Tips for Giving Art as a Gift

Some people are a little apprehensive about giving an artwork as a gift as they envision giving only a huge painting being unwrapped by the recipient. 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 small 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!

New House, New Decor, New Art!

There are many different reasons why you would want to purchase new art for your home, one of which would be the move to a brand new house. When you are excited about a new house in your future, there are, many different ways that you can begin to dress it up. For those who are fond of interesting prints and even sculptures, various pieces of art are the absolute most incredible way to give your new digs a breath of fresh air as well as a touch or two of your style and taste.

Depending on the amount of space that you happen to have within your new home, you may be on the hunt for a couple of smaller pieces or even a good amount of larger pieces. With just about any size space, you should be able to find a great selection of art that will help to fill the home and give it a certain look that you are going to be proud of. Even if you simply place a piece of sculpture on the coffee table in your living room, it can bring the look and feel of the room to a completely new level. Many other pieces of decor can rarely have the same impact on your living quarters.

If music is your poison, you can look to one of the amazing pieces created by artist Mark Hopkins. Full of life and always memorable, all of the sculpture within the Mark Hopkins collection make for an amazing piece for any corner of your brand new home.

Favorite Colors, Favorite Art

You may not be exactly sure why you love a particular color, but it seems to be true within all of us that we have various colors that we are drawn to. Some might say that your favorite colors will reflect your personality or even a special time or turning point within your life. No matter what the real reason may be, it is really no secret that your favorite color, or even a collection of your favorite colors, can bring a smile to your face within seconds.

This theory obviously trickles down even further to when you begin to decorate your living space with art. If you are an individual who seems to enjoy green hues, then you may find yourself being drawn to those pieces that show off grassy landscapes stunning mountain ranges or even a great abstract piece with bold use of colors. The same goes if you are a fan of red, orange or even pink.

When you want to decorate your living space with art that reflects your favorite colors, you could even go with themes for different rooms. In your bedroom, decorate with your favorite shade of blue, complete with a print with an ocean scene to tie the look together. In the bath, think of a scheme that includes your favorite shade of red to wake you up, energize you and get you ready for your day. In the office, look to a strong orange, or several shades of orange brought together with a great sculpture that can help to spark your imagination and help you focus on the task at hand.

Holiday Spirit Through Great Art Selections

The spirit of the holiday season can definitely grow depending on the kinds of events and surroundings that you are placed in. Gathering with friends and family members for various celebrations can be one way to bring out the best that the holidays have to offer. Another way to enjoy the holiday season and enhance your seasonal spirit is with the proper selection of nice art selections to help you decorate your home.

There is always something quite special about walking through a home that is filled with prints or paintings that are reminiscent of a cozy setting around the holiday season. Bringing this feeling into your home can be as simple as a giclee on canvas. Whether you are currently a collector or not, these canvas art additions can make your holidays go from ordinary to extraordinary within a matter of minutes.

The Susan Rios hand signed and numbered limited edition giclee on canvas titled Holiday Tea is the perfect example of a nice way to bring the joy of the holidays closer to you. With warm colors and incredible detail, this is the kind of piece that is bound to draw your attention as well as invoke plenty of comments from your friends ore relatives when they show up at your house for a quick holiday visit or a special planned gathering. You may even want to think about adding this gorgeous piece to the list of gifts that you are going to purchase for some of the lucky people that you will be shopping for.

Our Love of Innocence

It's hard to deny that pets can become an integral part of a family. Puppies are hard to deny with their innocent looks and playful spirits. For those that love animals, a painting or picture can be the perfect gift. Suellen Ross's Limited Edition Print: "Softspot", says it all. Not only does it remind us of the love we feel for animals, it also makes us all think of that favorite chair we can never somehow seem to part with.

Her special talent and obvious love for animals, allows her to paint scenes that are realistic and emotional. They're the subtle everyday scenes of life that we can easily take for granted if not careful. We can all relate to our favorite pet napping lazily in our favorite reading chair. Somehow, we never have the heart to make it leave. Oh well! We'll just have to get there first the next time.

Art can affect our environments tremendously. To many, a house doesn't become a home until there is enough art décor in place to balance an overall theme. It makes the goal a whole lot easier if we have a personal attachment to the art's subject matter too. Art that is loved and embraced will always make the perfect gift, either for the ones we care about or ourselves. The best part is that it only takes a moment to be thoughtful and caring enough to give the perfect gift.

