your window treatments. If you want to further send the color around the room and balance it, add an artwork or two to capture the colors and make them flow seamlessly around the room.
And those are just a few ways to change the look and feel of your room without spending an arm and a leg to get the look you want.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Art Collector? Be Wary When Buying From Unauthorized Dealers
Collecting art is a passion many people enjoy. Buying art online has become a convenient way for many people to expand their collections and find new artists to collect. When you decide to start collecting a particular artist or type of art, you need to be aware that not all online gallery dealers will guarantee the validity of their artworks they purchase.
Gallery Direct Art will guarantee that every single artwork we sell has been approved and authorized by the artists, publishers and distributors that we represent. We ensure the high quality and authenticity of every artwork that we sell. Safe arrival of every piece along with mint condition is guaranteed with every order.
Unlike many of the authorized gallery artwork dealers on the Internet, we also have a brick and mortar store that has been in business since 1988. Gallery Direct Art takes great pride in not only being able to provide thousands upon thousands of artworks to our customers but we enjoy giving each and every order personalized service.
We have agreed to the uphold the integrity of the art we sell by not selling below issue price or current retail. Furthermore, we never sell or offer art from secondary sources. All artworks come directly from the artists or their authorized representatives. This keeps the quality and market value of your artwork at a competitive rate.
If you're interested in starting to collect art or you want to add some pieces to your existing collection but were wary about buying online, consider making your purchase through us, you'll love the quality and the peace of mind from buying from an authorized gallery dealer.
Gallery Direct Art will guarantee that every single artwork we sell has been approved and authorized by the artists, publishers and distributors that we represent. We ensure the high quality and authenticity of every artwork that we sell. Safe arrival of every piece along with mint condition is guaranteed with every order.
Unlike many of the authorized gallery artwork dealers on the Internet, we also have a brick and mortar store that has been in business since 1988. Gallery Direct Art takes great pride in not only being able to provide thousands upon thousands of artworks to our customers but we enjoy giving each and every order personalized service.
We have agreed to the uphold the integrity of the art we sell by not selling below issue price or current retail. Furthermore, we never sell or offer art from secondary sources. All artworks come directly from the artists or their authorized representatives. This keeps the quality and market value of your artwork at a competitive rate.
If you're interested in starting to collect art or you want to add some pieces to your existing collection but were wary about buying online, consider making your purchase through us, you'll love the quality and the peace of mind from buying from an authorized gallery dealer.
Art From Disney - Always a Classic
Looking for something unusual yet classic for your walls? If you're bored with floral artworks in vases and you really aren't into landscapes, consider adding something a little bit different to your walls in the form of one of the prints from Disney.
You will have a great selection to choose from as many artists are represented. A Disney authorized artist that stands out in particular is Tricia Buchanan. Tricia Buchanan was inspired to become a Disney artist from a very young age and even wrote Disney Studios at the age of 11 to ask how to become an artist, Disney sent her back a packet of information.
She went on to work on the Simpsons, King of the Hill, Dilbert; as well as Disney Studios. She has some excellent prints available in limited editions. Her authorized Disney creations are done in a poster style that is both classic and unique.
A real standout piece in the collection is the work entitled "Hula Your Way to Hawaii" and it features some well known Disney icons. Mickey Mouse is playing a ukulele while Minnie Mouse does the hula in a grass skirt while a large ship passes by in the background. There is a smoking volcano in the background of the piece just to add a little more island mystique to the piece.
Add something whimsical and fun to your art collection, add one of Tricia Buchanan's fun designs that incorporate some of the best loved Disney characters of all time.
You will have a great selection to choose from as many artists are represented. A Disney authorized artist that stands out in particular is Tricia Buchanan. Tricia Buchanan was inspired to become a Disney artist from a very young age and even wrote Disney Studios at the age of 11 to ask how to become an artist, Disney sent her back a packet of information.
She went on to work on the Simpsons, King of the Hill, Dilbert; as well as Disney Studios. She has some excellent prints available in limited editions. Her authorized Disney creations are done in a poster style that is both classic and unique.
A real standout piece in the collection is the work entitled "Hula Your Way to Hawaii" and it features some well known Disney icons. Mickey Mouse is playing a ukulele while Minnie Mouse does the hula in a grass skirt while a large ship passes by in the background. There is a smoking volcano in the background of the piece just to add a little more island mystique to the piece.
Add something whimsical and fun to your art collection, add one of Tricia Buchanan's fun designs that incorporate some of the best loved Disney characters of all time.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
The Feeling and Color of an Avantdil
If your tastes run towards artworks that tell a story with vibrant colors and dashing figures, you will find the work of Avantdil will fit the bill for what you're looking for.
An exception piece is found in the artwork titled, "Tango Argentina". This large sized print measures in at 40" x 40" and it is part of a very limited edition that is hand numbered and signed by the artist himself. There are only twenty prints in the entire series and it is printed in the style of embellished giclee on canvas.
The artist's style of this painting is impressionist but it also has elements that make up cubism and abstract as well. The colors are rich and detail in this richly stroked piece will lend something new almost every time you gaze up on this impressive piece. The giclee on canvas gives the artwork a very authentic look and with the texture on the canvas, many people will assume it is an original piece.
