The Rich History Of Oil Painting

Any kind of art buff is sure to come across hundreds and hundreds of oil paintings in their lifetime. If you happen to be a fan of the look of oil paints, then you would probably benefit greatly from a look into the rich history of this painting method. Over the years, the paints as well as the artists may have changed, however the beauty and the depth that only an oil painting can provide will always stay the same.

In a nutshell, oil paint as the basis for all oil paintings consists of a drying oil that is rich with small pigments of color. This is a slow-drying process that happens to date way back into years as early as England in the thirteenth century. Some of the different ingredients to have been used in oil paints over the years include castor, linseed, soybean, safflower, walnut, poppy seed, hemp seed, sunflower and pine nut oils.

The beauty of oil paints for many artists is the sheer fact that these paints are so slow in drying that they can last in the open air to be used for several different sessions on the same project. Fans of oil paintings are also sure to agree that this is a medium with one of the best ways to blend colors.

A short list of artists who have been known to create some of the most incredible works of art with oil paints include Antonello Da Messina, Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Giorgio Vasari, and Jan Van Eyck and you can get many of their masterpieces available through realistic prints on canvas.

Art For The Newlyweds

When you get married for the very first time, you are more than excited to begin your new lives together. After all, you and your partner are going to be able to build on something wonderful and new that you have created together. Hopefully, along with your marriage you will be able to move into a brand new home or apartment. In this case, you might even want to look into some incredible framed art pieces or sculpture to add to your living space.

While it is not always necessary to completely agree on everything as a couple, the same really does go along with your art purchases. After all, a mix of your two personalities and tastes is exactly what brought the two of you together in the first place. When you are on the hunt for pieces of art to express yourselves in your home, there is nothing wrong with looking for items that speak for the both of you.

Some newlyweds will actually set up online gift registries for certain home items and gadgets that come from various department stores. Well, for the couple who happens to live and breathe art, there is nothing better than a gift registry of fine art and sculpture, which happens to exist at Gallery Direct Art! As your family and friends are beginning to prepare for your wedding, they can shop online from the comfort of their own home for artwork that you have already selected as a couple.

This is the perfect way for everyone involved to be completely satisfied. All of your friends and family members will have the satisfaction of knowing that you will love their gift, and you, the happy couple can enjoy the artwork for many years to come.

A Gift Idea For The Finicky Art Connoisseur

Sometimes, nothing is worse than having a hard time when trying to figure out what kind of a gift to give the art lover in your life for a special occasion. Do you have a relative who is celebrating a landmark birthday? Perhaps you have a close friend who is going to be getting married or even moving into their very first home. No matter what the occasion may be, if they are into art, then it should be a "no brainer" when it comes to the gift that you should give.

Even though you may already know that the gift recipient that you have in mind loves various forms of art, sometimes it can be quite a bit harder than you would think to come up with the perfect gift. For example, you might know the particular style that they are fond of or even an artist or two that they really enjoy collecting. Yet, art is never something that you can end up picking out for somebody unless you happen to know them really well, that is, well enough to read their thoughts when they lay eyes on a certain piece.

For such occasions when you cannot seem to choose something for your art fanatic, the best possible option is a gift certificate for Gallery Direct Art. You can choose a gift certificate in any denomination, from $25 on up to $500. This way, you can be sure that they will be able to pick out just the right piece to go in their home or office space.

Art And The Cozy Home

Have you ever had the chance to visit a home where you felt comfortable and cozy from the very minute that you walked in through the front door? Unfortunately, this is not a feeling that you can experience with every home that you visit, however it is quite possible when you stop by a home that is decorated with wonderful country artwork. If you have ever been in a home decorated with such a style, then you are already more than aware of the calming and soothing effect that such decor can have on the human soul.

If you are looking to bring some of that same country feel into your current living space, you can do so with the simple addition of one or more of the wonderful works available by artist Warren Kimble. One of the most celebrated folk artists of his time, Warren Kimble is very well known for his use of exaggeration and incredible, bold color. Whether you are a fan of nautical themes, cats, beautiful Vermont landscapes or fruits and flowers, you are sure to find a bevy of Warren Kimble designs that will speak to your soul.