Time for Reflection

In the world of fine art, there are many mediums an artist can choose from to depict realism. However, there is none more technically challenging or demanding than the field of realistic water color figure painting. To achieve realism, an artist has to master skill control of edges and layers, washes, and he or she must also have a firm grip on the properties of pigment and water.

Artist Steve Hanks has is firmly in command of all the skills and requirements of his profession. His works are primarily the study and expression of the human figure, and his mastery of light and shadow, landscapes, moving water, children, and women; create images that are emotionally moving and uniquely mysterious.

Steve's thoughtful and engaging painting: "Moving On", is a perfect example of his ability to capture the personal "moments of introspective solitude", of individuals lost in deep reflection. Art that is emotionally moving has a tendency to set the vibrational tone of everything around it. If it happens to be the center or the anchoring piece of artwork, it will usually command the respect of anyone entering a room. It also says a lot about the collector. People have a tendency to buy the type of artwork that reflects their own unique way of life.

Great art not only unifies the theme of a living space, but it also has the ability to give an individual something new and different each time it's observed.

A Pause on a Hill

There are many stories about how the West was settled, but the best stories might just be those that are captured forever on canvas. It's true that a picture paints a thousand words, and Robert Duncan's Handsigned and Numbered Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas: "Curious", gives us a glimpse into a pivotal time in the history of the United States.

A young Native American pauses for a long moment on a grassy hill, pondering who these people must be that are passing through his sacred land. Curious only, with no need or intent to approach, he allows them to pass safely. Robert Duncan paints the things he cares about in life. Growing up in the suburbs, he spent his summers on his grandfather's ranch, and became acutely aware of how much we all need nature in our lives.

The paintings of Robert Duncan are an attempt to remind people about the delicacy of nature and what we might all do to help preserve it for future generations. For those that love paintings of the open plains, or who relish the rich memory of Native American Culture, Robert Duncan's painting will make the perfect addition to your home, apartment, or office art collection. It's artwork that will maintain its value over a lifetime, and it's also a tribute to the brilliant work of a great American artist

Just think of it as doing your share to keep alive the memories of a Native American pausing on a hill-so long ago.

Art that Evokes Nostalgia

Art can make any dwelling seem more like a home. Not only do interesting paintings and mirrors serve an aesthetic function, and they also serve to change the acoustic dynamics of any interior. Many start out looking for art based on a predetermined budget. In this case, there are dozens of art dealers, cyberspace sellers, and auctioneers eager to attract new collectors. In any event, there are a host of snares and pitfalls to watch out for.

Good art should be something that appeals to the buyer, and fits within the budget constraints. Every home has a feel, and depending how deeply you study the phenomenon, it could very well be described as a "vibration". The art decor and furniture that you choose will be in harmony with its surroundings-or out of harmony.

Liudmila Kondakova understands the need for balance, and her paintings are rich with color, light, and clarity. Her hand signed and limited edition serigraph on gesso board: "Place St. Michel" is a perfect example of art that evokes a feeling of nostalgia and romanticism. And, it's the kind of art that commands respect! The art of Liudmila Kondakova is embraced and admired around the world.

Whether you're a beginning art collector, or a seasoned professional, Liudmila Kondakova is great starting point in creating a great art collection. And, there's always that familiar mystique that surrounds artists from the far corners of the world-that becomes a part of our own surroundings when we make the discovery..

Last Call

It's early AM, and the crowd has all but left. There are a few people left in the joint, and you're one of them. It's the last call before the piano man call it quits. Frank Morrison captures the fluid mood in his Limited Edition Print titled: "Last Call". The piano man can only be playing one of two things: the blues or jazz. Everyone has a fond memory of being in that tiny and intimate group of people that squeeze out the last seconds of an evening filled with intrigue.

The painting is vintage, from the old and worn bar stools, to the "heat" radiator sitting lazily by itself in the far corner of the room. The old piano player, whose posture is honed from years bending hovering over the ivory and ebony keys, can chalk up one more day in the "life". "Last Call" is a great work of art for anyone that loves music, and who knows that some of the best music can be heard and enjoyed in these quaint little places not found on any roadmap or music itinerary.