Avantdil is a popular artist that is collected far and wide. Some of his notable patrons include the United States Ambassador to Georgia, the Governor of the Republic of Adjaria, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Russian Federation, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, and the President of International Lyons Club.
If you don't already have an Avantdil in your personal art collection, consider adding this vibrant piece as a beautiful impact piece to your decor.
An exception piece is found in the artwork titled, "Tango Argentina". This large sized print measures in at 40" x 40" and it is part of a very limited edition that is hand numbered and signed by the artist himself. There are only twenty prints in the entire series and it is printed in the style of embellished giclee on canvas.
The artist's style of this painting is impressionist but it also has elements that make up cubism and abstract as well. The colors are rich and detail in this richly stroked piece will lend something new almost every time you gaze up on this impressive piece. The giclee on canvas gives the artwork a very authentic look and with the texture on the canvas, many people will assume it is an original piece.
Avantdil is a popular artist that is collected far and wide. Some of his notable patrons include the United States Ambassador to Georgia, the Governor of the Republic of Adjaria, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Russian Federation, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, and the President of International Lyons Club.
If you don't already have an Avantdil in your personal art collection, consider adding this vibrant piece as a beautiful impact piece to your decor.
Canvas Prints Are Hot
If you've always shunned getting artworks that were made into prints because you didn't like the look and you prefer a little bit of texture with your art, consider the newest generation of prints that are produced on canvas.
Artworks printed on canvas lose none of the brilliance of the original. With modern technology, the original artwork image can be digitally enhanced to transfer to the canvas just as sharp as the original image. The canvas is then stretched and framed just as with an original artwork. To add to the realism of the reproduction, the piece is finished using varnish with a wide and large bristled brush that will leave impressions of brush strokes hither and yon throughout the piece.
You can get all types of artworks from old masters such as Renoir and Monet to newer generations of artists such as William Trost Richards. If you prefer to have originals in your art collection but you don't wish to fork over the cash an original by Picasso might cost, consider getting a museum quality print.
Additionally, when you order one of these prints you will have several framing options. A good rule of thumb is to put a heavy brush stroked canvas in a heavy frame, the two pieces will compliment each other beautifully. It's easy to choose type wood hue for your frame, you can either choose a color within the painting to bring out or if you prefer that your artwork blend with your entire interior decor, choose the frame as near to the colors of your wooden furnishings in the room.
Artworks printed on canvas lose none of the brilliance of the original. With modern technology, the original artwork image can be digitally enhanced to transfer to the canvas just as sharp as the original image. The canvas is then stretched and framed just as with an original artwork. To add to the realism of the reproduction, the piece is finished using varnish with a wide and large bristled brush that will leave impressions of brush strokes hither and yon throughout the piece.
You can get all types of artworks from old masters such as Renoir and Monet to newer generations of artists such as William Trost Richards. If you prefer to have originals in your art collection but you don't wish to fork over the cash an original by Picasso might cost, consider getting a museum quality print.
Additionally, when you order one of these prints you will have several framing options. A good rule of thumb is to put a heavy brush stroked canvas in a heavy frame, the two pieces will compliment each other beautifully. It's easy to choose type wood hue for your frame, you can either choose a color within the painting to bring out or if you prefer that your artwork blend with your entire interior decor, choose the frame as near to the colors of your wooden furnishings in the room.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
A Little Martini 101
The martini is one of the best known cocktails in the world and no matter if you prefer yours shaken or stirred, everyone has a very strong opinion as to what concoction makes the very best martini.
There's a great debate on where the origins of the martini come from. The most widely accredited claim goes to the martini being a descendant of the Martinez, an older, sweeter cocktail consisting of two ounces of sweet vermouth, one ounce Old Tom gin (a sweetened variant), two dashes maraschino cherry liquid, and one dash bitters, shaken with ice, strained, and served with a twist of lemon. The Martinez is stated to have hailed from Martinez, California, where a plaque commemorating the birth of the martini can be found at the intersection of Alahambra and Masonic streets.
If you'd like to commemorate your love of this world renowned libation, consider getting one of Thomas Stiltz's beautifully recreated giclees titled, "Martini Magic". This piece is printed on canvas and tightly attached to frame boards giving this a beautiful gallery wrapped look. To frame or not to frame is entirely up to you. The reproduction captures the realistic beauty of the original oil painting that depicts two realistically captured martinis sitting with a shaker nearby. This would be a wonderful piece of bar art to add to your decor. The size is an impressive 30-inches by 20-inches and the narrow spectrum of dark and light tones used will make it easy to blend into any decor.
Whether you need a great gift or a new addition to a room of your own, this piece will fit in, whether you like it shaken or stirred!
There's a great debate on where the origins of the martini come from. The most widely accredited claim goes to the martini being a descendant of the Martinez, an older, sweeter cocktail consisting of two ounces of sweet vermouth, one ounce Old Tom gin (a sweetened variant), two dashes maraschino cherry liquid, and one dash bitters, shaken with ice, strained, and served with a twist of lemon. The Martinez is stated to have hailed from Martinez, California, where a plaque commemorating the birth of the martini can be found at the intersection of Alahambra and Masonic streets.