The nice thing about many of the pieces created by Warren Kimble is that they really stand the test of time. You can rest assured knowing that a Warren Kimble that is purchased today will look just as incredible in your living space twenty years from now. All you have to do is find the right piece for your home and your personality and you are sure to become hooked on this artist!

Treat Your Art To A Custom Frame

If you are spending a good deal of money on a particular art piece that you are simply in love with, then you are certainly going to want to make sure that you have a wonderful place for it in your home or office. Any time you are looking for the best possible way to display your art, you should really think about having it framed. Of course, you could always take your art once you receive it off to a framery to have the work done. But, that can take quite some time and you may even end up having to pay all sorts of extra shipping costs. In addition to that, there is usually nothing worse than having your treasured art in your possession one moment, only to have it off to be framed the next.

When you make your art purchase from Gallery Direct Art, you can choose the option to have your painting or print custom framed and then delivered to your home or office. Included in this beautiful framing service, you will get your purchased print along with a stunning, solid hardwood frame moulding, and picture glass. You will even receive all of the hardware for hanging so your artwork is ready to place in your desired space from the very moment that it arrives.

Custom framing is the perfect choice for the savvy art fan. You will also find that custom framing can be just right as a gift for anyone on your shopping list.

Is Size An Issue When Choosing Wall Art

You know that it looks odd, but you are not quite sure if you should say anything. Is this the feeling that you have gotten in the past when you lay eyes on a gigantic piece of wall art on display at the home of a close friend, acquaintance or relative? This is often times something that you will come across because many people are not exactly sure of the right size they should choose for the walls in their home or apartment. Lucky for you, since you have seen the damage that the wrong size can cause aesthetically, you can look into finding a couple of tips that should help you to choose the right size wall art or sculpture every single time.

Unless you are a complete wiz, the chances are very good that you are not going to be able to eyeball the position of every piece of art that you will be placing in your home. Some people will go ahead and begin measuring in order to find the right size for every sculpture or painting. While this may work for some folks, others really need a bit more of a visual aid to ensure that they are making the right choice.

So, you are thinking of purchasing this incredible painting that you have found online. In order to see if it will be the right size for your wall without overpowering it, you can always take a piece of paper measured and cut to the same size. Go ahead and tack this up to the wall in the position that you desire, then take a look at it from several different angles to see if it will work.

Put A Little Something Different On Your Wall

Have you ever just wanted to make a statement through your interior decor choices? Such a statement can be very easy with a smart and savvy art selection for any one of the walls within your home. Certainly, you are going to want to make a bit of an art choice that will speak of your tastes and personality. However, there is nothing wrong with stepping outside of the box every once in a while and doing something that is a little bit different than the type of art that you would normally choose for your home, apartment or even the office.

Sometimes, something as simple as a terrific grouping of framed art can be just the thing to change the entire look of a room. You are guaranteed to see that a wonderful grouping can be a fabulous way to draw the attention to that area, making a nice focal point for anyone who lays eyes on it. Finding a trio of framed prints by one of your favorite artists might be a whole lot easier than you would think, especially when you take into account how many amazing choices are available for shopping online.

If you happen to be a person who is somewhat animated, you can always go with a bold splash of color with your framed grouping. Although cartoon-like images might be the first thing to come to mind, there is no reason why you cannot have a selection of sophisticated pieces that really pop with color!

Time To Hang It Up!

So, 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!

Getting Your Children Interested In Art Early On

Have you happened to notice that your child seems to be taking quite an interest in how their room is decorated at home? Sometimes children are longing for something a little extra in terms of expressing themselves through their decor. When you find that your son or daughter is looking to have a say in the design and decor that goes into their bedroom, you might want to let them explore and see what happens.

It is true that you are never too young or too old to be interested in art. As a matter of fact, introducing your children to art at a very early age can help them tremendously in terms of creativity. Because art is such a lovely way to express yourself, it is no wonder why so many children become interested in all of the aspects of art. When you find that there is a gallery showing in your local area, why not see about bringing your child along with you? Don't be afraid to talk with them about all of the colors and different styles on display!