It can make a great addition to any collection, or it can serve as a great conversation piece when the friends are over enjoying a casual and relaxing evening. The hallmark of good art is the ability to set the artistic tone in any environment, and no matter what your present artistic tastes may be; this painting will speak volumes about your love of pure music. It's like straight-ahead jazz: played straight-up with no chaser other than the performers on the set. If you haven’t already discovered the fluid and colorful work of Frank Morrison—you should!

The Message in the Cubes

Not everyone is attracted to modern art. In fact, there is a great deal of debate about what really defines modern art. Perhaps the most important characteristic of modern art is its attempt to make sculpture and painting an end to themselves. You might say it is "art for art’s sake". And this is not to marginalize it in any way at all. The brush of the modern artists allows him or her to be free in expressing the more "personal" meanings of life—thus appealing to a sense of freedom that many people are able to feel by direct association when observing a work of modern art.

Sol Lewitt, hits the nail on the head in his interesting and curios work titled: "Distorted Cubes". The painting evokes a need to understand what he’s communicating. Yet, there is a balance of
colors and images that gives the observer the feeling that everything is placed perfectly. You can tell that Sol Lewitt is working within the matrix of harmony—otherwise known as the consistent arrangement of objects or ideas. In a nutshell, this is an intriguing piece that will fit nicely with any decorative theme in your home or office.

"Distorted Cubes" will make the perfect gift for any room decor, and would fit perfectly in the world of a son or daughter away at college. When looking at modern art, there’s no need to get caught up in the traditional dogma and discussions that will most assuredly take place. If you like it—that’s good enough! When you discover Sol Lewitt, the reasons for the attraction may be beyond explaining, and perhaps this in itself is why modern art is here to stay.

A Street in Paris

Some artists have the gift of being able to an individual to a different place and time. The setting can be universal, and can include wildlife, the countryside, Native American art, landscapes and seascapes just to name a few. George Hallmark has this special ability, and it doesn't hurt to have a last name that is synonymous with excellence either! His Handsigned & Numbered limited Edition Canvas Ciclee: "Rue Dauphine", is a fine example. Rue Dauphine is a street in Paris France, but it could very well be a place we've all visited at some time in our lives.

It depicts a simple beauty: flowers hanging overhead, shutters that harbor secrets, and a feeling of elegance living past its time. It reminds us of those quaint little shops where we pause each time, thinking that we should stop in and browse-yet we never do! The cracks in the old brick streets remind us of the flaws in life that somehow work themselves into the very fabric of everyday living, and we're caught up in a deep thought of wondering why we find this to be a beautiful scene. Somehow, the play of shadows suggests a day that is winding down-a time of rest! This is artwork that becomes the central point of any home décor. It's masterfully done, and immediately evokes an emotional connection with the viewer. You can own this beautiful work of art today-and dream of those places where you've always wondered what's behind the door!

Heavy Blankets of Snow

There are still places in America where, if quiet enough, you can actually hear the snow as it gently blankets the earth! There’s a peace and quiet, and a connection made with nature unlike any other time of year. Bob Timberlake is able to bring the vision to life in his masterful framed art print: “Heavy Snow”. A native of North Carolina, Bob Timberlake’s works of art are a reminder of the beauty of rural life in the South. His paintings are a testament to time spent in the “woods” amidst rolling hills and old wooden barns alongside pleasant country roads.

The beauty of his art is that the theme is in sync any season of the year. Art that depicts nature is a favorite of anyone that enjoys the spirit of the outdoors. Though the artist seems to favor the winter months of the year, he is also well known for his painting of daises and flowers that sprout alongside ancient barns and winding countryside roads.

Enhancing a home with artwork will help to make any house—a home. The right kind of artwork can enhance any home’s aesthetic value tremendously. Actually when considering art, the goal should be to buy what you enjoy looking at. It’s a natural process, and the theme will naturally evolve on its own. Everyone has the choice of buying as an investment, or simply for the pleasure derived from the artwork itself. Whatever the reason, the work of Bob Timberlake is emotionally moving, and is a wonderful investment in any venue.

Art - Functionally Pretty

Artworks are more than just pretty pieces to hang on your walls. They can also be used as functional pieces to tie in colors, harmonize the room or add balance. There are a lot of great tricks you can do with various artworks to make them perform the dual function of looking great on your walls as well as tying together colors and patterns.

