Picasso That Doesn't Look Like a Picasso

Cubism the style that most people say leaps to mind when they hear the name Picasso. Cubism is a very interesting style of art that takes a common everyday object and forces the viewer of the see the object in an entirely new way. The object might be anything from a chair to a cat to a person and the painting will be broken into sections within the artwork and different angles of the object will be present.

This was the reason disjointed faces and violins with pieces around a painting were prominent in some of Picasso's early pieces as he painted in the Cubism style. What many people don't know is that isn't the only style Picasso used. He also painted a good number of portraits of everyday people living life as he experienced it. Picasso was known as a fiery tempered and hard to live with man who was able to see the beautiful in the most common of objects and everyday situations.

A great conversation piece for your walls will be Sleeping Peasants as it is not done in the Cubism style and many people upon viewing it may not believe you at first when you tell them it is a Picasso.

This framed art print is done in neutral colors and will easily match any decor. The print will arrive framed under glass and is mounted, matted and framed using archival tapes to ensure your print stays as beautiful as the first day you got it. The artwork is finished with a dustcover on the back and ready to hang.

Go ahead, get a Picasso for your walls, you can afford it and if you aren't a fan of the Cubism style, consider his softer more traditional pieces that capture a small moment in another place and time through the eyes of a very talented man.

A Gift of Love for Mom

Mother's Day is just around the corner and if you haven't already gotten your favorite lady a great gift, consider the gift of art. You love your Mom, go ahead admit it and you want to show her how very special she is to you. Consider an art piece that says it for you each and every time she sees it.

A sculpted heart to sit next to her bed or on a favorite table where Mom relaxes will be a constant reminder that she is loved. If your Mom is a collector if items you can also give her something to add to her collection. A Mom that has a collection of cows or ducks in the kitchen will love having a little sculpture that tells her just how special she is to you. You can also get her a special work of art that reflects her own individual and unique style. It's easy to get it framed to match her decor.

If your mother has a very particular sense of what she likes and doesn't like, a mirror will make an outstanding addition to her decor. Mirrors can be used to lighten rooms and also give the illusion of space in a smaller room. Go for a mirror with an ornate frame to a sleek and modern look - you can get the look your Mom loves.

A gift certificate will make an ideal gift if your mom is the type that really enjoys picking out each and every item for her home herself. This is a great way to ensure that she gets a gift she will love and a piece of artwork for her home that she can cherish and enjoy for years to come.

Have a Dragon in Your Home

If you or someone you know is into the decorating style of Feng Shui, they will know the positivity that the images of dragons bring to the home. Dragons are thought to bring joy and luck to any household they grace and are often used near doorways to remove negativity and repel anyone wishing to cause the resident of the home harm.

All that aside, nothing looks more magical than a dragon. A piece of dragon art can fit in any decor from Shabby Chic to the austere Modern Eames style. There are a good number of choices for adding dragon art to your home. Go for a replica painting which to the untrained eye will look like an original apiece as even the brush strokes are plainly visible. A print matted and framed under glass will also look fantastic.

If you feel you have enough artworks hanging on your walls, think sculpture. A small dragon sculpture will look wonderful on a shelf by a winding ivy plant that mimics the curls and turns in the dragon's body or consider placing a pair of dragon sculptures on each end of a shelf or by a fireplace if you're using a Feng Shui method of decor in your room as the pair of dragons will bring harmony and balance to your room.

Don't feel that a green old Arthur style dragon is the only kind you can have. If you want a painting featuring a dragon but you're a little tired of seeing green dragons with yellow fire and not much else - check out the burst of color in Tiefeng Jiang's signed and numbered serigraph on canvas: "Dragon Bride". This outstanding piece is bright and will make a real impact on your decor.

Add a little luck to your room and add a dragon to give your abode a real conversation piece and of course, a little luck from the dragon.

Gift for the Elvis Fan

Even after all these the years, many people are still Elvis fans. Thomas Kinkade has created an outstanding piece titled, "Graceland, 50th Anniversary" and it was done not only for his own admiration of Elvis Presley, but also as a continued tribute to his wife, Nanette with the placement of five "N's" around this piece.

Thom has featured Elvis's green 1958 Cadillac El Dorado Biarritz Convertible in this painting. This car marks the entrance to Elvis's famous automobile museum. This painting was created to commemorate the fact that 50 years earlier, Elvis purchased Graceland.

In the front of this piece are Graceland's famous gates with their guitar motif that were custom built by John Dillars, Jr. of Memphis Doors and installed in 1957. Thom wanted to capture the feel of Graceland in this piece and did so beautifully. The piece was painted from an on-site sketch that was made on an autumn morning and Thom then added touches such as a likeness of the King and one of his famous cars.

Along with this piece you can choose the frame that you'd like to present it in. It will be professionally framed in the type of wood of your choosing. If this is for a gift you can closely match the frame to the wood colors of the main furnishings and give a gift that is custom made to fit into the recipent's home.

If you have an Elvis fan that you want to get a gift they will adore for years to come and as with most Kinkade pieces, there is rich detail throughout the piece making it a fantastic conversation piece.

Give Mom a Unique Gift of Custom Framed Art

Have you been struggling with thoughts for a great gift for Mother's Day and you're coming up short on ideas? If you don't want to get Mom yet another bottle of perfume or something to wear, why not give her something special to remember your love and affection all year round?

Art always makes an outstanding gift and you can get your mother something to highlight a collection she already has such as cat related objects or items that are pink and rosy. You can get a sculpture of a regal cat for her to place on a table and fondly think of you every time she sees it or you can get her a custom framed artwork for her walls.

Once you choose the print you would like, you can get the artwork custom framed. A good rule of thumb is to choose the frames in the same wood tone as the main furniture in the room. However there is one piece that you want to highlight, such as Mom has a beautiful antique cherry wood table among her many pieces, go for a cherry wood finish on the frame to highlight that piece of furniture and add unity to the decor.

It's easy to give the gift of custom framed art to Mom for Mother's Day. Just find a print that really fits her style and then choose your frame accordingly. It can be made and delivered in time to make a great Mother's Day Gift she'll cherish for years to come.