When it comes to their room at home, a terrific idea is letting your child choose the color palette. In addition to that, you can always go the extra mile by letting them choose some incredible framed prints to hang on their walls. They might even be interested in a couple of small sculpture pieces. Art can be a great way to not only open up your child's mind, but a terrific way for the two of you to bond as well.

Canvas Art Could Be Your Favorite Accessory

You do not necessarily have to be an art expert in order 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 buy it. 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 speak to you on so many different levels. You will have the feeling of comfort each and every time you lay eyes on your chosen pieces of canvas art. In addition to that, each particular piece is almost guaranteed to spark up all sorts of interesting conversations with the guests who have a chance to visit your home.

With some many artists choices available, it is no wonder that canvas art is so popular with those who love to use art to express themselves. You can always go with something breathtaking such as a Monet or even subtle with a Van Gogh. Still life, portraits, florals and more are all waiting for you in the incredible world of wall art. All you have to do is find enough room on your walls at home to display everything that you purchase!

We're All the Same But Different

No one captures the beauty of diversity better than James Rizzo. His whimsical creations have been delighting collectors for years now.

He is best known for his 3-D artwork where he typically made an etching then printed it twice and hand colored it. One etching was then placed on top of another one and slightly moved over so the other etching could be clearly seen underneath. Windows in buildings, photos, picture frames and various other items would be cut out of the top artwork so the bottom artwork could shine through, enhancing the 3-D appeal of the artwork.

His other serigraphs include the highly detailed, "We're All the Same But Different" has a huge number of individuals with each one doing something different. All of the individuals in the artwork are at a party and each one is wearing something different and drinking something different from everyone else. There are people with flasks, glasses and bottles. This would make an outstanding addition to a living room or a central piece in your bar area.

This serigraph would make an equally good gift if you're looking for an unusual gift for a special friend. When you have a serigraph matted and framed at Gallery Direct, only museum quality archival items are used. The print is protected from touching the mat and therefore no acids can exchange in the papers so there is no break down of the papers used for both matting and the serigraph itself.

With the dark black outlines, a simple black frame would be outstanding for displaying this piece.Choose a double mat that picks up different colors in the piece and you'll have a memorable piece of art for your wall.

Yes, The Little Things Count

When you're pulling together the entire look of a room, you can use small elements in your design to make the entire look blend and flow as a whole.

When you're adding pieces to your room. Consider the design impact of every single item you bring into the room no matter how small or needed purely for function. For example, if you find you need shelving, a great addition to any room are ornately scrolled brackets. You can do so much more with them than you might think. They can be used as focal points on walls, used for pure function to create shelving that is very individual to your decor, used to set off a fireplace mantel, draw attention to a doorway or highlight an artwork on your wall.

Another way to add a "little" flair to your room is to add a small mirror or even better a small collection of mirrors. Mirrors can do the job of adding the illusion of space to your walls as well as adding some character to your decor. They also reflect light and will automatically brighten a room.

Small statues work wonderfully in most rooms. Put them on a shelf or on a table beside a lamp. If you have a small collection small statues or sculptures, display them in a lighted curio cabinet for extra impact in your room.

There are so many ways to use small items to make your space more "you". If you have a love of small dogs for example, a small lithograph of your favorite breed will meld beautifully into your decor and your interior will still have your personal design stamp.

Spring is Coming Soon!

Spring will soon be upon us and if you don't have time to go till up your yard to make a garden area, a great solution can be the creative placement of planters around your yard. Not all plants do well in planters but you can make a glorious springtime presentation in your yard if you choose your plants wisely. Whether you choose small, medium, large or extra-large planters, you can make a great display.

In a small planter, put delicate looking violets. For as fragile as they look, they are really quite hardy plants and if you're the type that doesn't remember to water your plants on a regular basis, violets are very forgiving. If you'd like something a little aromatic, try planting some lavender. It has a delicate scent that attracts hummingbirds in the early morning and late afternoon hours as well as butterflies and bumble bees. Two herbs that make a nice presentation in a planter are Rue and Feverfew. Both will produce a lot of leaves and masses of small delicate flowers.