If you have a soft decor that done in a French Country style, consider adding a rustic floral design or country look rooster such as a Charles Wysocki open edition print of a rooster pulling a cart full of country fresh items. Rooster Expressis done in two different styles to match any taste. You can choose to have the print or a canvas reproduction. The prints are double matted and framed; the canvas artwork is framed and both pieces are done using archival tapes and papers as well as arriving ready to hang.

Another great way to incorporate colors into your decor is to use an area rug that catches some of the main colors in your artworks on your wall. This will really make the color scheme in your decor flow.

You can use artworks so many ways to make your room look brighter, livelier or just add a whimsical touch to show your own personal sense of humor with your choice in artworks. Use these tips and brighten your interior!

Hang That Artwork Right!

You have no problem at all when it comes to choosing all of your favorite art pieces to decorate your home with, but how are you with your hanging skills. After all, a painting is only as good as the look that it has once it is on your wall! The last thing you want is to have an incredible framed print or oil painting that you have been dying to get, only to have it hung up in a crazy manner on one of the walls within your home, apartment or office space. Luckily for all of those people who aren't sure how to hang up their wall art, there are a couple of tips that you can follow to ensure a great look every time.

Do you have a problem when you are trying to find just the right position to hang a piece of art on your wall? Sometimes it can be confusing when you are trying to figure out if you have something position too high or too low. A nice rule of thumb to go by is making sure that the center of the piece is right about eye level for the average adult. Certainly, you will have to tweak this tip from time to time depending on the size of the painting itself as well as the height of your room of choice.

Another good thing to look for is the amount of lighting that you have in the area that you are thinking of decorating with wall art. The last thing you want is for your precious piece of art to get lost in a room without proper lighting. In this case, you can always use accent lighting to boost the look of the wall space!

Art Print on Canvas?

You don't have to be an interior designer to know what works and what doesn't within your living space. Many times, people like to purchase art solely because it speaks to them and not just because somebody told them that they should like it or it will look fabulous in their decor.

Once you find a certain style that you happen to be very fond of, you just might find yourself on a bit of a spending spree until you have gathered up quite a collection. When it comes to great choices in wall decor, you could see that canvas art will be one of your favorite choices.

Having a nice collection of canvas art in your living space can be a great conversation starter as most people assume that artworks on canvas are originals. You can get a huge number of prints available on canvas so the choices to match your interior decor are nearly limitless.

Prints on canvas are growing in popularity as more and more people discover their versatility. Ever wanted to own a Monet or Van Gogh on canvas? Now you can and your guests will do a double take when they see a classic artwork on your walls. If you love cats, flowers, Tuscan countryside and more - you can have all the looks you love on canvas.

Once you start putting artworks on canvas on your walls, you'll find yourself replacing a lot of your flat prints in frames with the classic style of canvas.

Walk with Divinity

Faith in a person's life can be a powerful force, and is often a matter of each individual finding it for his or her self. Greg Olson captures the spirit of Faith perfectly in his moving painting: "In His Light". The innocence of a child looks up into the face of Christ, and depicts the perfect balance of a spiritually filled life. There is a soft glow about the head of the Master, and you can feel the concern, patience, and gentleness in which he phrases his answer for the young child.

Religious art can make a great gift to those you care about. It's a perfect way of saying you care and respect how they choose to live and practice their faith. Many people choose to surround themselves with the type of artwork that best express who and what they are when it comes to their spirituality. Some of the objects of expression include statues, paintings, candles, and in some cases-nothing at all. There are millions of people that find their very own unique expression of spirituality by being close to the wide-open spaces of nature.

Of course, if you decide to give a religious gift, the gift will depend on an individual's belief in God, and the religion they choose to practice. Greg Olson has spend a lifetime painting spiritual themes, and his works will make the perfect gift for any believer. And, they make the perfect centerpiece for any home or office décor.

Junkyard Surprises

Many people have fond memories of lying on grassy hill, and looking up at the clouds while chewing on a blade of grass. Or, how about those fishing excursions with only a bamboo pole and a hook and fishing line attached! There are still many places in America where Sunday really is a "lazy afternoon". Junkyards for most people are an eye sore, but for the imaginative at heart, they can be a storehouse of hidden surprises and treasures.