If you'd like to commemorate your love of this world renowned libation, consider getting one of Thomas Stiltz's beautifully recreated giclees titled, "Martini Magic". This piece is printed on canvas and tightly attached to frame boards giving this a beautiful gallery wrapped look. To frame or not to frame is entirely up to you. The reproduction captures the realistic beauty of the original oil painting that depicts two realistically captured martinis sitting with a shaker nearby. This would be a wonderful piece of bar art to add to your decor. The size is an impressive 30-inches by 20-inches and the narrow spectrum of dark and light tones used will make it easy to blend into any decor.
Whether you need a great gift or a new addition to a room of your own, this piece will fit in, whether you like it shaken or stirred!
Friday, January 19, 2007
The Love Letter
Nothing could be better for Valentine's Day than an artwork depicting the innocence of a childhood love letter. The masterpiece by Bob Byerley is available as a hand signed and numbered limited edition is titled "The Love Letter" and is reproduced as a beautiful giclee print.
It featured a girl in her teens grinning as she reads a love letter while her younger sister dies laughing in the background. The colors are rich and the whimsical feeling of the painting will delight everyone that sees this work. The painting is 16-inches by 20-inches and there are only 350 in this series, once those are sold, there will not be any more. If you're looking for a gift for someone that is both beautiful and fun for Valentine's Day, consider this painting as they will be thrilled and it would be even more special if you happened to have been childhood sweethearts as well.
As with the other artworks here are at Gallery Direct Art, you get to choose your matting and framing options. If you know the decor for the home you are buying this for, get the frame in a color to match the wood in the room it will be hung in. If you don't know or arent' sure, a good rule of thumb is to match the frame to one of the darker browns in the artwork itself so it will be self-matching and will blend easily into any interior design.
Give the gift of a fun memory, all girls remember that first innocent love.
It featured a girl in her teens grinning as she reads a love letter while her younger sister dies laughing in the background. The colors are rich and the whimsical feeling of the painting will delight everyone that sees this work. The painting is 16-inches by 20-inches and there are only 350 in this series, once those are sold, there will not be any more. If you're looking for a gift for someone that is both beautiful and fun for Valentine's Day, consider this painting as they will be thrilled and it would be even more special if you happened to have been childhood sweethearts as well.
As with the other artworks here are at Gallery Direct Art, you get to choose your matting and framing options. If you know the decor for the home you are buying this for, get the frame in a color to match the wood in the room it will be hung in. If you don't know or arent' sure, a good rule of thumb is to match the frame to one of the darker browns in the artwork itself so it will be self-matching and will blend easily into any interior design.
Give the gift of a fun memory, all girls remember that first innocent love.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
What is The Color of Passion?
The artist Hessam Abrishami knows and his outstanding work of art has even released on a hand signed and numbered limited edition giclee on canvas. The piece is titled "Color of Passion" and it features vibrant colors and is a really striking piece. If you're looking for an impact piece for your room, this would make a great choice.
Giclee prints on canvas look like an original artwork. If you want the look of an original artwork without the cost, a giclee print is the way to go. Giclee in itself is a very interesting process for creating prints. The process of giclee was originally created to "proof" art prints to see if the print renderings were ready for mass printing but it was soon discovered the proof was as good as what was produced. The term actually describes any high resolution ink jet printer produced print. Most giclee prints are made with archival inks that are fade resistant and with pigments that hold their light fastness for years to come. Just as serigraph represents any fine art that was produced through silk screen printing methods, a giclee print was produced digitally through the use of an ink jet printer.
This particular giclee is printed on canvas and then mounted, creating a large finished piece that measures 30 inches by 60 inches. The vivid colors will lose none of their impact in the translation from original to giclee and best of all, this limited edition giclee is signed by the artist just like an original piece!
Giclee prints on canvas look like an original artwork. If you want the look of an original artwork without the cost, a giclee print is the way to go. Giclee in itself is a very interesting process for creating prints. The process of giclee was originally created to "proof" art prints to see if the print renderings were ready for mass printing but it was soon discovered the proof was as good as what was produced. The term actually describes any high resolution ink jet printer produced print. Most giclee prints are made with archival inks that are fade resistant and with pigments that hold their light fastness for years to come. Just as serigraph represents any fine art that was produced through silk screen printing methods, a giclee print was produced digitally through the use of an ink jet printer.
This particular giclee is printed on canvas and then mounted, creating a large finished piece that measures 30 inches by 60 inches. The vivid colors will lose none of their impact in the translation from original to giclee and best of all, this limited edition giclee is signed by the artist just like an original piece!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Add a Kingly Piece to Your Walls
Simon Combes is an amazing artist that turned his love of big cats into a large part of his art that he creates. He has a stunning work available in a 150 run limited edition. The piece titled, "In His Prime" depicts a young male lion leading his pride from a muted and dreamily colored background into a bright and sunny plain. You can feel the steam from the African day and the sheer heat that is depicted in this piece.
