Art - The Answer for the "Hard to Buy For" Question

You love them dearly but they sure do stress you out around gift buying season. Who am I talking about? That hard to buy for person on your list. Fortunately, art is a great way to please someone with something they will enjoy for years to come and you have so many choices when it comes to making a gift of art.

Fine Art Prints are the Bomb

Let's talk fine art prints as gifts. There are so many amazing choices. Major artists like Thomas Kinkade, Terry Redlin, Robert Duncan and Pino all have limited edition prints. Many people begin collecting art from getting their interest peaked in an artist or a particular style of art by getting a gift. The beautify of a limited edition is only so many are made in a series, the artist is usually involved from start to finish and they are usually signed by the artist.

It's not like someone slapped a completed painting on a copy machine and sent you the print out. It's a lot more involved than that and you're not limited to getting a print on paper, often there are prints produced on canvas. It's fun to watch the market year after year and see if your limited edition grows in value, often they do. 
See our fine art prints showcase.

Designer Decor 
For the ultra-hard to please on your gift giving list, that is also a lover of designer decor - consider the fantastic productions out of Paragon. From living rooms to kitchens to all rooms in between (including kids) there is a Paragon design to suit every taste. See the huge number of selections Paragon offers in our showcase.

Sculpture Lovers
A sculpture makes a fantastic gift and there is literally something for every taste in our gallery. From religious to fantasy to western to bronze and more. 

If you have someone that collects frogs - you can find a sculpture to make their eyes bright and their smile huge as they unwrap your gift of art. This Mark Hopkins sculpture "Found a Frog" is a great example of the humor in his work. 

See all the sculptures available in our showcase now.

Mark Hopkins Bronze – The Most Collected Bronze Artist Of Our Generation

Since 1988 when Mark Hopkins started a foundry with a unique idea – he wanted to produce inexpensive bronze sculptures and make the collecting of bronze sculpture art something accessible to everyone from the seasoned art collector to someone that just fell in love with a piece and had to have it. In the present, Mark's foundry is a huge success and still producing unique bronze works of art. Originally bronze sculptures were something thought to mainly reside within traditional fine art galleries. However, bronze sculpture artists don't get a lot of exposure in this way because on a small percentage of the buying public actually visits galleries with the intent of making an investment in a sculpture. That's why Hopkins making his sculptures so universally accessible by the public has catapulted his amazing talents into the spotlight.

One of the most unusual hallmarks of Mark Hopkins are his proprietary casting techniques, especially his use of the ancient method of wax process casting. The most impressive part is that Hopkins can create a hot cast bronze sculpture for a fraction of the cost most other methods would wind up costing in the creation of the work. This allows Mark to stay unique and original and also highly affordable.
Mark's sculptures can almost be thought of as a snapshot of a moment in time. In this piece, look at the detail and jovial vibe from the children that just shines through this piece. You can almost hear them laughing while they balance. See it's just a moment from an afternoon of playtime with friends. Captured forever in a Mark Hopkin's bronze piece titled, "Balancing Act".

From religious subjects, historical, American wildlife, sports, African wildlife, music, nautical, sea life, and Mark Hopkins famous candelabra designs, there is literally something for every taste in this collection, plus with his time saving techniques that produce high quality sculptures in his foundry, there are new pieces offered on a regular basis. Enjoy a limited edition sculpture from Mark Hopkins.

See the full line of Mark Hopkins Bronze Sculptures : http://www.gallerydirectart.com/sculpture-mark-hopkins.html

Terry Gilecki And Koi Fish

"Somewhere in the Middle"

Koi fish are unique.
No two are exactly alike and their colors range from muted to truly brilliant. Their magnificence wasn't lost on artist Terry Gilecki and he's done a large number of art works featuring these humble members of the carp family.

Look at this example in Terry Gilecki Hand signed and Numbered Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas:"Among Friends" series titled "Somewhere In The Middle".

The one thing you'll notice is Gilecki's attention to detail for his subjects. The look at the way the fish are in the piece in mid-swim, the rocks and pebbles in the koi pond. The lily pads floating above give the water in this artwork a lovely depth. Not surprisingly, many people often think Gilecki's art works are photographs at first glance, he is a master of color. This original artwork is reproduced on canvas in a limited edition that is hand signed by the artist. A nicely collectable piece to add to your own collection.

"Casting Some Light"

Collectors all over the world have been quietly adding this artist to their collections and it's no small secret why. His talent for capturing his fishy subjects is unreal.