Tips for Accent Colors

One of the hardest things for many people to do when they are setting up their interior decor is to choose their accent colors.

An easy way to find your accent color is to decide what the main color of your room will be. Then you will want to go one of two main ways. You can either choose a color or two that will contrast with your color creating a real lively effect in your room; or you can choose a color or two that will blend with your main color and create a subtle effect usually associated with a more casual feel to an interior.

If you already have some decor items in your room,you can find wonderful inspirations for using colors you may not have considered. Look at a pillow on your sofa and the colors in the fabric or at your window treatments for additional color choices and you can even find inspiration in the humble area rug on your floor. All of these things can be used to find accent colors as well as bring the accent colors together in your room and make your design flow.

Some interior designers will build an entire decor around the most humble and simple of ideas. Sometimes a bowl of lemons has been used as inspiration for making a sunny, bright kitchen area. A standing vase of lilies with their gentle lines and colors may inspire a soft palette of color in your living room. Others have used a single artwork as the main contributor of the color choices in a room.

No matter what you use as inspiration for your main colors and your accent colors, remember to choose the colors that you think look well and make you feel good about your room - that way you'll have an interior decor design with your own personal touch.

Decorating with Frames

When you look around your room do you feel something is missing? It might be your wall space that is throwing off your room.

First of all, if you have large areas of wall space that are shining out - don't run and start slapping artworks or shelves on the your walls; that is the worst thing you can do. Instead, look at your walls and envision patterns you can create on your wall.

You can cover a wall in framed artworks and it can look like absolute junk or you can actually take the time to arrange your framed artworks and let the frames service as the markers for a pattern and you can create something really nice to look at that will uplift the feel of your room.

Use groups of similarly shaped artworks and look at the shapes of the frames alone for making a design on your wall. A grouping of herbs in your kitchen in a square shape or turn it a little sideways and make a diamond shaped display of your framed artworks for an interesting placement.

In your living room - consider using a large artwork and then smaller artworks around it to highlight the large piece as well as creating an interesting display of smaller artworks. You can also create interest by using artworks with a similar theme around each other - or even photos of yourself and family members in fun frames.

There you have it, use these tips and liven up your walls using frames. You can create shapes and eye-pleasing designs that will add immensely to your decor.

It's Okay to Use Purple

When you were little, was your favorite color purple? When you were older did you find yourself drawn to purple clothing? If there were multiple color choices of a particular item, did you always pick the purple one? If that's you, you might be relieved to know, it's okay to use purple in your interior decor too.

Once upon a time, interior designers everywhere might have grabbed their hearts and fallen over, however color experimentation in small doses can lead to an eye-pleasing design that is uniquely "you".

First of all, don't go crazy and invest in an entirely purple decor. Too much of any one color is overbearing, even the mildest of beiges can be overpowering when used extensively in an interior. Instead, use complimentary colors and add purples in your decor in subtle ways.

On your sofa add pillows in a lighter and darker shades of purple. Change out your window treatments to fabrics that have a hint of purple and tie them back with purple ties in the same color as your pillows; this will create a wonderful color flow throughout that area of your room.

Your walls can sing with color with a beautiful artwork featuring purple lavender fields or lilacs in bloom. You can further accent your room with fresh bouquets of flowers and if you have a green thumb, a potted lilac bush or lavender will usually grow indoors nicely and perfume your room with their gentle scents.

See? You can incorporate your favorite color in many areas of your room and still not raise the eyebrows of your most conservative relatives.

Breaking the Boring Beige Rut

And then before you knew it, your entire home was beige. Relaxing but boring, earthy beige. It's easy to fall into a beige rut and fortunately it is also easy to break out of if you just use the magic of color around your room and you'll realize an entirely new life to your room that you didn't have before.

First of all, make a note of your room and if you're working in a living room, add colorful pillows on the sofa and chair. A colorful throw on a chair with an ottoman is another way to bring subtle hints of brightness into your room. Area rugs too can do a great job of blending beige tones with bright colors. Many people use the colors in their area rugs to tie in colors for the entire room and it works just beautifully.

Wake up your walls with splashes of color. If you don't have to paint all your walls, just one in a pretty accent color will make your entire room crackle with life. Another way to get this effect of color is to use either fabric to cover a wall or use a large artwork with brilliant colors.

In your kitchen, use framed prints of green herbs to bring life to your walls. Add real herbs or just leafy green plants to your windowsill and you'll notice an immediate uplift in the entire mood of your kitchen area.

There is so much can do with just a little color. Experiment in one room and when you see the difference it can make, you'll wind up working on every room in your home and the result will be a cozy yet very alive place to call home.

Thomas Kinkade

The work of Thomas Kinkade is known throughout the world. You find it in countless prints, hopping malls, holiday season gifts, calendars, and so on. He is perhaps the most celebrated artist of his time. His work is simple, yet it captures the light in a fashion that astounds us all. His print, "First Snow" is a simple scene of winter's first true expression in the early evening. This will make the perfect gift for your own collection or that of someone else's. And it doesn't have to be given just during the holiday season either. "Pathway to Paradise" is a favorite among many art collectors. He brilliantly captures the light as it cascades through the tress and beckons one to walk the pathway.

One can only imagine the time he must spend in his private gallery painting surreal images of the world and life. No one can doubt that this world is a better place because of it. You can find many of his exceptionally fine quality prints at Gallery Direct Art where the order processing is simple. Thomas Kinkade's "Open Gate" had a hidden meaning. An open gate beckons you to walk through to discover the mysteries on the other side. This print, and more await you at Gallery Direct At.

You'll find new releases, framed prints, sculptures, and limited editions. The customer service is great too. If there are every any problems, just call the toll free number and check your order status.

Gregory Clair

"Out of The Midst" the might hunts undisturbed. It's not hard to tell when an artist spends quality time with nature. This limited edition print captures the very essence of the outdoors-and can only expressed by an artist who is at one with it. Choose the custom framing that will accent your home setting for this beautiful work of art. Prints are framed in quality hardwood frame moulding, and are double matted in real picture glass. Affordably priced, "Out of the Midst" is quality art not to be passed up.

