Wake Up Your Room With a Splash of Color!

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.

Add Some Un-Color!

Sometimes all your interior needs is a little non-color to make your decor a little more alive. No matter if you've gone Shabby Chic or with a modern looking Eames theme in your interior, a splish here of white or a splash there of white will make your decor brighter and more welcoming. White is often jokingly referred to as the non-color as it is comprised of no colors just as black is comprised of a combination of all colors.

When you think "white" what do you think? Clean, calm and open. Those are all feelings you can bring to your room when you use primarily white pieces at regular intervals around your room. You can use items like white vases holding brightly colored flowers for a great contrast or choose white pillows to set off your sofa.

Also look towards your walls for help. A primarily simplistic piece that is mainly white such as David Brega's framed art print "White on White" is a cool choice that will incorporate the basic colors of your room along with adding that necessary bit of whiteness to your decor. The piece is a simple bucket with eggs on a country barn half door. The print is matted in a cream mat and is further accented by a sturdy frame in your choice of color.

If you're looking for an economical way to brighten up your interior, look around your room and switch out a few items in the non-color.

New Art for a New Year

Start thinking ahead to 2008 and give your walls a fresh new look for the new year. When you're putting together your decor, you may feel a little intimidated about choosing a large artwork for your walls. It doesn't have to a Renoir reproduction to add a touch of style in your room. What it does need to do is make you feel comfortable with the subject matter depicted and the overall essence of the artwork.

An easy way to find a painting that will meld right into your decor scheme is to look around your room and write down two main colors and one or two secondary colors you've used in your design scheme. Try to incorporate an artwork with at least one of the main colors and one of the secondary colors and you'll have a large piece that will go well with your room off the bat.

Go for a framed artwork that looks nice but isn't too ornate. Large, heavy wooden scroll worked frames are certainly elegant but they can detract from your artwork, particularly if it is done in colors that are of the lighter variety.

For a soft look in your room, go for the blended softness of watercolors. For a sharper and more modern look, the bright colors of an acrylic masterpiece can't be beat. Prints translate well to any of the three main mediums, watercolor, acrylic or oils. It's all just a matter of the look you want to convey in your room.

Use these tips and choose a new artwork to ring in the New Year and a new look to your room!

Adding Your Own Personal Touch

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

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

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

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

Bad to the Bone?

There happens to be a very big difference between adding a good piece of sculpture to your living space and adding an incredible piece of sculpture to your living space. When you are looking for an outstanding work of art for your home, apartment or office space, the best idea is to make sure that you do a decent amount of shopping around in order to find the perfect piece that speaks to you. This way, each and every time you glance at it, you will have a unique and wonderful experience that only the perfect sculpture can bring. This is true to if you're choosing the sculpture for a gift - don't buy the first thing you run across, wait until you find something that truly tickles your fancy.

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

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

Re-arranging Your Art Collection

Collecting art is fun and also an investment for many people. Once you begin collecting a specific artist or type of art, you can find that your collection can go from barely there to massive and quickly so. You do not have to be an expert in order to find the perfect way to arrange your precious art pieces it's just a matter of what you like.

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

When you start collecting art, you may find that you need extra room very quickly to show it off. Many people dedicate entire rooms to their art collections or if you choose you can separate your collection into sole artists or themes. Either way, take the time to sit back and enjoy your art!

Go Tuscan in Your Kitchen- It's Easy!

The “Tuscan” theme is all the rage these days for kitchens. It’s easier than ever to find the perfect items to help you bring this dream kitchen into reality. It seems like everywhere you turn there are items designed for this theme in a kitchen. But how do you create an original space using this theme, while still keeping your space warm and inviting?