Simon Combes great up in Africa and has a first hand knowledge of his favorite subjects, big cats. His beautiful animal portraits and sweeping landscapes earned him honors from The Society of Animal Artists, the Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Show and the Florida Wildlife Expo. In the early 1990s, Combes set out to paint a series of the world's largest cats for The Greenwich Workshop, a project which eventually resulted in the trade book Great Cats: Stories and Art from a World Traveller and included in the book is a collector's portfolio of limited edition prints.
His artworks are collected all over the world and he's a prized artist in both private and public collections. Part of Combes' mission is to raise awareness about wildlife conservation through his art. He is a large contributor and has served on the councils of several wildlife conservation organizations.
Now that you know a little more about this amazing artist, help the big wild cats stay wild and support his art by adding a limited edition piece to your own personal collection.
Simon Combes great up in Africa and has a first hand knowledge of his favorite subjects, big cats. His beautiful animal portraits and sweeping landscapes earned him honors from The Society of Animal Artists, the Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Show and the Florida Wildlife Expo. In the early 1990s, Combes set out to paint a series of the world's largest cats for The Greenwich Workshop, a project which eventually resulted in the trade book Great Cats: Stories and Art from a World Traveller and included in the book is a collector's portfolio of limited edition prints.
His artworks are collected all over the world and he's a prized artist in both private and public collections. Part of Combes' mission is to raise awareness about wildlife conservation through his art. He is a large contributor and has served on the councils of several wildlife conservation organizations.
Now that you know a little more about this amazing artist, help the big wild cats stay wild and support his art by adding a limited edition piece to your own personal collection.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Immortalize an Endangered Species
The sad truth is, some animals that we have known all of our lives may not exist when our children have children of their own. One artist in particular is working to try to change that.
The Artist Robert Bateman is an internationally known artist that was even commissioned to create a painting that served as the wedding gift for the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles from the people of Canada.His work is also represented in the collection of HRH The Prince Philip, the late Princess Grace of Monaco and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. Bateman has had many one-man museum shows throughout North America, including an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.; most of these shows have drawn record-breaking crowds.
He has a beautiful limited edition giclee print titled,"Salmon Watch - Spirit Bear". It is a large piece measuring about 24-inches by 36-inches and is rich with color. Bateman's realistic portrayals of his wildlife subjects are outstanding in their clarity and colors. This artwork in particular is breathtaking and is only available in a limited edition of 180 prints.
Bateman's art reflects his commitment to ecology and preservation and he has worked tirelessly since the 1960's to educate the public through art and public appearances of the importance of environmental and preservation issues. Many of his limited edition print runs are used as fund raising efforts towards helping endangered species, such as the Grizzly Bear depicted in this artwork.
The Artist Robert Bateman is an internationally known artist that was even commissioned to create a painting that served as the wedding gift for the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles from the people of Canada.His work is also represented in the collection of HRH The Prince Philip, the late Princess Grace of Monaco and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. Bateman has had many one-man museum shows throughout North America, including an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.; most of these shows have drawn record-breaking crowds.
He has a beautiful limited edition giclee print titled,"Salmon Watch - Spirit Bear". It is a large piece measuring about 24-inches by 36-inches and is rich with color. Bateman's realistic portrayals of his wildlife subjects are outstanding in their clarity and colors. This artwork in particular is breathtaking and is only available in a limited edition of 180 prints.
Bateman's art reflects his commitment to ecology and preservation and he has worked tirelessly since the 1960's to educate the public through art and public appearances of the importance of environmental and preservation issues. Many of his limited edition print runs are used as fund raising efforts towards helping endangered species, such as the Grizzly Bear depicted in this artwork.
Enhance Your Decor with Custom Framed Art
Livening up your interior can be as easy as adding a piece of custom framed art. Getting a custom framed artwork begins with choosing the piece itself. A good way to choose art for your decor is to pick a subject you are interested in or even collect. If history is your interest, consider getting an artwork that features a historically significant location that you've enjoyed learning about; if you have a collection of cats - consider getting an artwork with that as a theme.
Another way to choose an artwork is simply by the colors reflected in the piece. Before you start looking at artworks, sit down in the room you're going to be choosing a piece for and close your eyes for a few minutes. Open your eyes and look around - what are the two major colors in the room? Either or both of those will be the main color in your artwork. Now look around, what are a couple of the lesser used colors you want to bring up in the room? If you have a primarily off-white and dark beige room with dark red accents; you will want to choose an artwork with off-white or dark beige and you can further blend the artworks into your decor by choosing a piece that has a dark red accent within the piece.
Now comes the fun part, once you've chosen your artwork, you will want to choose a mat (in most cases, unless the artwork is on a canvas which needs no mat)or a double mat and a frame to match. The frame is the part most people feel a little "stuck" at; but in reality - it's the easiest part of your artwork to plan. If you're going for a wooden frame, look around your room and note the color of the wood used for your furnishings. Get as close to that color and grain of wood as you can in your choice of frame. If you want to opt for a piece with more of an impact on your wall, go for a darker stained frame that won't call attention to itself apart from your artwork.
Another way to choose an artwork is simply by the colors reflected in the piece. Before you start looking at artworks, sit down in the room you're going to be choosing a piece for and close your eyes for a few minutes. Open your eyes and look around - what are the two major colors in the room? Either or both of those will be the main color in your artwork. Now look around, what are a couple of the lesser used colors you want to bring up in the room? If you have a primarily off-white and dark beige room with dark red accents; you will want to choose an artwork with off-white or dark beige and you can further blend the artworks into your decor by choosing a piece that has a dark red accent within the piece.