"Spring Cascade" brings to mind the "Rite" of Spring. Nature awakens and birds play innocently amidst spring blossoms. These prints represent a snapshot of timeless moments for all of us. Gregory Clair is a lover of nature, and it's in every stroke of his brush. Own it today, and keep it for a lifetime.

A "Touch of Gold" evokes quite the memories of still moments in an Ohio woodland forest. Two cardinals are perched on a tree branch, and just as you approach-they take flight. Gregory's roots are deeply spiritual, and you can see this quality in all of his artwork. Nature is a thing to behold and experience for all of us. Unfortunately, schedules can be so busy that it's hard to find time to get away. A relaxing week at a remote retreat can do wonders for our creative energies. Bringing nature to us in the form of beautiful works of art can bring us a little closer to the goal.

Native American Artwork

Artwork that depicts the lives of Native Americans is quite spiritual in nature. The fabulous artwork of Lee Bogle captures the very essence of what Native American life must have been like. "Golden Reflections" is a beautiful print of a Native American Woman standing in a lake with outstretched arms. One can almost feel the intense quiet and calm of a woodland lake. Prints like these can be a magnificent focal point of any room décor. They grab the center of attention.

Lee Bogle's hand signed and numbered limited edition "At Peace" is a striking painting of a Native American Woman at peace with the Universe-and wrapped in a ceremonial shawl. You may find yourself engrossed in the image for hours imagining you are there with her. "Quite Solitude" is yet another of the master's fine works of art, and really indicates why his creations are famous the world over. His artwork is almost surreal, and is able to transcend beauty as the world defines it.

If you're a nature love, the works of Les Didier are perfect to add to your artwork collection. "On Silent Wings" is a striking print of a lone eagle in flight somewhere deep in the American wilderness. "Early Snow" arouses fond memories for those that live in winter environments. The first snow signals that it's time for the earth to sleep yet again. At Gallery Direct Art, you'll find all the popular names and some of the finest limited additions artwork anywhere on the internet.

Bev Doolittle

Bev Doolittle is an acclaimed artist whose work inspires respect the world over. The Porcelain Keepsafe Box-"Season of the Eagle" is a beautiful mountain scene that has more than meets the eye. Her work is always symbolic of something more than what you see at first glance. The artist is very close to the outdoors, and her work shows it in every brush stroke. Much of her work depicts Western Wilderness and its inhabitants. You have to think when you look at her paintings. There's always something hidden that is at first difficult to spot.

She's famous for her camouflaged paintings. These include "Two Indian Horses", "Sacred Ground," The Good Omen", "Christmas Day, Give or Take a Week", "Sacred Circle", and "The Forest Has Eyes" to name a few.

"Let My Spirit Soar" is another great gift idea that you can give any time of year. Bev Doolittle was inspired by the sunlit shore of lake in Banff National Park when she painted her masterpiece. A Native American woman sits quietly on the lakeshore and contemplates the meaning of life. This painting will bring peace and beauty to any room setting.

Gallery Direct Art has the highest customer ratings of any online Art Retailer, and is featured in such publications as Art and Antiques, Wildlife Art, Inform Art, Country Sampler, Western Interiors, and Décor Magazines. With a gallery line up like this, you know you access to the finest artwork anywhere. And you just can 't beat the secure online shopping and free shipping.

Ansel Adams

No home or life is really complete without the beauty and presence of art, and whether it's the animated art of Walt Disney, sculpture, canvas art, or the works of Thomas Kinkade, Gallery Direct Art has something for everyone. The superb artwork of John Banovich is something far beyond normal talent. At first glance, one is aware that here is an artist that is able to see far more than the average individual-along with an unimaginable gift of being able to bring the vision to life on canvas. These are the types of art that uplift any home décor, and immediately make a statement about what your philosophies are in life.

No true collection of art would be complete without the works of Ansel Adams. His works, to this day, are still haunting and mystifying. Even to a novice, there is a sense that Ansel Adams was able to capture a purer vibration of nature with his equipment and inner eye, and thus capture the essence forever on film. This is perhaps why the photography of Ansel Adams seems so much more real for some unexplainable reason.

You'll find some of the best-framed art and print art around at Gallery Direct Art; along with top sellers, special savings, gift certificates, and free shipping. Gallery Direct Art also makes it easy for Spanish speaking patrons to shop on line too. If Spanish is your language of choice, you can shop and find all of your favorites at prices you can afford.

Spice Up Your Kitchen

If your kitchen is starting to seem a little dull and boring to you, it is easy to spice up the kitchen and it doesn't take much to do it. First of all, make your cooking space feel like a place where the most exotic of meals are prepared, even if the most exotic thing you prepare is the occasional microwaved meal!

Get rid of everything off the walls that doesn't apply to food. Add artworks on your walls that reflect food. Baskets of veggies and spices are good choices for your walls.

Choose the curtains for your kitchen area with a similar motif. Spices, herbs and veggies are all good for prints on fabrics to be used throughout your kitchen. For your containers that hold items such as flour, sugar and coffee; invest in an antique set. You can find one-of-a-kind items in thrift and antique stores that will bring the culinary vibe to your kitchen that you're going for with your decor.

If you have cushions that can be covered, it would be a great idea to coordinate your window treatments with your cushions. If you're making your own curtains or having them made, buy extra fabric and you can cover your chair cushions easily to match.

As far as other items such as table runners and other items; you can choose one solid color from the artwork or other items in your kitchen area and highlight that color throughout your decor to give your kitchen a really pulled together feel.

Gussy Up The Bathroom

Although it is the bathroom, there is never any reason why you should feel as though it should be overlooked when it comes to adding a little something artful and wonderful. After all, it is a room within your home or apartment just as any other. With the right piece of sculpture or even a combination of art, you can transform even the blandest bathroom into a magnificent space for your living area. When you really think about it, who wouldn't want a bathroom that almost seemed to flow with all of the other rooms within your home or apartment?

Unless you have a truly gigantic bathroom in your living space, you are probably not looking to have to purchase more than one or two pieces to really bring in the feel and scheme that you are longing for. Just a couple of the right pieces can really bring out a great feeling in your bathroom that will be both warm and inviting for all of your guests who may have to utilize it when they stop by for a visit. You will also see that it can be a fairly magnificent feeling to get compliments on a room that many other homeowners will never hear a peep about.

