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.

The Art Of Stimulation By Brightening Your Toddler's Room

Young children are always learning and exploring as a way to grow and expand. If you show your child that there is a whole world of color out there just waiting for them to visualize, you will definitely find a whole new and creative side that will come out. Little touches can be added into their lives here and there in ways that will help them enjoy colors and become stimulated by the fascinating world of art and culture.

While it is never necessary to break your bank when it comes to bringing the joy of art into your toddler's life, sometimes it is difficult to put a price tag on that kind of exposure. As sure as some people would never think of adding a piece by a famous artist to the walls of their little one, there are others who find a giclee such as Children Writing by Pablo Picasso as an amazing inspiration that they can use to build upon a stimulating, bright environment for their child.

This is the kind of piece that is sure to bring a certain amount of whimsy to your toddler's room while also growing with them over time. Because of the nature of the giclee, it is one that they can actually take with them and place on their walls as they are grown up and living out on their own. Just think of all of the stories that they can tell their acquaintances or even their children about the Picasso painting that they had as they were growing up!

A Thoughtful Gift For Your Mother In Law

All joking aside, there will come a time when you will want something special to give to your mother in law for a birthday or other occasion. While some wives may end up complaining about the woman who brought up their husband, others really cherish and embrace this person in their life. No matter what your feelings may actually be toward your mother in law, a stunning print is the perfect gift that is classic and thoughtful, especially if you are looking for a nice way to show her that you appreciate her as a part of your life.

Because a good print is a nice way to add a splash of color to somebody's home or even bring in a memory or feeling that the two of you may share, it is only right that a print will be a phenomenal present to give to your mother in law. Perhaps she has a favorite artist or two and is always on the hunt for a new piece to add to her collection. She may even simply like a certain style of art and is open to any suggestions that you may have when it comes to decorating or the use of

If a boost of color is what this gift recipient needs, then there is nothing more stunning than the addition of a piece of work from Paragon, Lori Beth Katz or Michael Rozenuain. Anything can bring you to a good friendship with your mother in law, however it is the simple things with thought and feeling behind them such as the gift of a beautiful piece of art that really brings you together as family.

Kinkade At Christmastime

If there are two things that seem to go hand in hand at the holidays, they would definitely be the beauty of Christmas and the kind of feeling that you get when you gaze upon a beautiful piece by artist Thomas Kinkade. Some of the fondest memories can be relived by simply looking at the lovely scenes that have been captured in many of Kinkade's works. An avid collector or simply a person who loves to bring in the warmth of the holidays, this is the kind of artwork that you want to surround yourself with when you want to fill your home with plenty of seasonal cheer.

Bright, festive and eye catching, there is something quite incredible about Christmas Tree Cottage by Thomas Kinkade. Perhaps it is the bright color that draws you in or the way that the home looks cozy and warm amidst the chill of the winter snow. Having this piece on your wall when you are getting ready to celebrate with your friends and family is the best way to set up your gathering for a warm and fuzzy feeling that you can all enjoy.

Do you have somebody special on your holiday shopping list that you simply cannot seem to find the perfect gift for? How about looking for the right Thomas Kinkade piece to bring a smile to their face? Nothing tells somebody that you love them during the holidays quite like the gift of a work of art such as those created by this phenomenal artist known for his portrayal of the winter season.

Decorating For Fall

You may love to watch your children roll around in the leaves or it may even be the way that the crisp air of the season fills your lungs each and every time you step outside in the morning. Whatever your reasoning may be behind your love for Fall and the weather and atmosphere that comes along with it, this is definitely the time of year to celebrate change.

Your version of change mixed with celebration of Fall might be best when it comes in the form of you decorating your house in different ways for this time of year. Since there are so many wonderful aspects of the Fall season and plenty of different styles to decorate with, you can pretty much make your living space reflect your personal tastes while bringing in various elements.

Even if you do not have a huge collection of art within your living area, there is no better time than the present to find out what a beautiful painting can do for your Fall decorating ideas. You may even be able to pick out a particular print that you absolutely love and then work around the rest of your decor from there. A giclee print such as "The Joy Of Autumn Leaves" by Peter & Harrison is a special way to sum up your love for this time of year. Complete with vibrant colors and a memorable, classic touch, this is the kind of piece that you can keep up all year long or simply bring it out for a special place on your wall when the time is right.

Decorating For Fall

You may love to watch your children roll around in the leaves or it may even be the way that the crisp air of the season fills your lungs each and every time you step outside in the morning. Whatever your reasoning may be behind your love for Fall and the weather and atmosphere that comes along with it, this is definitely the time of year to celebrate change.