Wild flowers also look nice in planters. When you buy the mixed packets, you are never sure exactly what you'll get but generally they begin blooming in the mid-to late spring and continue until the late summer. Bulb flowers such as tulips and jonquils do very well in planters and if you live in a cooler climate, they will thrive. In the winter, many people advise to dig up your bulbs and wrap them in dry paper and store them in a cool, dark area like a basement or a cupboard in your utility room.

Bring the blooms of spring indoors to your walls with a beautiful piece of artwork that is literally dripping with fresh colors. A gorgeous piece with flowers all around will bring the freshness of spring into your home.

Need More Space? Shelve That Idea!

It's no secret that wall shelves can do wonders when you are looking to add some extra storage space to any of the rooms within your home. While this is true, wall shelves can also be wonderful when you are looking to find great ways to give your decor a little boost.

A great way to set off a wall shelf set is to display a single sculpture or perhaps a set of framed artworks. A single piece on a shelf will lend the idea that the piece is not only unique but also valuable. If you want to further enhance the illusion, choose a reproduction print that is printed on canvas and enhanced with brush strokes. To all but the trained eye, this type of print often is mistaken for an actual artwork. Other people just don't like prints and prefer an artwork on canvas. Printed reproduction piece or not. Many of the canvas pieces are signed by the original artist, just like the original painting as well, increasing the value in many cases of the reproduction piece, especially in the case of a limited edition run where only a set amount are numbered and signed.

If you want to add a touch of "you" to your room. Put a collection of sentimental photos or items on a wall shelf. You could include your now-grown children's first hand prints cast in plaster beside their own children's hand prints to show off both your kids and your grand kids. Other fun items include vacation photos, weddings and more. If it has sentimental value, include it.

Decorating A Room with Large Walls

Making a small room seem larger is a well-known and often used decorating trick. A less used but much needed skill when decorating your room is the ability to make a large wall with high ceilings seem cozy without making the room seem closed in or substantially smaller.

Putting up a large impact piece is one way to break up the monotony a large wall can sometimes bring to a room. A replica piece such as a Claude Monet classic Poppies done in a huge 42-inch by 53-inch artwork will make a stunning impact piece on your wall. The brightness of the piece with an elegant museum quality frame will not only give you the impact you seek for your wall space but an artwork that will last for years upon years to come because it is made from archival items. The print is also printed on canvas and then brush stroked to with a heavy bristled brush to give it an air of realism.

Claude Monet is a still a very popular artist for collectors, however he wasn't as popular in his day. In fact, his first showing of his impressionist art was so ill-received that a near riot ensued and his first outing as a professional artist was considered a total and absolute flop. Undaunted and completely believing in his style of expression, he continued to develop his loose style of painting and eventually influenced an entire generation of painters and continues to be considered the Father of the Impressionist movement to this day. If you don't want to do a huge impact piece, an alternate route you can take is to create a large impact piece from many smaller pieces.

If you have a large wall that is giving you a headache trying to incorporate it into your decor scheme, use these tips and use your wall to give your room some impact!

A Gift to Thrill the Little Girl Within

No matter if she's five or fifty, you'll have to agree most women have a youthful magic inside. If you have a gift to purchase, no matter if she's young or old, she'll cherish one of the best loved lines from the movie, "Cinderella"; "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes".

This wise bit of prose is immortalized in a beautiful sculpture by Dusty Horner. This piece takes the shape of the Pumpkin Coach from the famous Bibbity Bobbity Boo" scene where Cinderellas Fairy Godmother turns Cinderella into a beautiful Princess. Her Rags turn into a Ball Gown, a Pumpkin transforms into a Coach to whisk her off to the Princes Ball, and several Mice are turned into the coachmen. Cinderella, is surrounded by her friendly birds, and you can still see the magic effects twirling around her!