Another great piece to get a feel for Gilecki's work is found with Terry Gilecki Hand signed and Numbered Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas:"Casting Some Light".
This piece is very interesting as not only has Gilecki captured the absolute serene beauty of the koi fish, he also put in reflections as though you are actually seeing this in person complete with water pool reflections happening. This piece is a limited edition Giclee on canvas and that is hand signed and numbered by the artist.

Terry Gilecki is a must have for any koi lover or collector of realistic fine art. These limited edition canvas prints will make a stunning gift for that koi aficionado or for yourself to create a serene area in your home with the quiet beauty of the koi.

See the entire showcase for Terry Gilecki and his fabulous Koi art here.

Thomas Kinkade 10th Disney Dreams Release Tells the Story in Panorama from One Side to the Other

When  you think Thomas Kinkade, you generally think, warm homes, winter scenes, family love and serene scenes right?

Do you ever think Disney?

Well you should.
Actually Kinkade produced a beautifully done rendition of "The Jungle Book" and if you look, the entire story is told from one side to the other as you looked across from left to right.

Thomas Kinkade Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Fine Art Print and Hand-Embellished with Painted Accents Giclee Canvas :"The Jungle Book"

This would be a great piece to hang in child's room and tell the story of Mowgli, the child raised by wolves, who made friends with bears and black panthers and there was a tiger and a python after him. Or if you have a Disney-lover in your life, this will be a showcase piece.

Kinkade uses brilliant colors to showcase the characters and the entire story is here. As with all Thomas Kinkade artworks, he playfully had some fun with the piece and incorporated the characters in well camouflaged scenes along with some additional fun:
1. Four hidden Mickey Ears
2. Nine characters from previous Disney Dreams Collection images
3. Twenty one Monkeys
4. King Louie

Each section of this piece has one of the many memorable scenes from the movie immortalized in this artwork. From the insanity King Louie caused, to the sheer fun of the baby elephant walk. Don't forget Mowgli's romance at the edge of the water by the "man village" where he was actually from.

See this piece up close: Thomas Kinkade Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Fine Art Print and Hand-Embellished with Painted Accents Giclee Canvas :"The Jungle Book" - Thomas Kinkade Disney Dreams Collection.

This Black Friday, Buy Baroque Art

A Peasant Man, Head and Shoulders, Shouting

Art makes an awesome gift and this Black Friday, while everyone else is running around and dealing with traffic, crowd and holiday attitudes, get the jump on Cyber Monday shopping and consider adding a little Baroque-style art for someone special on your holiday list.

You may not know the term, but you'll know the Baroque art style if you see it. It's an extremely elaborate and ornate artistic style. It's theatrical, dynamic and pops with detail and life. It was super popular in Europe during the 17th Century.

Many Baroque pieces will look posed, but there are some that capture moments in time like a snapshot from the 17th century.
A great example of that is Agostino Carracci Fine Art Open Edition Giclée:"A Peasant Man, Head and Shoulders, Shouting"
This is an outstanding print that really lends itself to be a fantastic conversation piece.
Why is he shouting?
What is he shouting?
And who is he shouting too?
This is an open edition print and the inks used in the Giclee are high quality. These inks have a color permanence rating in excess of 100 years (when properly cared for, and displayed in acceptable lighting).

Go for some royalty and let your friends wonder who the aristocratic ancestor is? In this Cornelius Johnson Open Edition Giclée:"Portrait of Alathea, Countess of Arundel" you get a haunting portrait of a lady from long ago.

This is an open edition Giclee print that postively glows with a regal air. The red of her overdress in this piece and the detail on the lace collar are simply gorgeous. This museum quality print is done on acid-free paper in the highest quality archival inks.
These are just two pieces of the many Baroque-style prints that are available in our Baroque style gallery. If you want to add something absolutely exquisite to your decor or you need an elegant gift, you cannot go wrong with a classical style artwork. 

Baby and Children's Artful Room Ideas

A lot of times when you're thinking of art, you may think the living room, the den, perhaps the kitchen for a cool piece featuring wine and fruit or maybe something funky like a french cafe scene. There's bedrooms and specifically rooms for babies and young children. You can help your kiddos develop an appreciation for art from an early age simply be exposing them to it and talking about various artworks with your kids. 