If you happen to have a bit of free wall space in your bathroom, you can always look into a larger framed art print or even a grouping of a few smaller ones. Also, if you have a nice shelf area or a corner cabinet, a beautiful piece of sculpture may be in order. With a little bit of imagination, art could be the key for a well-rounded and pleasing bathroom environment.

Decorating Your First Apartment

Decorating your first apartment can be both a challenge and whole lot of fun. Most people find their finances are a little tight when they decorate their first place to live, so items that can do more than one function are a good value.

Even a small efficiency can have a lot of potential as a place to live and entertain if you plan out your items right. Make an armoire a place to hold your television, stereo and DVD collection.

If you want to have a bar in your apartment and don't have the room for a standard sized bar, you can take a two or three shelved regular bookcase and have it stash away your wine glasses, spirits and wines until you are ready to use them. You can add a wine bottle holder to give your set up a legitimate bar feel. Then you can have a place ready to serve up your guests when an impromptu gathering happens at your place.

Most apartments will frown on letting you put bulldog screws in the walls to hold shelving, however you get skinny shelves that take up very little floor space and will hold all the items you need and if you have a small sculpture or two to display, this is a great way to do it and keep them out of the way.

If extra chairs aren't an option around your apartment, use large pillows that can remain in the corner of your home until needed and then make a comfy place for your guests to relax when over at your house.

It's very possible to make an apartment over with your own personal touch. Just use items and elements that reflect your own personal lifestyle and tastes and you'll have a place that has a warm, cozy feel that is uniquely "you"!

Brian Davis - Perfect For Spring And Summer Decor

Everyone knows the feeling that warmer weather can bring on. You may end up having a sudden itch to get out and enjoy the sunshine as well as have the urge to chill out in your hammock outside with a glass of lemonade. However, when the weather never seems to get where you want it to fast enough, there is always a great way that you can give it a little nudge to get this magnificent feeling headed your way much faster. All it may take is the simple placement of a few beautiful art pieces that will breathe some life and fresh air into your living space that has been dull and drab since the snow began to fly.

When you want to give your living space a much needed boost, you can always look to the stunning and breathtaking artwork that is put out by a talented artist by the name of Brian Davis. This wonderful artist seems to have a way of making any sort of a bloom look as if it were the very first one to sprout up on the marvelous planet earth. Now, you can look into having one of these giclee on canvas set up in your very own home or apartment. Surely, if one of these beauties do not get you in the mood for those lazy, hazy crazy days of summer than nothing will!

Lilacs, roses, water lilies, irises and more are all exploding with color and just waiting to bring a sense of the outdoors into your foyer, bedroom, family room or wherever you choose. Such gorgeous pieces are sure to lift your spirits with each and every glance.

Art Choices For The Animal Lover

Do you have a close friend or relative that happens to be quite the animal lover that also has a birthday coming up? If so, then you may want to think about getting something a bit more charming than one of those silly pet owner t-shirts or a mug that they will never use. When you really want to make an impression that is not only thoughtful but also very functional, then you could always think about some sort of art piece.

Whether the animal lover is an art fan or not, the right piece of artwork or sculpture can be an incredibly special gift that will show them that you care about them and their love for the four legged friends in their life. In addition to that, thinking of such a magnificent art purchase as a gift could quite possibly be the nudge that they will need to get into a little bit of art collecting themselves. With all of this being said, you are going to want to head online and check out some of the incredible art options for animal lovers.

John Weiss is a fabulous artist that really seems to capture the heart of all animal lover's and the pets that they enjoy taking care of. Whether you are looking for a nice print that shows a boy and his puppy at the beach or a pair of black labs relaxing in front of the fireplace, there is something for everyone. Once you have given such a gift, the animal lover in your life is guaranteed to become an art lover as well!

Room Decor Your Teen Will Love

Pleasing a teenager can be a real challenge. Once your kid hits their teenage years, they will want to have a bedroom that is uniquely them. When it's time to upgrade your child's room from "little kid" to teenager, there are some easy changes you can make that will let your child start to feel older and have a more "grown up" room.

Music is a large part of most teen's lives, make it easy for them to enjoy their favorite tunes without making you crazy. Give your teen a place to put their stereo or if they just have a CD player with a huge collection of music, a good storage place is a bookshelf in a corner of the room away from the entrance door, that way the sound won't be going out the door and into the rest of the house where it may or may not be appreciated.

Video games are a common item in many teen rooms, give your teen a place to play his. A beanbag chair in front of a small console cabinet where the video game can be put away when he's not using it will go a long way towards helping to keep his room clean and neat.

If you want your teen to keep his room neater, give him the items to help him do so. Shelves in his room for items, laundry to keep clothes from getting thrown in the floor and adequate storage in the form of bookshelves and even an armoire that will allow for a television to be in the room or closed off, whichever he prefers.

Let your teen choose the art for his walls. He doesn't have any say in the rest of the house as far as what goes on the walls, let him express his own tastes (within reason) in his living space and you'll find you have a teen that will be happy to keep his room picked up because he helped design it.

Let Your Personality Shine Through

Whoever said that you had to set up the d?or in your home or apartment so you can please the tastes of all of the people who will be coming to visit you? Well, that person just had to have been crazy. There is nothing like carefully picking and choosing the kinds of art and sculpture that you want to place within your living space. This is the time for you to express your inner artist and creative side by choosing pieces that make you happy and serene. Never worry about what other people may think. After all, they are definitely not the person who is waking up to look at the living space each and every day.

When it comes to setting up a living space with an incredible sculpture, pictures or even framed artwork, the wonderful thing is that you have so much room to express yourself. Finding all of the hottest pieces that will speak to your soul may just be a whole lot easier than you would think. In addition to that, where you might have originally thought that you would be breaking your entire budget on d?or, you may just be able to find a number of stunning pieces that will have dramatic impact on the living space instead of your wallet.