The entire piece is set in clear a clear resin that mimics hand blown glass and it topped with a golden top to resemble a pumpkin. The non-roll base will keep your sculpture where ever she chooses to display it.

To make the sculpture within highlight, display this piece either under a lamp or with a light shining behind it. It will cause the pieces within to catch the light and appear to glow from within. If you want to give a gift of magic, even for the little girl that still resides within yourself; this will make a wonderful addition to your room.

Thinking Ahead to Spring

Feeling a little winter-weary? With so many days of snow and ice, the world of white outside can leave you longing for the warmer and more colorful days of spring. Even though outdoors doesn't acknowledge it just yet, spring is indeed on her way and it's never too early to start planning to make a few changes to your decor.

You can begin to feel a little housebound when it's too cold to go outside for extended periods of time and you can get a little tired of watching television and checking your email. Use your time to plan some updates to the room you are in the most, your living room.

If you feel your living room is a little dull and boring. You can brighten it up with just a few splashes of color. A new valance with a bright background color and add a couple of new pillows to your sofa or love seat that also bring a bright color of your choosing into the room. An area rug is another great way to add a splash of color to your room and bring up little used colors and mellow out colors that might be getting overexposed in your decor.

Another fun way to bring in spring is to add a painting full of life. It doesn't have to be a springtime floral scene; you can add wild dancers in spicy costumes or a whimsical cat looking out of a shop window. Many people enjoy adding a large painting over their sofa that mimics the season outside. Consider a reproduction of a countryside view from your childhood days when life was a lot more simple.

Use these tips and update your room to a fun spring feel - remember warmer days are on their way!

Rhymes With Orange

Well nothing rhymes with orange but the color orange is fast becoming one of the most popular colors to use in interior decor this season.

If you want to be on the cutting edge of this design season but the thought of doing your walls in orange is just too much. Opt for some orange accents around your room.

There are many shades of orange that you can use. From a darker burnt orange to a light melon orange - you are sure to find a shade that will blend nicely into your existing decor. Window treatments that have light colors can be brought up to date with the simple use of a light orange sash. You can further balance out your window treatments by adding a matching valance of the same color across the top of your draperies.

Pillows are a fast way to add splashes of color in your room. Add two different shades of orange, one light and one dark to your soft and love seats to help bring the orange into your decor. Table runners are another fun way to incorporate a color quietly into a room. Match a coordinating color in a vase or opt for a clear vase and a flower arrangement that highlights the color orange. If you aren't a plant kind of person, you can add an orange-hued lamp base with a neutral lamp shade.
A piece of art that highlights orange as a main color is another way to bring the color around your room.

There are many ways that you can bring orange into your room without opening a can of paint. Use these tips and you'll be on the cutting edge of style.

There's Still Time To Get a Valentine's Day Present

If you've been searching high and low and you still don't feel like you can find the perfect Valentine's present, there's always the gift of art.

Something for your sweetie's desk or in a living room where it will be seen and appreciated often is a great way to say, "I Love You". If you have someone that is the apple of your eye, let them know it with a limited edition resin sculpture reproduction titled "Hearts" by Roark Gouley. He has designed an outstanding sculpture piece that consists of a bright red heart that has an apple stem and coloring and has a big bite taken out of it.

This would make a fabulous gift for your Valentine. Pair it in a basket with a bottle of wine, some cheese and some crackers and perhaps some chocolates. Your honey will get a big smile out of your gift. When this piece is displayed, whether at home or at the office, your Valentine will relish giving the details of your fun gift and how it was given with a little romantic Valentine's feast.

There's still time to do something for Valentine's besides the same old candy and flowers. If you're looking to do something a little different this year, give your Valentine a holiday to remember and a lasting mementos to be cherished year after year.

Cats and Cats and Cats

If you have a love of the furry feline population, you will probably have a small collection of cat-inspired items around your home.

Having items that you collect around your room will help make your decor uniquely "you". Even the most cozy French Country interior decor can leave you feeling flat if you don't incorporate a few personal items here and there to make your interior pop with your own special personality.