"Inner Child Pk/2"

Paragon has designed a really great piece for your little princesses' room. 
This Weigel Canvas Transfer: "Inner Child Pk/2" is a great set. This print is done on canvas and has hand embellished accents making it a truly one of a kind piece. The fun thing is showing art to your little ones and pointing out the girls are standing in flowers, asking your child to imagine what they are doing and what they are saying. Talking about colors in the piece. Do they see circles, squares, patterns in these artworks? 
All of those things not only teach your child to think creatively, but also to simply appreciate art.

"Peek-a-Boo"

Another of Paragon's star designers, Malanta Knowles has created this 6-panel super fun piece titled "Peek-a-Boo". This will delight any little one and it's got a gorgeous color scheme that will meld seamlessly into room decor. 
This is another great piece that will not only activate your little one's eyes with its use of color, it can also be used as a learning tool. Talk about the animals, know any crazy facts or stories about monkeys or zebras? Tell you child, they will always remember that you were the one that told them no two zebras have stripes exactly alike. Animals with party hats, top hats and hearts, this is a great piece for a child's room.

When you're getting art for a baby or child's room, consider more than just a color or a theme, you can get pieces that can create learning moments and lasting memories. 

See our full range of kids room art here.

Symbolism in Thomas Kinkade Paintings

One of the most intriguing things about Thomas Kinkade artworks is decoding the hidden meanings behind many of the common features he used in his works.

Thomas Kinkade "The Lights of Christmastown"

Let's look at some of his most common themes in his new release "Thomas Kinkade Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Fine Art Print and Hand-Embellished with Painted Accents Giclee Canvas :"The Lights of Christmastown".

In this piece you will see his theme of light. It's more than beautiful glows and colors. It also represents faith and guidance.

Notice the smoke rising from the chimney from some of the homes? Kinkade often used that to bring an element of warmth to that home.

Thomas Kinkade was famous for his rendition of lights in homes, churches and buildings. They were more than just elements to brighten a painting, they also represent traditional family values that Kinkade himself held dear.

The activity in the piece is a lot more than just cars driving, or a tractor moving along at a pace, for Kinkade, the use of people or vehicles in a state of movement represented the constant changes in life that we are faced with.

Two fun elements to look for in his paintings are lamp posts and the letter "N". The lamp post was meant as a reminder of welcoming our friends and loved ones, also it's still the symbol used by the Thomas Kinkade Company. Frequently Kinkade would hide the letter "N" around his paintings, they are difficult to find but you can find them in nearly every one. They are a tribute of love to his wife Nanette. Want to know how many "N's" are in a piece? Just look to the lower corner (it varies whether it is on the left or right hand side) and there will be a number in red. This number is how many hidden "N's" to look for in the painting.

Thomas Kinkade is a fabulously collectible artist and learning his language he used when creating his artworks, you can see that every painting really does tell a story.

What's My Art Worth? Try These Three Resources to Find Out

James Christensen "Passage By Faith"

As we mentioned in a previous post that limited edition prints aren't just photocopies of paintings, there is also a value with a limited edition print whether it is on paper or canvas.

There many styles of collection limited edition prints. Some collectors collect by the artist. Some people get into it because someone gave them the gift of an artwork that was a limited edition print and stoked a love of a particular artist's work. After that all the paintings that were done as prints are sought out and collected.

The work of James Christensen is a great example of this. He does a widely diverse array of subjects but the uses the same crisp style that anyone that knows his work can immediately identify and he has a loyal following of collectors of his fine art as well as limited edition prints.

Another way many people get into collecting art is that they simply find a particular piece that speaks to them and they get interested in a particular artist. Other collectors collect by theme. Someone may only want landscapes and collect the best artists they can find that produce work of that genre. Others may enjoy abstracts with a particular color theme or other subject matter.

The one thing all these collectors will have in common is that they expect their investments to pay off and they hope many if not all of their limited editions will increase in value. That old addage of an artist having to die to be valuable isn't exactly true, it gets down to how in demand the artist is and how savvy they've been in issuing their limited edition prints.

We know of three great resources to find out how much your art is currently worth.

InformArtMag is the “Blue Book” value listing for Limited Edition Art : http://www.informartmag.com/index_main.cfm
AskART is comprehensive directory and provides auction results: http://www.askart.com/AskART/index.aspx 
And Ebay http://www.ebay.com

Simply search and see what your favorite artists are going for on the average in sales to others. That will give you a good idea of the fair market value. Are you ready to get involved in creating a collection of your own? Start searching now at our art showcase.