Look to certain pieces that may be able to bring together the entire look of your room. On the flip side, it is always nice to see a room that has one specific piece that really stands out. Self-expression and happiness of the senses are both key when setting up terrific artwork in your home or apartment.

You Cannot Go Wrong With Mirrors

Breaking a mirror and having seven years of bad luck may have been something that you have heard quite a few times over the years. If you are not superstitious at all, then you can still take advantage of all of the splendor that a couple of gorgeous wall mirrors can bring into your living space. There are plenty of ways that you can decorate with mirrors. As a matter of fact, many design and d?or experts will tell you that you can completely transform the look of just about any type of living space with the simple addition of strategically placed mirrors.

Are you the kind of decorator who likes to adorn their home in beautiful Victorian styled pieces? Perhaps you are a person who seems to like more of the Contemporary feel. Well, no matter what your particular style and decorating taste may be, there are all sorts of gorgeous mirrors available to bring forth any kind of a look and style that you are longing for. All you really need is a good shopping budget and some empty wall space that is just dying to be spruced up.

Look to a stunning imported pieces such as the decorative beveled mirror entitled Gold Fruit Circle. This is truly the kind of mirror design that you will be proud to hang right in your foyer or front room so that it can greet all of your guests as they stop by to pay a visit. Compliment the mirror with some beautiful pieces of art on either side and you will have a look to die for.

Easy Guest Room Decor

The fine line with a guest room is that you want your guest to be very comfortable but you don't want them to wear out their welcome and become a roommate! All joking aside, you can make a cozy guest room that just needs a guest to be complete the picture and it's very easy to do.

First of all, you need a bed, you don't have to go all out on a orthopedic mattress since this is a bed that won't be slept upon every night. Something comfortable and budget friend is more than adequate for a guest room.

Then you will want to make the room comfortable. Softer colors in the palette such as greens, blues and soft browns are all relaxing and will lend an element of coziness to your room. Most guest rooms have no more than two windows and you can get a comfortable and two matching sets of curtains without spending a lot of money and the fact you're carrying the pattern from the bed to the walls via the window treatments will lend an air of continuity to your pattern and color choices. You can continue that color splash through the room by putting artworks that feature mainly pastels and soft colors.

The closet can hold a couple of extra blankets and a pillow or two to have handy if you need them. Another investment that will pay off when you have company stay for a few days is to have an small chest of drawers for your guests to use and an armoire can do double duty of providing extra storage as well as a place to stash a television and a CD or DVD player.

Just these few elements will make your guest room a great place to visit and you won't have to do anything to prepare for your guests except welcome them into your home.

Dorm Room Comfort

You're going to have a challenge to create a comfortable living space out of your humble dorm room. By standard, dorm rooms are small and there isn't a lot of room for moving things around so you can get maximum benefit of your dorm room for studying, relaxing and living.

You will need to give careful thought to every item you put your room or your side of the room if you have a roomie and make sure that you have a place where you can do your studying and your living for the school year.

A loft bed is a fabulous choice as it has a bed on top and a full desk that will hold a desktop computer, printer and other items that are a necessity for doing school work. It's much faster to do your initial project research on the Internet and then back it up in the library and one of the best things about a loft bed and desk set is that you don't give up any additional floor space.

You can also get an armoire for your television. It will do the duty of holding your television in the space on top and the drawers below can hold extra clothing and personal items. Shelving is another consideration. Floor space is a prime commodity in a dorm room so use your walls as much as you can. When hanging shelves, use a stud finder to hang your shelving in a sturdy area and your items won't come crashing down later.

If you've never owned a closet organizer, time to invest in one. You can pack in two to three times the amount of clothing and shoes in the same amount of space if you are organized about it.

As far as your walls, put up photos of your family and friends, use fine art posters and anything that will keep you from being homesick and inspired to keep studying and achieving great grades!

The Eternal Bloom

Love flowers but detest the fact they don't stay beautiful? One way to ensure that you have beautiful blooms all year round is to use artworks with your favorite flowers in bloom on your walls and as sculptures. If you feel like silk flowers are well, cheesy and don't look good in a room, you can put other items in your room to give the feeling that Spring is in the air all year round.

Whether you want to use a large artwork on your walls or a collection of smaller artworks clustered together, either way will give your room a great lift. Another way to add life to your decor is to change out your window treatments to a lighter fabric or even show your love of flowers with a floral print. It will open your room and make it even more bloom friendly.

You can sprinkle your love of flowers in bloom throughout your decor by also using items with flowers on them. Small trinket boxes, a rose in bloom decorating a lamp on a table. Use items with flowers on them throughout your room. Instead of a plain shelf, go for a scroll worked one that has a floral motif sculpted into the wood.

Make your home into an eternal garden, its easy to do and you'll have the room of your dreams all year round.

Helping Your Child Sleep Through the Night

When your child makes the transition from the crib to a "bid kid bed"; your toddler that could normally sleep through almost any noise made in his presence may suddenly become a fitful sleeper.

Make sure he's not too hot or too cold first of all. Toddlers can't always verbalize that they are uncomfortable but you can quickly tell if he needs more covers or less.

Other children get frightened by shapes and shadows on the wall. Making sure no lights are coming in through his curtains will eliminate that problem and another solution is to give your child a night light that comes on when the lights go off. You can also turn on a light in his closet and leave it on although some children are more disturbed about having their closet door opened in their room when they are trying to sleep than the original lights and shadows on their walls from cars outside on the streets.

You can also give your child a comfort item. This can range from a favorite toy to a favorite blanket and some parents use focal point as the comfort item. Using a focal point means giving the child an item such as a print or poster to look at until they fall asleep. A limited edition artwork from Disney is a great choice and you can choose prints from several of your child's favorite movies, Many of them are detailed and have a good deal for your child to look at in the artwork.

It's easy to get your little one to sleep through the night if he's previously been a good sleeper. Just get him into a routine such as a bath and then brushing teeth and then a story every night and he'll soon settle in to his new bed and will be sleeping the entire night away before you know it.

Your Master Bedroom

Your master bedroom needs to be a place that you can truly relax. You can easily transform your master bedroom from just a room with a bed into an abode of comfort and tranquility.