Now comes the fun part, once you've chosen your artwork, you will want to choose a mat (in most cases, unless the artwork is on a canvas which needs no mat)or a double mat and a frame to match. The frame is the part most people feel a little "stuck" at; but in reality - it's the easiest part of your artwork to plan. If you're going for a wooden frame, look around your room and note the color of the wood used for your furnishings. Get as close to that color and grain of wood as you can in your choice of frame. If you want to opt for a piece with more of an impact on your wall, go for a darker stained frame that won't call attention to itself apart from your artwork.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Make Your Living Room Un-boring
Is your living room boring? There are a good number of ways that you can liven up your living room without spending an arm and a leg.
First of all you can do a lot with color. Many people get into using colors in the beige spectrum to the point that they overpower the room and make it into one dull place to be. You can make your room pop by adding a little color.
Add a framed print over your sofa or largest wall in the room and make sure the artwork is brightly colored. It doesn't have to be a huge piece to add a good influx of color into your room. A good rule of thumb for picking a piece that will match seamlessly into your decor is to use a piece that has an undertone of a color that is already in your room and then let the bright colors in the piece jazz up your decor.
A good piece for any room is Simon Bull's hand signed and numbered limited edition print of his original artwork titled "Bright Morning Dew"; this piece depicts a light-drenched brilliantly colored orange-red poppy with hints of sunlight glistening in dew on the petals. It's a beautiful reproduction of the original artwork and the fact it is a hand signed limited edition will make it a very special addition to your walls.
You can further extend the colors of the artwork into your room by using pillows that carry some of the brighter colors in this piece such as the orange-red of the poppy flower as well as the vibrant green of the stem and leaves.
First of all you can do a lot with color. Many people get into using colors in the beige spectrum to the point that they overpower the room and make it into one dull place to be. You can make your room pop by adding a little color.
Add a framed print over your sofa or largest wall in the room and make sure the artwork is brightly colored. It doesn't have to be a huge piece to add a good influx of color into your room. A good rule of thumb for picking a piece that will match seamlessly into your decor is to use a piece that has an undertone of a color that is already in your room and then let the bright colors in the piece jazz up your decor.
A good piece for any room is Simon Bull's hand signed and numbered limited edition print of his original artwork titled "Bright Morning Dew"; this piece depicts a light-drenched brilliantly colored orange-red poppy with hints of sunlight glistening in dew on the petals. It's a beautiful reproduction of the original artwork and the fact it is a hand signed limited edition will make it a very special addition to your walls.
You can further extend the colors of the artwork into your room by using pillows that carry some of the brighter colors in this piece such as the orange-red of the poppy flower as well as the vibrant green of the stem and leaves.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Enjoy Primitive Art
You don't have to living a cave to enjoy primitive art. The sharp black lines and bright pigments used to create these reproductions inspired by neolithic cave drawings will meld nicely into any decor scheme. Alision Dearborne has captured the look of the primitive style with a touch of modern design. She has two outstanding prints that will look marvelous on your walls.
The first is a piece titled, "Freeing the Souls" and depicts two maize and light yellow colored bison running and three wild horses running the opposite direction. The colors used in the horses run from the same scheme as the bison along the color palette to a gorgeous gray-blue. Bold black lines accent the delicately drawn hooves and legs of all five animals in this piece.
The second piece is done in complimentary colors to the previous artwork and is titled, "Jewel". This beautifully done artwork features a running wild horse done in muted tones of brown and golden yellow with a vibrant gold and purple background.
Displayed together on a wall, these two primitive artworks will liven up your decor and bring a beautiful splash of gentle color. Both of these artworks are part of hand signed and limited numbered edition. This means not only are you getting a one-of-a-kind piece with a unique number, you are also getting an artwork that was signed by the artist herself.
If you want to add artwork to your decor that are a little different from the run of the mill flowers on tables in vases and landscapes - go primitive!
The first is a piece titled, "Freeing the Souls" and depicts two maize and light yellow colored bison running and three wild horses running the opposite direction. The colors used in the horses run from the same scheme as the bison along the color palette to a gorgeous gray-blue. Bold black lines accent the delicately drawn hooves and legs of all five animals in this piece.
The second piece is done in complimentary colors to the previous artwork and is titled, "Jewel". This beautifully done artwork features a running wild horse done in muted tones of brown and golden yellow with a vibrant gold and purple background.
Displayed together on a wall, these two primitive artworks will liven up your decor and bring a beautiful splash of gentle color. Both of these artworks are part of hand signed and limited numbered edition. This means not only are you getting a one-of-a-kind piece with a unique number, you are also getting an artwork that was signed by the artist herself.
If you want to add artwork to your decor that are a little different from the run of the mill flowers on tables in vases and landscapes - go primitive!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Artful Gifts of Love
Still stumped for a great Valentine's gift? If you don't want to give something as cliche as a bottle of perfume and your honey isn't a candy and flowers type of person - give them the gift of art.