Since you love cats, why not put a cat inspired doorstop by the doorway? A pair of carved cat-shaped bookends is a great way to show off your book collection as well as bring more of your own personality into the room

There are cat-shaped planters that can hold all types of plants, including cat grass and catnip for your furry friends. Another fun way to incorporate your love of cats into the room is use a whimsically feline-inspired piece of art. Romero Britto has a gorgeous piece titled, "Mona Cat" and it is a take off on the classic "Mona Lisa".

Romero Britto has made a definite impression in the world of art. His style unique and his closest comparisons have been to Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Roy Lichtenstein. The "Mona Cat" is limited to a 300 print limited edition and each one is hand signed by the artist. This piece will make a wonderfully light-hearted addition to your cat lover's decor.

Artful Additions With Wallpaper Borders

Sometimes, you will find that you have a room or two within your home that needs a little something extra. You might have a good amount of furniture in the room, and you could even be content with the color scheme that you have chosen for the walls. However, there could still be something that seems to be missing. You should know that there are still options that you can enjoy in terms of wallpaper borders for just about any room in your home.

Certainly, you could be thinking that the idea of wallpaper borders are a little crazy due to the fact that they were used quite a bit by many homeowners over the past couple of years. Even though they seem to have been overused by many, there are still amazing options in wallpaper borders that can make your kitchen and dining room sparkle. Some of these wallpaper borders can be found in the beautiful collection by a talented artists named Warren Kimble.

Henny and Penny is a stunning and fun eclectic wallpaper border that is just right for any country home, especially if you are a fan or collector of hens! This high quality wallpaper border is made from quality pre-pasted paper in a nice blend of colors including black, red, wheat and white. You will be pleased when you see just how simple it can be to transform a dining room or kitchen with a little bit of help from such a nice wallpaper border. It could even lend to a spark in creativity, leading you to work on other rooms within your home!

The Works Of Romare Bearden

If you are on the lookout for some truly amazing pieces of art that speak of the rich African American culture, then there is really no question that you will enjoy the work done by Romare Bearden. This talented artist is well known for many of the beautiful pieces that he created during his full love enjoying the creation of art and other aspects of the world including history, performing arts, music and more. By bringing a stellar piece of artwork by this master into your home, you will be opening up a whole new world for you and your family.

An amazing visual artist, Romare Bearden is known for works rich in bold color, different mediums and more. As a matter of fact, you may even find that there is something just right in his collection of art for just about any kind of collector. When thinking of bringing one of his pieces into your home, you need to be prepared for a good deal of conversation. Everyone who lays their eyes on a Romare Bearden is usually very moved and feel compelled to talk about it.

A smart addition to any home that enjoys music and the arts would have to be the Romare Bearden framed art print entitled Showtime. This piece is true to Bearden form, complete with some of the most stunning colors that the eye has ever set sight on. After you hang this piece in your family room or other area of your home, you are sure to be inspired to create and live your life to its fullest!

Great Wall Decorating Ideas For Your Dorm Room

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 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!

Use These Tricks To Make Your Ceilings Look Lower

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

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

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

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

Why Buy From Gallery Direct Art

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

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

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

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

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

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

Update Your Fireplace

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

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

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

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

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

Change Your Room and Your Mood

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

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

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

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

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

Adding Personal Touches to Your Decor

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

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

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

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

The Spice Of Sculpture

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

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

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

Berit Kruger-Johnsen For Your Lover

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

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

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

Beautiful Art For Your Bedroom

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

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

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

Bathroom Art Choices

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

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

Arranging Your Art

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

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

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

Framed Mirrors For Your Home

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

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

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

The Warmth Of A Thomas Kinkade

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

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

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

Paul Horton Sculpture

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

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

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

A Memorable Housewarming Gift

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

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

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

You Are Never Too Old For Disney

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

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

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

Holiday Shopping for the Dog Lover

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

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

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

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

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

Give Yourself a Regal Room

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

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

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

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

Want a Country Kitchen?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make Your Room Into a Tropical Paradise

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

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

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

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

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

Purrfectly Wonderful Cat Lover Gifts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Update Your Kitchen

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

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

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

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

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