Get adequate storage in your master bedroom and you'll see an immediate change in the feel of the room. Shelving and a larger chest of drawers is a great way to do it. If you want to have a television in your master bedroom but you don't want it shown all the time, an armoire can do good double duty of holding your television as well as other items and when you don't want your television showing in the bedroom, you can shut the doors to the armoire and your room will reclaim its clean lines and look.

Keep it relaxing and cozy in your artwork as well. Get rid of busy artworks or posters that are extremely bright. Replace them with cozy, relaxing pieces and one in particular that will lend a element of simplicity, is an Andrew Wyeth print titled, "Master Bedroom"; this piece is simplicity at its best. It depicts a simple bed in a simple room.

Fluffy pillows and a new comforter on the bed will also lend an air of relaxation in your room. If you don't already have one, invest in a chaise lounge chair and place it by a window; it can be very relaxing to spend a little time in the sun just relaxing or reading. Taking a few minutes just for yourself to unwind and relax will go a long way to reducing your stress.

Make your master bedroom a place to relax and unwind, it's easy to do and the benefits of being able to relax and get a good night's sleep are enormous.

Art for the Bathroom?

Many people might jokingly say an unattractive or unwanted piece of art they receive as a gift (usually something Aunt Edna painted herself) and the recipient might say that "This will make a great artwork for the bathroom".

However, your bathroom is another room that you will spend time in and it should look at good as the rest of your house. There are some tricks you can use to make your bathroom look as elegant as the rest of your home.

First of all, defeat the clutter. Our bottles and cans of personal grooming products can start taking up valuable counter space and since you use them pretty much every day you want to keep them convenient as well as not taking up space. A standing cabinet that fits over your toilet fixture is great way to get rid of the clutter as well as keep your personal items as well as towels and wash clothes handy.

Up the elegance factor of your bathroom with matching towels and a coordinating toilet tank cover set. Your bathroom is one place in your home where you can have a little fun. If you love sunflowers, use them as a motif in your bathroom.

An artwork that reflects your personal tastes or something fun will be a good addition to your bathroom. You will spend time in your bathroom every single day, make sure it's as comfortable as the rest of the rooms in your home.

Living Room Trends 2007

Clean lines and a sleek look is coming into decorating fashion for 2007. Many people are making the change from the French Country look to the sleek modern Eames type of design.

Bright colors and minimal clutter are the hallmarks of the Eames design. You can usually work with most of the items that you have already in your room it's just a matter of removing a lot of the things that you tend to have out on table tops and on shelves for a French Country feel.

On a wooden shelf with a French Country feel for example, you will have a bouquet of dried lavender with a ribbon around it, a photo in a metallic scroll worked frame and perhaps something along the lines of a fern or a ivy plant. In an Eames design that wooden shelf would become very simple affair with the dried lavender replaced with a modern art sculpture and the plant would be replaced with a simple line drawing of a plant in a simple black or white frame.

You can even keep your overstuffed, super comfy sofa, just replace cover it with a single color fabric slip cover and then replace those piles of pillows with just one or two pillows in a contrasting color. Colors such as dark green, true, red, black, navy blue and white feature prominently in Eames design.

See how easy that is? Take each element in your room and you can make it over into a simplistic design and attain the style you want. You can keep your living space on the cutting edge of interior design style without spending a lot of money.

Horse Art for the Horse Lover

Horses have long been symbols of strength and valor; nothing evokes an image of freedom more than a running horse.

Whether you need a gift for a equine loving friend or you are the lover of all things horse-related; add a piece of art to your decor. Many people make the mistake of purchasing art they think looks good with the colors in their decor rather then featuring subjects that they like.

If you enjoy horses, add some horse related art to you walls and sculptures to your shelves. There is no reason that you can't have your favorite subject depicted on your walls. If you have been lucky enough to have owned a horse, you will be familiar with the teachings of J. Rarey that took the then controversial attitude that horses were actually intelligent animals that didn't need to be beaten and broken into submission. Rarey used methods that included low voices (hence whisperer) and repetition techniques to train his horses and he proved that horses respond better to being trained through love than through fear.

A beautiful piece that is bright and full of life is an artwork by Nancy Cawdrey titled "The Horse Whisperer" and it features a rider gently leaning forward to coax her horse on. This would make a great piece for any room in your home and when paired with a mat and frame to really make the piece stand out; you'll have the first piece of fine horse art in your collection!

The First Impression

The old saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression" is very true. If you want to make sure that your home will make a lasting, positive impression on everyone that enters, make your entry way something to sing about.

If your entry way isn't a large area, make good use of your space. A tall hall tree with a storage space and a backing mirror will do a world of good. The bench storage area will keep the area clutter free, the hall tree will have a place to hang coats of not only your own but your guest's as well and the mirror will do that neat little decorating trip and open up the room by eliminating the wall to the eye of the viewer and the reflection of the mirror opens up space in the mind of the view.

Wall sconces providing soft light is another way to create a cozy welcoming feeling. If the corners of the room aren't displayed in bright lighting - a small room won't feel small; it will feel cozy instead. Shelves with a plant, either real or silk is another way to lend a warm feeling to your entry way.

Add an interesting piece of art to your area. Make it one of the first things people see when they enter your home. It can be a heavily brush stroked reproduction of an Old Master's work such as Rembrandt in a wood and gilted frame or it can be something from a modern artist that is full of bright colors. If you want to make it elegant and serene - go for a beautiful rendition of your favorite flowers in bloom showcased in a still life artwork.

Your home should be a reflection of yourself all the way through. If your entry way feels cold and unwelcoming - use these tips to make it a cozy abode your guests are entering.

Don't Collect Cats - Collect Art!

Are you one of those people that loves art so much that your friends tease you that you're going to wind up as one of those crazy ladies living in a house with about eighty strays because you are so kind hearted and can't turned a feline face away?

Instead of filling your house with actual cats, make donations to your local animal shelter in the form of money or necessary items such as cat food or cat litter; if you are short on cash and live on a tight budget - offer your time and clean litter boxes, administer medicine and just give the cats companionship in their cages. Even the proud and solitary cat enjoys human companionship while they are waiting to be adopted.