Consider a limited edition print as a very special gift. Limited edition prints are exact copies of the original artwork, no matter what medium it was created in; that are produced in a limited number of prints. There's no "average" number in a print run - it may be as few as 39 or as many as 2500. Each print will have the number that it is in the series such as "4/39" denotes that this print is the fourth in a series of 39 total prints.
A limited edition print with a love theme would make for an ideal Valentine's present. Choose a classic print by a well known artist such as Erte's "Heart" that features a stylized figure of woman with a cherub in tow within a heart. The black background creates a stark contrast for this piece and it will add a nice impact to any room it is displayed in.
Erte is best known for his work as the artist for Harper's Bizarre, and his easily recognizable style makes him a highly collected artist. This limited edition print is printed in a lithograph style and once matted with archival materials and framed under glass; it will give enjoyment for many Valentine's Days to come.
Consider a limited edition print as a very special gift. Limited edition prints are exact copies of the original artwork, no matter what medium it was created in; that are produced in a limited number of prints. There's no "average" number in a print run - it may be as few as 39 or as many as 2500. Each print will have the number that it is in the series such as "4/39" denotes that this print is the fourth in a series of 39 total prints.
A limited edition print with a love theme would make for an ideal Valentine's present. Choose a classic print by a well known artist such as Erte's "Heart" that features a stylized figure of woman with a cherub in tow within a heart. The black background creates a stark contrast for this piece and it will add a nice impact to any room it is displayed in.
Erte is best known for his work as the artist for Harper's Bizarre, and his easily recognizable style makes him a highly collected artist. This limited edition print is printed in a lithograph style and once matted with archival materials and framed under glass; it will give enjoyment for many Valentine's Days to come.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Add an Unusual Angel to Your Decor
If you collect angels or simply enjoy their presence in your decor, adding an artwork that encompasses the magic of the visual image of an angel will bring a special feeling to your room.
You can take it a step further from the realistically painted angels to something a little more high-brow and incorporate one of the fantastic prints of the famed artist Jean Cocteau. Cocteau was born in 1889 and created steadily until his death in 1963. He had an unmistakable style that consisted of clean lines and using the least amount of visualizing to create stunning pieces, much of which is left up to the viewer to interpret.
The Cocteau "Angel" graphite on paper is an original work of art that is signed and dated by the artist. It would make an outstanding addition to any art collection and a fantastic piece to jump into the world of collecting art with.
Jean Cocteau worked in not only pencil (graphite), but also crayon. Amazingly, he didn't take up easel painting until he was in his early sixties. He experimented with painting as he had with every other medium and incorporated not only paint, but also pipe cleaners, hairpins, candles, matches, thumbtacks, lumps of sugar, and stars made of pasta, just to name a few.
Add a real angel and a real artwork to your decor. If you prefer to have original artworks instead of prints, go for the best with a Cocteau.
You can take it a step further from the realistically painted angels to something a little more high-brow and incorporate one of the fantastic prints of the famed artist Jean Cocteau. Cocteau was born in 1889 and created steadily until his death in 1963. He had an unmistakable style that consisted of clean lines and using the least amount of visualizing to create stunning pieces, much of which is left up to the viewer to interpret.
The Cocteau "Angel" graphite on paper is an original work of art that is signed and dated by the artist. It would make an outstanding addition to any art collection and a fantastic piece to jump into the world of collecting art with.
Jean Cocteau worked in not only pencil (graphite), but also crayon. Amazingly, he didn't take up easel painting until he was in his early sixties. He experimented with painting as he had with every other medium and incorporated not only paint, but also pipe cleaners, hairpins, candles, matches, thumbtacks, lumps of sugar, and stars made of pasta, just to name a few.
Add a real angel and a real artwork to your decor. If you prefer to have original artworks instead of prints, go for the best with a Cocteau.
Amish Art - Plain and Simple
If you want to add some plain and simple artworks to your walls, go for a small collection of Amish inspired art. No group of people define simplicity in living better than the Amish. Though they shun the outside world as much as possible, their influence, especially among handicrafts such as quilting, can't be denied.
There are a number of different groupings of Amish communities and each one follows their own set of rules. Some completely shun electricity while others allow modern conveniences for certain circumstances. The goal of the Amish is to live simply. Men who wear two suspenders when only one is needed can be seen as vain by others in the community. Women that have too many ruffles in their bonnets may also be seen as vain.
The Amish have been depicted in numerous artworks and there is an outstanding collection of prints by Jacob Miller that depict everyday Amish life. "Airing the Quilts" which shows a group of women that are hanging their quilts up on clothes lines to air out or "Maple Syrup Time" that shows a woman gathering syrup from a maple tree while her husband looks on, both show necessary day-to-day duties that the Amish perform often portrayed in a beautifully done artwork. The colors are sharp and simple. Each of the prints in this series is matted in a cream and black mat with a simple black frame further offsetting the artwork.
This grouping of artworks will tell a wonderful story on your walls of the simple, Amish way of life in full, vibrant color.
There are a number of different groupings of Amish communities and each one follows their own set of rules. Some completely shun electricity while others allow modern conveniences for certain circumstances. The goal of the Amish is to live simply. Men who wear two suspenders when only one is needed can be seen as vain by others in the community. Women that have too many ruffles in their bonnets may also be seen as vain.