Your version of change mixed with celebration of Fall might be best when it comes in the form of you decorating your house in different ways for this time of year. Since there are so many wonderful aspects of the Fall season and plenty of different styles to decorate with, you can pretty much make your living space reflect your personal tastes while bringing in various elements.

Even if you do not have a huge collection of art within your living area, there is no better time than the present to find out what a beautiful painting can do for your Fall decorating ideas. You may even be able to pick out a particular print that you absolutely love and then work around the rest of your decor from there. A giclee such as The Joy Of Autumn Leaves by Peter & Harrison is a special way to sum up your love for this time of year. Complete with vibrant colors and a memorable, classic touch, this is the kind of piece that you can keep up all year long or simply bring it out for a special place on your wall when the time is right.

Bringing Art And Halloween Together

Since Halloween is a time to get creative and come up with a nice way to decorate your home and perhaps even decide on a great costume design, you can take your love for this holiday a step further and bring something new into your decor. This can mean anything from a decent amount of decoration reflecting the holidays or even take it the extra mile for something new in terms of art or sculpture showing off your real Halloween spirit.

Whether you like to keep your Halloween days filled with those things that are dark and spooky or those that are fun and whimsical, there are plenty of great, memorable options in terms of art or sculpture that you can bring into your home. Something can even be as simple as a painting that is done with a grouping of dark objects or even a piece that has a focal point that really stands out as a sign of the holiday season.

"Waiting For Halloween" by Steve Hanks is an incredible way to bring a print into your home that makes a nice addition for the Halloween season as well as all year long. Handsigned and full of the whimsy of the holiday, you are going to fall in love with this print from the very moment that you place it on the wall of your choice. As a matter of fact, this print may even inspire a whole lot of other Halloween decor ideas that will bring the look of this fun time of year together in your home.

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.

Taking the Mystery Out of Limited Edition Prints

If you're familiar in the least with terms that apply to the world of art, you'll hear the term "limited edition" on occasion. Simply put, a limited edition is defined as being a print, which is printed no more than 25 times in any medium-or at any size worldwide.

James Meger's Handsigned & Numbered Limited Edition Print: "Canoe Country", is an excellent example. James Meger is a perfect example of what happens when preparedness meets opportunity. Three years of med school combined with his love of hunting and an undeniable talent, allows him to paint realistic depictions of wildlife. He paints muscular and skeletal structures with brilliant accuracy. Some of his paintings have even taken up to five months to complete, and since 1982, he's included hidden aspects in his paintings. For the keen observer that loves solving a mystery, it means, "seeking out" the hidden images.

Wildlife paintings are the perfect buy for any time of year, and especially the autumn. Perhaps it's because of the autumn colors that are ablaze in wildlife paintings, as they tend to compliment the various colors of one's favorite room décor. If the painting is a limited edition print and handsigned, it also means there are only a fixed number of people in the world who have access to the creative expression of a particular work of art. If you haven't already started a collection of limited edition prints, now might just be the perfect time.

Giclee Printing

The term "Giclee Print" refers to an elevation in print making whereby images are created from high resolution digital scans, and then printed with archival quality inks on canvas, fine art, and photo-based paper .The quality of the end product rivals traditional silver-halide and gelatin printing processes. Giclee prints are usually found in art galleries, museums, and photographic galleries.

The creative process employs 8-color to 12-color ink-jet printers. Epson and Hewlett Packard are some of the companies that produce these modern technology printers. Incredibly detailed prints for both the fine art and photographic markets are the result.

A perfect example of a Giclee Print is "Alien vs. Predator". This fine work of art is by Conceptual Designer Richard K. Buoen. The layout of the art is fantastic, and the realism flows with amazing fluidity. Of course, depending on your tastes in themes, there are an endless variety of Giclee prints to choose from. Giclee Prints also retain their original beauty over a lifetime, and the technology and packaging makes for a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing piece of artwork.

The Giclee process provides is a better color accuracy than any other means of production. This means that we're actually seeing things clearer than we're used to. Discovering Giclee Prints can open up a whole new world of art appreciation.

A Room's light is Important When Considering a Decorating Theme

It's very important to understand a room's lighting requirements. Furniture, flowers, wall paintings, pictures, and mirrors will all be affected by how much light is allowed to enter or leave a room. You can begin your assessment by observing the light at various times of the day. The dark spots in the room will stand out, and these dark spots are the areas that will need illumination depending on your lifestyle. As an example, you may like to gravitate to your favorite reading chair at 5:00 in the evening.