Bob Byerley captures the spirit perfectly in his Handsigned and Numbered Limited Edition Giclee: "The Junk Yard Band". In every town in America, there is a spot a half a mile west, and over the railroad tracks, where kids and adults alike can find a myriad of projects and unwanted things that encourage a second look. The junk yard is also a place where there's a solution buried deep beneath each pile. This work of art will make a great conversation piece for any room or office wall. In the painting, the neighborhood children have discovered the joys buried beneath the rubble. For the playhouse, shingles for the roof were found, and wheels for the racer were unearthed. No lemonade stand is complete without an umbrella, and the one the children find is just perfect!

Of course, it's only natural that the best band in the junkyard will form. This is rich art, and will enhance any collection. And, it will bring back memories-that should always be a part of the things we remember best.

The Crossing

Native American culture is something that we will always be fascinated with, and whether today or yesterday, the sights, sounds, the images, and the stories leave one with a sense of reverence and wonder. In truth, their lives and stories have become everyone's heritage. "The Fording Place" is a beautiful handsigned limited edition giclee on canvas by John Buxton; that captures perfectly the life and transition of a culture.

While the art is beautiful and the work of a master, there is a deeper and more subtle meaning that the observer can walk away with. Perhaps, it is through the works of John Buxton that history comes to life, and allows one to experience the everyday life of the American frontier. It allows one to open up a window in time and peak through it. The images are stirring and powerful, and remind us of how life must have surely been.

It may not be the kind of artwork that can blend with or compliment every décor, but it is the kind of fine art that becomes the center of attention, and tells the world at a glance that its owner is a person beyond "ordinary biography". In the works of John Buxton, there is a passion and enthusiasm for historical accuracy-and this has propelled the artist to great heights of recognition. You can own a piece of the past today by investing in a truly great work of art. And, just think of the rich history of America you'll be able to share with others!

Remember Those Sunday Drives?

There are still people that prefer the solace and quietude of the country, to the clamor and noise of the city. And for those that do, there are often memories of taking a long lazy drive down a winding road. Jon Crane captures the image perfectly in his nostalgic work of art titled: “Sunday Drive”. You can easily imagine a world in which time has stopped, and the world is virtually unrushed.

His subject material is from actual places in rural American where he has personally visited. In more recent years, he has focused on Amish communities due to their simple way of life. His method is take photos, and the to work from the comfort of his studio or on the road in his motor home. Jon Crane is a humble man, and feels there are other artists more gifted that can paint beautiful scenes form memory or purely from the imagination, but looks at his own gift as being God-given, and plans to share it with the world as long as he can.

If you’re looking for art that will blend in perfectly with antique décor, the work of Jon Crane is the perfect solution. Art that will take you home is the best description of his unique style. And, there’s good reason for this label! Jon searches non-stop for those special panoramas that can be translated onto paper. This is why he’s able to capture the finer details of a reality so important to him. Discover the work of Jon Crane. You won’t be disappointed!

The Man and the Mouse

The work of Walt Disney is recognized and loved the world over. The story of Walt Disney is a tale we've all internalized, no matter what the profession or calling in life. This is the man that brought animation to life for millions of people the world over. Perhaps his greatest legacy is that he pioneered the field of animation, and found new ways to educate and teach.

It's hard to imagine a world without Walt Disney, and the entertainment world-as we know it! The entertainment world, beyond doubt, is the one medium most influenced by his time spent on earth. His unique views and visions were always seeded in the fond memories of the past, and the enduring persistence to reveal to the world the possibilities of what the future might bring.

For 43 years, his career in Hollywood spawned the development of the motion picture industry, and he truly established himself as a very real and integral part of Americana. His humble beginnings on the family farm obviously helped to fertilize his enormous imagination. As he dabbled in art, his talents blossomed and grew. To tell his life story, here, would seem unjust to such a brilliant and inventive soul. But the one thing we can all agree on; is that his life represented the realness of the innate possibilities we all possess.

And years later, even after becoming immensely famous, the gentleness of his life never changed. To the world, he will be best remembered as the "Man and the Mouse". You can own this wonderful Walt Disney Limited Edition Giclee on Photo Paper today-and honor one of the most talented and imaginative minds of modern times.