The Amish have been depicted in numerous artworks and there is an outstanding collection of prints by Jacob Miller that depict everyday Amish life. "Airing the Quilts" which shows a group of women that are hanging their quilts up on clothes lines to air out or "Maple Syrup Time" that shows a woman gathering syrup from a maple tree while her husband looks on, both show necessary day-to-day duties that the Amish perform often portrayed in a beautifully done artwork. The colors are sharp and simple. Each of the prints in this series is matted in a cream and black mat with a simple black frame further offsetting the artwork.
This grouping of artworks will tell a wonderful story on your walls of the simple, Amish way of life in full, vibrant color.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Choosing an Impact Piece
Now that you've finished redecorating your room, do you feel like the room still needs a little something? You made your room flow by choosing complimentary colors throughout; you added accents of color to your sofa and chairs. You redid your window treatments and even changed your lighting within the room, and yet your design still doesn't "pop". It could be that you need an impact piece.
An impact piece is a piece in your room, usually of art, that draws central attention and is also a great conversation piece. Now, what you choose to use for an impact piece is entirely up to you. It can be anything from a terrific piece of sculpture or a brilliantly colored painting. Just remember, nothing dull here - you want color, you want sass and you want your impact piece to deliver an impact.
A diptych will make a fabulous addition to your walls. Diptychs are simply two halves that make up one large painting. They are best displayed with just a bit of space between - so they are individual artworks that create a whole. The Marsha Hammel limited edition print" Song and Dance Diptych " is a great example of a diptych that can also deliver an impact. The print is rich with color and has a huge number of details that will create a fun conversation piece.
Add an impact piece if you feel your room is a little dull, you'll see your entire room awaken from just the addition of a good conversation piece.
An impact piece is a piece in your room, usually of art, that draws central attention and is also a great conversation piece. Now, what you choose to use for an impact piece is entirely up to you. It can be anything from a terrific piece of sculpture or a brilliantly colored painting. Just remember, nothing dull here - you want color, you want sass and you want your impact piece to deliver an impact.
A diptych will make a fabulous addition to your walls. Diptychs are simply two halves that make up one large painting. They are best displayed with just a bit of space between - so they are individual artworks that create a whole. The Marsha Hammel limited edition print" Song and Dance Diptych " is a great example of a diptych that can also deliver an impact. The print is rich with color and has a huge number of details that will create a fun conversation piece.
Add an impact piece if you feel your room is a little dull, you'll see your entire room awaken from just the addition of a good conversation piece.
Give a Little Love
If you've been searching high and low for a great Valentine's Day present and you want to give something that says "love" consider a work of art that conveys the message in a beautiful way.
Feng shui is a very popular style of decorating and if your gift recipient is into the Asian style of creating balance within each room of their home, you can incorporate an Asian themed artwork nicely with a heartfelt sentiment of love.
An outstanding piece by Tiefeng Jiang is the vibrant piece titled "Feng Shui (Love)". This is an interesting piece as it is a serigraph on canvas and looks like an original artwork as most people do not expect to see a reproduction on canvas artworks. There are only 179 pieces produced for this series and your piece will come numbered as to which number in this limited edition your artwork is.
The size of this artwork is 40-inches by 30-inches and for an even more feng shui appeal, use smaller artworks or hanging sculptures on either side of this serigraph to continue the theme of balance within the room that the decoration art of feng shui is working towards.
Art makes an outstanding choice as a gift for Valentine's Day. If you want to give a gift that the recipient will think of you everytime they see it, give the gift of art.
Feng shui is a very popular style of decorating and if your gift recipient is into the Asian style of creating balance within each room of their home, you can incorporate an Asian themed artwork nicely with a heartfelt sentiment of love.
An outstanding piece by Tiefeng Jiang is the vibrant piece titled "Feng Shui (Love)". This is an interesting piece as it is a serigraph on canvas and looks like an original artwork as most people do not expect to see a reproduction on canvas artworks. There are only 179 pieces produced for this series and your piece will come numbered as to which number in this limited edition your artwork is.
The size of this artwork is 40-inches by 30-inches and for an even more feng shui appeal, use smaller artworks or hanging sculptures on either side of this serigraph to continue the theme of balance within the room that the decoration art of feng shui is working towards.
Art makes an outstanding choice as a gift for Valentine's Day. If you want to give a gift that the recipient will think of you everytime they see it, give the gift of art.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Choosing Art For Your Home Made Easy
When you're putting together your decor, you may feel a little intimidated about choosing a large artwork for your walls. It doesn't have to a Renoir reproduction to add a touch of style in your room. What it does need to do is make you feel comfortable with the subject matter depicted and the overall essence of the artwork.
An easy way to find a painting that will meld right into your decor scheme is to look around your room and write down two main colors and one or two secondary colors you've used in your design scheme. Try to incorporate an artwork with at least one of the main colors and one of the secondary colors and you'll have a large piece that will go well with your room off the bat.
Go for a frame that looks nice but isn't too ornate. Large, heavy wooden scroll worked frames are certainly elegant but they can detract from your artwork, particularly if it is done in colors that are of the lighter variety.