Sofas and end tables are usually where good lighting should be anchored. The lamps chosen should reflect both the style and scale of your tables. Taller lamps can add height to sofa tables. Any overhead lighting will should be bright enough so that as many areas as possible of the room are illuminated. A ceiling fan attached to the lighting is also a viable option, and works great where the climate is humid.

Allowing as much natural light to flood a room as possible can help one relax and unwind after a long day's work. You can also opt to add lighting to pictures on the wall, as this has an extraordinary impact on the entire ambiance of any room. Whatever the light source in a room, either natural or from lamps, you should take care to make sure there is no glare on the television. Even if you spend very little time in front of the television, glare is an indication that the room's lighting is out of balance.

Hanging Artwork with Ease

So, you've decided that the room needs a little spicing up, and the next step is to find some beautiful framed paintings that complement the room or house decor. There are a few simple guidelines, if properly followed, can help get you through the challenge. As a rule, you should always avoid hanging just one small picture on a huge expanse of the wall. Any are on the wall will look far better when it helps to extend the horizontal lines of windows, doors, or furniture.

It's important that you find a wall stud or beam when placing the nail or screw into the wall. Hanging an object on drywall is asking for trouble down the line. It can detach at any time and damage whatever is immediately below. In addition, it can leave a hole in the wall that will require patching and possibly repainting. When you determine the right spot, hold the picture up and make a small mark with a pencil where the top edge of the picture frame will be. The next step will be to choose an appropriate hook. A two-piece nail-and-hook should work fine for light objects, and a hallow-wall anchor should be sufficient for heavier objects.

It's not a bad idea to use a level when aligning more than one hook. If the painting or picture is light enough, a wall adhesive can do the job just fine. Now it's time to nail the picture where you've placed your mark, and when adjusting your masterpiece, make sure the picture is straight. This is when you get to step back and admire your handy work.

The Gathering

Art often tells a story of the times and places that are quite often beyond our normal reach. In today's hectic world, there is a desire for peace, quiet, and normalcy in practically everyone's life, whether that desire is voiced out loud or not. Combine this desire with the need to surround oneself with beautiful art, and art that depicts the quiet life of the Amish somehow becomes the perfect choice to enhance your present art and furniture decor.

Ben C. Richmond Famed Art Print "The Gathering", is a beautiful painting of life on a country farm during the winter months. The horse drawn buggies are nestled quietly outside a barn, and the inhabitants inside discuss the local affairs of the community. This is the kind of artwork that evokes memories of the county's solitude, and how life on a farm was a world within itself.

Country Folk Art is a great gift to give, and fits perfectly within any present Americana themes within a home or office. It's also a pleasant way to honor a culture that many of us find quietly intriguing. The Amish are known for their quiet and solitude "The Gathering" is framed in the highest quality hardwoods, finished with an attractive paperback dustcover, and comes ready to hang the moment it arrives at your doorstep. You can also choose from a wide variety of framing options. Why not own it today, and proudly display an authentic piece of American history?

A Legend Continues

Talent quite often runs in the family. Being exposed to those that are gifted and creative, often gives children a privileged peek at the possibility of things to come. Many kids that grow up in the shadows of famous parents often have a unique struggle of finding their own voice and expression in life. Quite often, these kids do choose a similar field that their parents excelled in, and this can make life even more of a personal challenge for them.

Harrison Ellenshaw, son of famed Disney master artist Peter Ellenshaw, is one such sibling that managed to carve out his own niche in the world of art. Peter Ellenshaw won an academy award for his work with Disney, and was nominated five additional times. Growing up, the younger Ellenshaw was intimidated by his Father's talent, and thought he would never live up to it.

As both a filmmaker and visual effects artist, Harrison Ellenshaw has done extremely well for himself, and this is evident by his creativity and obvious talent in the Handsigned and Numbered Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas: "Alice Floating Into Wonderland". This would make the perfect gift for anyone into phantasm-art. It's actually quite a conversation piece as well. The colors are bold and daring, and the story line of Alice in Wonderland is one that we can all relate to no matter what the age.

You can also choose to discover the other works of Harrison Ellenshaw, which can serve to augment any fine arts collection.

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.

Why We Love the Blues

The evolution of the blues gives a unique insight into the historical changes that took place in the lives of African Americans after the end of slavery. Before the emergence of the blues, solo music was considered atypical, and individualized song had never been the main ingredient of any music in America. Blues is the sound of an individual responding to himself or herself relative to the world and life.

Blues is the sound that everyone can relate to sooner or later, and the popularity of the music can be seen in clubs and concert halls across America. If you love the blues or you know anyone who does, Celebrity Art-Framed Art: "B.B. King" is the perfect gift to augment any art collection. The art is framed under glass in the highest quality of hardwoods. It also comes finished with a sturdy paperback dustcover, and is ready to hang the moment it arrives.