Limited Edition Art Prints Are Not Like Photocopies of Paintings

I  was discussing the blog post "Thomas Kinkade and Lionel Trains Celebrate Christmas 2012" with a friend that is so crazy for trains she and her husband actually have train tracks with model Lionel trains running around their house; and she said something that really took me back.

I mentioned that it was one of the last paintings that Kinkade completed before he passed away in April of this year and I felt the limited edition had some value besides the fact it was done by Kinkade.
She said, "I would never bother with a print, they are nothing but xeroxes of paintings, there's no value in that." 
Seriously?
At first I thought she was pulling my leg, and then I realized all the artwork in her home consisted of some gorgeous vintage posters and a lot of art done on canvas by her enormously talented mother and aunt.
I realized here are probably a number of people that feel the same way about prints and they shouldn't.

Fine art limited edition prints are an exact and true copy of the artist's original work. No one slaps a painting on a xerox machine and packs up the copies as they shoot out the bottom on cheap white paper. Instead it's a process. It's very normal procedure for the artist to work through the process with the production team from start to finish. Limited editions are often numbered and/or hand signed by the artist and they usually have value that increases over time because of the limited nature of the production. It gets down to this: since only a limited number was ever available - people got what they got and there's no more to be had. There are collectors that go after specific numbers in a given series.

The quality that goes into a limited edition print run is amazing. 
Along with only a select number being produced, then each print is inspected by the artist and signed, inspected again by The Publisher then numbered, certifying your art’s quality and individual identity.

Robert Finale's "A Winter Stroll"

A great example of a hand embellished Giclee print on canvas is Robert Finale's "A Winter Stroll".
Look at the how brilliant the colors and shades are in this print. His use of light elements just makes this piece pop with life. His attention to detail is amazing. 

Itzchak Tarkay's "Afternoon Tea"

Looking at this piece, you can imagine that someone in any of those windows is looking out and wondering what's going on - perhaps looking the window you're looking out of into the painting.

If you want to see a great example of a print on paper with colors that come to life, check out Itzchak Tarkay's hand signed and numbered limited edition on paper titled,"Afternoon Tea". Itzchak was placed in a Nazi concentration camp when he was only 9 years old and survived. He tends to paint bright colors and subjects that are fast snapshots in time. Like these ladies enjoying an afternoon tea together.
Spend a little time in our showcase and find an artist you relate to and start collecting their works, as you can see, a print can be a great investment.

See the selection now at http://www.gallerydirectart.com/dealer-gallery-of-fine-art-prints---posters.html

Thomas Kinkade and Lionel Trains Celebrate Christmas 2012

"All Aboard for Christmas" by Thomas Kinkade

Thomas Kinkade and Christmas go hand in hand, no denying that. And another icon of the holiday season are Lionel Trains. For Christmas 2012, Thomas Kinkade has paired up with Lionel trains in this amazing piece to celebrate days gone by.

One of the things that makes this piece so incredibly special is that it is one of last pieces done by Kinkade before he passed away in April 2012.

This artwork brings a life a snapshot in time that he himself drew upon boyhood memories that took him back to a childhood when the security of family traditions and remembering what a fun adventure that traveling by train could be.

No one, but no one can capture lights in the sky as well as buildings as well as Thomas Kinkade. The play of light versus dark in his artworks is one the key elements in the reason Thomas Kinkade artworks will meld literally into any decor scheme. If you have a lighter type of decor, the lights in the piece will compliment your lighter items in the room. If you have a darker color scheme in your room you plan to display this piece, the darkness of the Lionel train and shades on the water-tower and other shadow elements will make this piece pop when combined with a darker decor.

Also consider this piece as an excellent housewarming gift for someone who is getting married or setting up housekeeping during the holiday season. It will be a warm reminder year after year.

There are 4 size options :

• 12x18 
• 18x27
• 24x36
• 28x42

There are two styles to choose this limited edition in. Either a Giclee on paper or hand embelished canvas. Either will look outstanding and celebrating a traditional Christmas with a beautifully done Thomas Kinkade calling back to the romantic days of Lionel Trains causing a buzz in town on a snowy Christmas Day, can be the perfect way to showcase your own holiday spirit.
Make this artwork your own "All Aboard for Christmas" Thomas Kinkade.

Animation Art - From Walt Disney to the Avengers

Sometimes you just want something different. You think still life artworks are nice but you don't want one for your walls. You think landscapes are alright, Bob Ross certainly made a living showing us all how to appreciate happy little trees; but you want something that defines both art and fun.
The answer can come in 2 words : Animation Art.