For a soft look in your room, go for the blended softness of watercolors. For a sharper and more modern look, the bright colors of an acrylic masterpiece can't be beat. Prints translate well to any of the three main mediums, watercolor, acrylic or oils. It's all just a matter of the look you want to convey in your room.
Use these tips and choose a new artwork to ring in the New Year and a new look to your room!
An easy way to find a painting that will meld right into your decor scheme is to look around your room and write down two main colors and one or two secondary colors you've used in your design scheme. Try to incorporate an artwork with at least one of the main colors and one of the secondary colors and you'll have a large piece that will go well with your room off the bat.
Go for a frame that looks nice but isn't too ornate. Large, heavy wooden scroll worked frames are certainly elegant but they can detract from your artwork, particularly if it is done in colors that are of the lighter variety.
For a soft look in your room, go for the blended softness of watercolors. For a sharper and more modern look, the bright colors of an acrylic masterpiece can't be beat. Prints translate well to any of the three main mediums, watercolor, acrylic or oils. It's all just a matter of the look you want to convey in your room.
Use these tips and choose a new artwork to ring in the New Year and a new look to your room!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Boys Are Stupid, Throw Rocks At Them
Okay it's not a popular sentiment, especially with Valentine's Day coming up soon; but if you want to add a piece of whimsical art that will bring a smile to everyone's face that views it - go for a Todd Goldman poster.
The artwork "Boys Are Stupid, Throw Rocks At Them" has been reproduced into a 24" x 36" open edition poster. The print features a cartoonish figure with blue eyes running away from rocks that are flying through the air towards him. It is printed on fine art lithograph paper and if you frame it under glass using acid free materials and keep the piece out of direct sunlight - it should retain it's good looks indefinitely. If you have someone who has recently been through a break up and won't have a particular Valentine to call their own this year, this poster would make a fun gift to lift their spirits and bring a smile to their face.
Additionally, you can get this piece framed if you choose. It would look great in a low-key black frame that will set off the fine black lines used to create this piece.
Todd has an entire line of artwork inspired products. His "doodles" appear on many different products from shirts to pajamas to watches. His poster print is proving to be very popular and if you enjoy collecting art - put Todd Goldman down as an artist's name to remember as you're going to be hearing a lot from him in the years to come.
The artwork "Boys Are Stupid, Throw Rocks At Them" has been reproduced into a 24" x 36" open edition poster. The print features a cartoonish figure with blue eyes running away from rocks that are flying through the air towards him. It is printed on fine art lithograph paper and if you frame it under glass using acid free materials and keep the piece out of direct sunlight - it should retain it's good looks indefinitely. If you have someone who has recently been through a break up and won't have a particular Valentine to call their own this year, this poster would make a fun gift to lift their spirits and bring a smile to their face.
Additionally, you can get this piece framed if you choose. It would look great in a low-key black frame that will set off the fine black lines used to create this piece.
Todd has an entire line of artwork inspired products. His "doodles" appear on many different products from shirts to pajamas to watches. His poster print is proving to be very popular and if you enjoy collecting art - put Todd Goldman down as an artist's name to remember as you're going to be hearing a lot from him in the years to come.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
The Gift of Art for Your Valentine?
If you want to give a gift to someone that is very special to you and you'd like to be something they'll think of you every time they glance up and see the gift, consider the gift of an artwork for Valentine's.
Consider a limited edition print by James Rizzi " The Apple of My Heart ". This brightly colored print captures all the vibrance of the original and features two people looking at each other with a twinkle in their eyes while hearts, flowers and stars abound all over this piece. The dimensions are roughly 4 inches by 6 inches and your print will be numbered as to which one in the series of 350 it is. With an artwork of this size, it's not a huge space commitment for the wall and if your Valentine wants to display this piece in the office, it's completely office friendly. If you want to give a one of a kind gift, a limited edition print is a great way to do it.
Although, framed prints make wonderful presentations but don't think you have to limit yourself to just a print for a present. You can also give a beautiful piece of sculpture to set on a table or in a place in the bedroom where the love of your life will see it every day upon awakening.
And those are just a couple of good ideas to make this a Valentine's Day to remember. If you want to do something besides jewelry or perfume this year, go for the artfully tasteful approach and give a one of a kind piece of art!
Consider a limited edition print by James Rizzi " The Apple of My Heart ". This brightly colored print captures all the vibrance of the original and features two people looking at each other with a twinkle in their eyes while hearts, flowers and stars abound all over this piece. The dimensions are roughly 4 inches by 6 inches and your print will be numbered as to which one in the series of 350 it is. With an artwork of this size, it's not a huge space commitment for the wall and if your Valentine wants to display this piece in the office, it's completely office friendly. If you want to give a one of a kind gift, a limited edition print is a great way to do it.
Although, framed prints make wonderful presentations but don't think you have to limit yourself to just a print for a present. You can also give a beautiful piece of sculpture to set on a table or in a place in the bedroom where the love of your life will see it every day upon awakening.
And those are just a couple of good ideas to make this a Valentine's Day to remember. If you want to do something besides jewelry or perfume this year, go for the artfully tasteful approach and give a one of a kind piece of art!
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