Another way to celebrate your love of the feline world is to collect cat related art. Cats are mischievous and clever creatures and a lot of the art that is done with a feline theme is often whimsical such as "A Hungry Cat Ate Up the Goat" and has a tongue in cheek sense of humor. There are so many choices in feline art, it may be hard to narrow down the first piece in your collect.

A group of small pictures with a central catty theme on your wall will lend an artsy feel. Plain black frames will make your artworks really stand out. Another way to bring the fun spirit of cats into your room is to use small sculptures. A small sculpture is often a brilliant way to make sure of decorating space that was unused otherwise. They can go on tabletops, in curio cabinets or simply on a shelf.

Make your room a catty paradise. Use your love of cats to build a room that you can truly love and be comfortable in.

Tips For Making an Impact Piece Sing

An impact piece is one that is the focal point of your room and can be a real conversation starter.

If you're putting together your room and you want to add an impact piece, it's not difficult to do but if you want your piece to bring a real impact to the room, you need to know the tricks for making your impact piece really sing out in your decor scheme.

Contrast will go a long way towards making your impact piece a focal point. A large sized print such as Arleta Pech's hand signed reproduction of her piece "Pink Lemonade" features light pink roses in a light white vase in high contrast to a dark background that really makes this piece have a genuine impact from the first glance. You can further the impact by having the piece framed in a large sized frame.

You can further highlight this piece on a wall by putting a small sconce lamp over it with the light shining down to illuminate the whites and light hues used in this piece. The light will pick up the brilliant light hues and draw a striking contrast to the dark hues.

If you want to use a sculpture as an impact piece, it's very easy to do. Take the main color used for the sculpture and place it on a piece of fabric in a contrasting color. If you don't trust your color judgment, go for a deep, rich black or a stark white as your display option. The contrast between the sculpture and the fabric will bring the eye of the viewer in and draw attention to the piece - thus creating your desired impact.

Elegant Sculptures

If you're looking for a way to make your room pop with a little more life. Add a sculpture as a centerpiece of the room.

It doesn't have to be a ten-foot tall sculpture with a fountain flowing out of it to make an impression in your room, it's all about how you display the piece. One great way to show off your sculpture, don't just plunk it on a table and expect it to light up the room - you have to unleash the power of the sculpture in your decor.

If you have an art deco type sculpture, for example like Govinder's limited edition sculpture piece, "The Eternal Kiss" that features to two stylized art deco style elephants with their trunks curled and facing each other in an eternal kiss. This is a powerful piece that will do best when placed on a small occasional table in your room and under a light source. A floor lamp is a great way to highlight your sculpture. A floor lamp that features more than one light is an even better way to show off your piece, you can use one light directly on the sculpture and then use the other light for the room itself.

Put your sculpture on a contrasting color of fabric. A sculpture that is mostly gray will look absolutely riveting on a bright red or black fabric. It doesn't have to cover the entire table - just enough to highlight the sculpture is more than enough.

A Great Gift for Mom

Instead of another bottle of perfume or yet another plant to take of, get your mom a gift she can enjoy all year round in the form of an art piece. Whether you go for a painting or a sculpture, you can get something that will make your mother think of you every time she glances at your gift.

It's easy to choose a piece of art for your mother. You can go two main routes when choosing. Either go by the colors in her home and choose a piece that will fit in with her decor. For example if she has a lot of beige and earth tones, go for a piece that will compliment those colors in her room.

The other way is to get a painting based on the things she likes. If she has a passion for roses, a painting of a beautiful bouquet of roses that will bloom forever more on her wall would make a fabulous choice. If she has a whimsical sense of humor, consider a piece that is has some smile factor to it.

A sculpture is another great piece that gives mom a lot more mobility and she isn't stuck just displaying it on a wall. A sculpture can be displayed on a table or a shelf and you can get all types of sculptures from two kitties that when pushed together form a heart to remind mom you love her even when you're not there; to a funky resin dog for the mom that is still as spirited as can be to a beautiful flying dove.

No matter what you choose, art always makes a fabulous gift.

Perfect Display Tactics

You can have the best looking piece of art and then ruin it by displaying it badly.

A classic print such as a Matisse or a Renoir won't carry the same impact in your room if you display it in a simple black plastic poster frame. A print is still a valuable piece of art and especially a limited edition. Display your art in frames worthy of the artist's name. A heavy wooden frame will make your friends question whether or not the Van Gogh on your wall is an original. An expensive looking framing job will go a long way to making your art look even more classic.

Bad lighting is another mistake many people make then they are displaying their art. You can have a glorious painting that has all its fine details lost in dim lighting. Prints should not subjected to extremes of direct, bright white light; however they look fabulous when in a brightly lit room. A light aimed in the direction of your artwork but not shining directly on the piece at a close range will show your art at its best.

It can't be stressed enough to match your colors in your room. A bright red artwork in an earth toned room is going to look absolutely garish. Another way to have a great art piece is to use a reproduction piece from a line called Brushstrokes. They are unusual prints that are printed on canvas and then accented with heavy brush strokes to give the illusion that you're looking at an original artwork. These can be hung in a frame or since they are gallery wrapped, on their own as even the sides are printed!

Remember these tips, good framing, good lighting and match your colors in your decor - and your art pieces will also lend an air of elegance to your interior.

Art for Meditation

In this fast paced world, it can be difficult to relax and many people have actually forgotten the fine art of relaxation and actually must learn to do it.

Meditation is a wonderful way to teach your body to unwind and relax. There are many different disciplines of meditation and one will be right for you. The most basic type of meditation is a combination of visualization and deep breathing.

Flooding your body with oxygen through deep breathing is calming in itself. The technique is to breath in through your nose and exhale long and slow through your mouth. A deep breath or two will relax almost everyone and it's a good idea to take a couple of "cleansing breaths" before you start your meditation.

Make your meditation session your own. If you enjoy music, put some on. It doesn't have to be Eastern Indian; if you enjoy country and western - put a slow song on. Remember, this is relaxation for you and you need to do what you find comfortable. Many people enjoy sitting in a sunny spot and allowing the sun's warm rays to bring their relaxing touch to a meditation session. Another helpful way to get relaxed is to create a focal point. A good way to do this is to have a painting or sculpture to concentrate upon and start letting your thoughts wander as you do your deep breathing.