Having a great art collection will enhance the ambiance of any home, however, celebrity art takes it to a whole new level. It's like having a piece of the celebrity's life right there in your own home for you and the world to enjoy. It also sets the mood for conversations and nostalgia about past and present singers of the blues. If music in general is a part of your life, you'll appreciate having photo art of the world's most recognizable blues celebrity. Why not let B.B. King occupy a little space in your life!

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.

A True Love for Painting

It has been said many times over-that "success leaves clues". It's very easy to trace the footsteps of many of today's great artists. What you will find is a commitment to their craft that usually begins at a very early age. Usually, it's a love for things aesthetic, and given the proper exposure and training, one is able to hone an extremely elite talent.

The love story of Michael and Inessa Garmash is the kind found in tales of far-away places. Michael first began exhibiting his works in France at galleries in cities such as Paris, St. Etienne, Avignon. Michael has also excelled in the creation of stain-glassed windows, whereby his work is featured in the Suvorov Military Museum in St. Petersburg.

Inessa Kitaichik excelled in ballet, gymnastics and music. After graduating from music and ballet school, she entered the Lugansk Fine Art School at the age of fifteen, and at seventeen, she distinguished herself as the year's best undergraduate. The two met at a bus station, and it was love at first glance. He spent the next day painting her image on anything that would serve as a canvas. They work together spontaneously creating paintings, stained glass windows, and beautiful mosaics. The brilliance of their collaboration can be seen in such works as the Numbered and Limited Edition Embellished Giclee on Hand Textured Canvas: "Blooming Beauty". This is a magnificent work of art that will grace any setting. Own it today, and discover what creations are brought about by true love!

Remembering the Art of Childhood

For many, remembering the art of childhood reminds us of those whimsical moments when our imaginations were allowed and encourage to run free. Childhood is the time of life in which colors and patterns grab our attention, and our imaginations are fueled by most simplistic of things. Erika Vala is able to capture those inspirational moods in her Limited Edition Giclee on Paper: "Untitled".

Her artwork embodies a freshness and ease that's easily welcomed in the fast pace of today's world. The ability to transfer thought and emotion through a work of art is what defines the great artists. Erika's work has a playfulness that will brighten and refresh any art theme in your present collection, and the earth tone colors will work perfectly for any season of the year. However, with autumn right around the corner, such refreshing artwork will make the perfect holiday season gift.

It's best to remember, when purchasing art for your enjoyment or collection: you are the only person that has to be pleased. At some point, consciously or unconsciously, you become aware of the styles, colors, and themes that work best for you. The greatest thing that can increase your comfort level is continuity, and this is the sure bet that your themes will work in harmony with each other. It's also great to begin, or continue with design plans that are based on the original architectural theme of your home, apartment, or office.

The ranges will include Spanish, Southwestern, Victorian, Tudor, Ranch, Colonial, Modern, or historic to name a few. Who knows, you just might be the kind of person that likes to blend a little bit of each-in which case, art that vibrates innocence and freshness should work just fine in any arrangement.

Preserving the Wildlife

It's difficult to imagine not being able to hear the birds sing, or the crickets chirp, or watch squirrels jump from tree to tree. Yet, in many places around the world, indigenous wildlife is endangered, and in numerous instances, all but disappeared. To build a relationship with wildlife requires an education that causes one to realize the benefits of nature.

This means finding ways to landscape for wildlife, identifying valuable species, and the resource tools that are put in place everyday to restore and keep wildlife habitats safe. Perhaps the greatest way to bring nature up close and personal is to plant trees, flowers, and shrubs in our own backyards. Our backyards, parks, and forests, not only provide the aesthetic beauty that we all need, but they are the refuge and survival means for our wildlife. Master Painter, Eric Bjorlin, recognizes the need to protect the world's wildlife, and it's obvious in the attention to detail and realistic beauty found in every one of his paintings. Eric Bjorlin's Open Edition Print: "Late Departure" is but one fine example. His wildlife art has been exhibited in the finest conservation art shows in Minnesota.

Already an exceptional artist after earning a degree in illustration, Eric Bjorlin worked some of Minnesota's exceptional artists to fine-tune his gift and accelerate his growth. The results speak for themselves. His artwork is the realistic portrayal of the natural world around us. Perhaps, you live in an environment where the natural world of wildlife seems to be compromised or dwindling. You can still bring the beauty of wildlife into your home where it can be appreciated just as if you were there in the wild. And, you never know who might be inspired to join the world's conservation efforts through the inspiration of your beautiful art décor.