There are a ton of choices, from new releases like "Frankenweenie" by the imagination only Tim Burton could dream up to the classics from Walt Disney such as "Alice in Wonderland" and don't forget, long before "The Avengers" was a box-office smash, it was an animated series.

"Twisted and Evil" by  Trevor Carlton

You aren't limited to prints either.
Many of the art prints are available on hand-embellished, textured canvas. Look at the colors pop in this piece by Trevor Calton, "Twisted and Evil" and if you remember this evil queen, she certainly fits that title!

The attention to detail on this piece is amazing.
The best thing about hand embellished canvas pieces like these is since they have the one on one hand-work, they are truly unique, with no two being identical.

We're going to cover this in an upcoming article, but also consider the value of your piece. 

"A Fairies' Reflection"

Very often limited edition animation art pieces go up in value. So you can quite often consider that the piece you're adding to your collection (or someone else's collection if the animation art is a gift) is an investment.

A great example of a very limited edition is James Coleman's "A Fairies' Reflection (Peter Pan-Tinkerbell)".

Only 30 of these absolutely gorgeous prints were made and they are a mixed media print. Giclee on canvas with individually applied gold and silver leaf appliques. Each of these prints comes with a certificate of authenticity.


The superheroes on the big screen in the Batman franchise of films to the aforementioned "Avengers, all have animation art because that's where they started. There's no reason to think animation art can't be considered fine art as well.
You can see the huge array of choices in our Animation Art showcase.

So Much Good Designer Framed Art, It's Hard to Choose!

Joey Duncan " Venetian"

Guess what happens when you combine world-renowned designers like Candace Olsen or Joey Duncan with classic artworks? You get the unique designs carried in the Paragon Picture Gallery.
One of the best things about Paragon pieces is that they are put together by professional designers who not only consider the artwork but also the decor the piece will be used in.
A great example is Joey Duncan's Venetian which is actually 3 framed pieces you have a lot of display choices with. Use them together to form a 9 panel design (as shown) or you can split them up and let them compliment each other on adjoining wall spaces.
Check out how numerous tints and shades coordinate and compliment each other in this piece and it could meld seamlessly into a light or darkly themed decor.

Malanta Knowles "Couture Coffee"

Another really great pairing to think about, especially if you found this page looking for a great gift for someone who loves to cook, but already has every cooking and kitchen  gadget known to man, consider the gift of art for the kitchen and there are numerous choices in the Paragon collection.

Malanta Knowles has been seriously hard at work designing some dining themed pieces that just pop. This piece is called "Coffee Couture" and like a lot of Paragon items, the artworks come in a set and can be used together to form a square or 2 on 2 to form rectangles around a larger artwork  or even by themselves to compliment around a room. The display options are definitely not limiting.

This is just one of numerous pieces available and there are also some excellent wine, food, and fruit themed pieces that come in a full range of subjects and color schemes.

You can see the collection, including brand new releases, in the Paragon Gallery now.

Thomas Kinkade New Releases - Let Your Holiday Shopping Begin!

A Christmas Story by Thomas Kinkade available now!

Okay, start making a list and checking it twice - it's time to get your holiday gift giving going.

We have a week's worth of new Thomas Kinkade limited edition prints to talk about and let's start with one that brings in the holiday spirit starting with the title, "A Christmas Story".

Thomas Kinkade Studio's Limited Edition Fine Art Print and Hand-Embellished Canvas with Painted Accents :"A Christmas Story" - has snapshot of time during the holidays, complete with the soft, glowing lights that are in the homes and buildings lending a soft glow to the painting.
There are several options available for this print.
It is available in three sizes to fit the wall space for anyone on your holiday list.
Sizes 12x18, 18x27,and 24x36 and there are two types you can get.
A limited edition Giclee on paper print or you can opt for a hand embellished canvas version.
Both make absolutely outstanding gifts, if you have someone that tends to like the more unique artworks, the hand embellished canvas version of this piece will make them very happy.

And of course we have frames!
Your artwork will arrive ready to hang every time.
Here is just a sampling of the types of frames we recommend considering with this gorgeous Kinkade piece.

As you can see, all of these frames are a great choice to highlight the colors used in this artwork. With the lighter color woods, the soft lights in the painting get highlighted. With the darker woods, you tend to notice the warmer colors used in this artwork even more.

Check back often in this space, we'll be posting shopping tips for the artfully-inclined this holiday season and if you have any questions - just ask - we're always glad to help you get the perfect addition.