Meditating daily for about twenty to thirty minutes has been found to help lower blood pressure and increase oxygen levels in the body. If you've been feeling stressed and you aren't sure you even remember how to relax, take up meditation and you'll find that you can feel alot better about life in general and yourself in particular.

Perfect Newlywed Gifts

It's hard to find a good gift for newlyweds, you want to get them a gift that sends your best wishes for their new life together, however you don't want to get them a toaster or something impersonal like a gift certificate.

Instead opt for a gift that will carry a lot of meaning and add a touch of art to their home - give them a sculpture. A sculpture is way to give them a gift on several levels; you are giving a great way to spruce up their decor, you're giving a gift with a meaning and it's all wrapped up in a nifty piece of original art.

A great looking piece that will convey well wishes for the new couple is found in the Govinder limited edition sculpture titled "The Lovers". It features two artfully sculpted cats that have a space between their front legs that form a heart when the two cats are pushed together. They may be displayed separately or together. A limited edition makes a very special gift since only a certain number of the piece are produced it's a good way to give a unique gift that they can count on as one of a kind, as each number in the series is numbered as unique.

If your newlyweds are using the principle of Feng Shui to decorate their love nest - they will appreciate the fact that this piece comes in a pair. You can also give this gift with a lovely plant such as a bonsai or other slow growing, long living plant that will your new couple years of enjoyment.

Giving a gift for newlyweds is easy when you give the gift of art.

More Simple Ways to Spruce Up Your Decor

One of the main reasons so many people don't redecorate their rooms is not that they don't know how or they don't have time; it's the money factor. If you use the following tips, you can spruce up your decor and make some outstanding changes without spending a lot of money.

First, look at the basics of your room. Check out your big furniture pieces. Strip off any pillows, throws and items off table tops - you can put back some of it after you re-do your room.

If you have a boring beige decor, hop it up a little with color. Delegate your beige and brown pillows to the guestroom and replace those boring pillows with colors that pick up little used colors in your room. It's a great way to meld a decor.

Shelves can do so much for a room. Aside from getting rid of clutter on table tops and giving a look of organization to the room, they can also be very useful for developing a sense continuity in your room design. The straight lines of the shelving will travel in the mind's eye along the line of the walls and ceiling and help ring your decor together.

A sculpture can enliven a room too. Choose something bright and fun - a real conversation starter such as a Govinder sculpture. There is no trick to choosing a sculpture, simply choose a piece that you enjoy looking at.

Decorating With a Flair

If you're tired of your boring old living room, you don't have to run out and purchase all new furnishings to give your room a new life, just add a little flair.

Flair for a room can come in many forms. Add an area rug to add some life to the center of your room. Make a cozy gathering corner for you and your friends by placing an area rug in the corner of your room and then adding a set of chairs and a table in the area. The rug will create invisible boundaries and help this area of the room seem separate from the rest.

Another way to add flair to a room is to add a splash of bold color. You can add color in subtle ways by changing out your pillows on your sofa to something bright and lively. Add a piece of artwork in your room that is vibrant with color such as a hand pulled seriagraph by Phillipe Bertho.

A simple yet brightly colored table cloth on an occasional table or a table runner on a coffee table are both excellent ways of bringing more color into your rooms and giving the entire room more life.

Last but not least, living plants that are vibrant in color such as a flowering hibiscus with its beautiful pink and white blooms will make an outstanding statement in your room. Silk plants are also a good decor item if you have a decidedly brown thumb where plants are concerned. Either way opt for lush green leaves and bright flowers for your room - you'll love the pick-me-up your room gets from adding just a touch of bright color.

Gifts of Bad Art

No, we don't mean art that is poorly done or lacking in talent. We mean art that is done with the rebel or rebel at heart in mind. If you know a truly free spirt that marches to the beat of their own drummer - the gift of a thoughtfully chosen piece of art just for them will make a beautiful sentiment and show you really know what they like.

Govinder has a really fun piece titled, "Bad to the Bone" it features a stylized cat with bold colors emblazoned with a skull and cross bones. There is an image of a dog stamped on his side - in the fashion of WWII planes that stamped a mark for every enemy combatant they shot down.

Other pieces that are purely wild at heart include a free, running horse that embodies the spirit of freedom at its finest. Consider art with symbols that stand for freedom and free thinking such as wolves and dragonflies, both are common messengers that bring freedom with their presence.

Consider a limited edition piece. Limited editions are more than reproductions of original artworks, they are limited to a certain number, usually determined by the artist and then only that number of prints or sculptures is produced. Each one is given a unique number in the series and the final piece has been produced. The edition is over.

It's easy to find a piece of art that will embody the free thinking on your gift list - it's just a matter of narrowing down to a single piece that can be the difficult part when you have so many choices!

Gifts for Elephant Loving Friends

Everyone knows people that are crazy about their cats and dogs and collect items that are dedicated to their favorite breed of canine or feline, but what about your friends that collect items dedicated to more exotic?

If you have a friend that loves all things elephant, there are some excellent ways to give them a unique gift that they will adore. With the old adage,"An elephant never forgets"; you can give your friend a gift of a date book or appointment book in a beautiful leather bound case.

A new writing pen with an elephant motif is another great gift. You can include a beautifully designed elephant print scarf. Jewelry with an elephant inspired design is now readily available. An elephant brooche is a beautiful way to show your know what your friend really likes.

For the elephant lover that doesn't really wear jewelry or have need of a pen and appointment book, try a piece of elephant inspired art. Govinder has a gorgeously detailed piece that is exotically elephant inspired. In a limited edition of only 250 pieces in the series this reproduction of his original piece is full of detail and will absolutely "wow" anyone that loves elephants.

Titled, "Mother and Child" this extremely detailed piece features a stylized mother elephant in a protective hugging pose over her baby. Both pieces are carved with tribal looking markings and this piece measures roughly 13-inches tall so it won't be a big space commitment and will bring an air of true elegance where it is displayed.

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!