Warm colors are a must. The kitchen, at least in Italy, is generally the center, the heart of the home. This is the room people typically congregate in, to share laughter and stories, share home-cooked meals, and generally enjoy each other’s company. Choose from the warm palette; warm rustic reds, tans, browns, and mustard-y yellows work very nicely. A faux finish technique on the walls would also look lovely! For an even more “old world” style, consider using a wallpaper or appliqué that resembles brick behind the stove, or perhaps a scenic wall appliqué.
If you have a long wall that is just begging for something to adorn it, a long horizontal hanging piece of art, such as Randy Peyton’s: “Mission Courtyard” would be a perfect choice. This will set the mood for the rest of your space, and might even help a smaller space feel larger than it actually is.

Finish off your room with some accessories, like some wine bottles, antiqued or rustic hardware, and attractive window treatments. A warm wall plaque with a saying about family, friends, or food would be a nice touch as well. The goal is to create a space that is attractive, but very comforting and inviting at the same time.

A Very Strange Love

There is not much of a stranger relationship than the one that is played out in the pages of DC Comics and on the "Batman-The Animated Series" than the relationship between Harley Quinn and the Joker.

The story of how they met goes that Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a beautiful blond doctor was working at Arkham Asylum as a psychiatrist where the Joker was incarcerated for life. She was attracted to him immediately and fell in love with him completely. She helped him escape, had her license revoked and wound up a patient along side her "Mister J".

During an earthquake, Harley escaped with the Joker and they become partners in crime. Joker and Harley have an on-again and off-again relationship. During one off-again moment, the Joker tells Harley as he puts her into a rocket ship that "I've noticed some changes coming over me since you came into my life. I've been reminded what it was like to be part of a couple. To care for someone who cares for me. It's the first time in recent memory I've had those feelings... And I hate having those feelings!" With that said - he launches the rocket sending an infuriated Harley into space, but as with great love stories, he soon misses her and they wind up back together as only a comic book couple can.

If you'd like a print of your favorite dysfunctional comic book couple, Alex Ross has a print out of a well known comic cover that features the Joker and Harley in a close embrace. Alex used his own likeness for the Joker and the piece is striking. This is a limited edition of only 250 and will arrive ready to hang. Now that you know the inside story of the Joker and Harley, add them to your walls and make this vibrant piece part of your personal collection.

Tips for Giving Art as a Gift

Some people are a little apprehensive about giving an artwork as a gift as they envision giving only a huge painting being unwrapped by the recipient. Giving the gift of art doesn't have to a big and bulky painting in an enormous frame that is going to take up precious wall space in the recipient's home.

If you want to give someone a gift of art, you can get them a small print or sculpture piece that will not be a huge space commitment on the wall and will look stylish as well.
You can choose from fine art, whimsical pieces that will bring a smile to the recipient every time they see it on their wall or go for a personalized piece that allows you to enter a phrase that means something to the both of for a truly one of a kind piece of art.

If your gift recipient is a collector of a particular artist or liked a certain animal such as cats, pigs or fish, you can get them an art piece that will meld right in with what they love to collect. Another great way to give a gift of art is to have it ready to hang. Buy the piece and have the frame, mat and glass already on the piece so all your recipient has to do is find a place on their wall for the artwork.

Sculptures can be wrapped in a pretty scarf that is a gift as well or if you got a sculpture that will allow it, put a big, fat red bow on the sculpture and watch the receiver bust into a grin.

There are so many ways to give art; if you need some holiday ideas use these tips to get the best gift for that hard to buy for person on your holiday list!

Surprise Your Halloween Host With a Boo-tiful Gift!

Going to a Halloween bash? Take along a gift for your host or hostess that will keep in the spirit of Halloween and let them have a great memory of a fun night!

Movie posters of classic horror films such as "Creature from the Black Lagoon", "Dracula", "Frankenstein" and more are all available in limited edition reproductions of the original movie house posters. The original posters are hard to come by and can cost thousands of dollars. These reproductions are made from the original posters and are printed on acid free paper to ensure they will gives years upon years of enjoyment.

This series is only available through authorized dealers for The Reel Scary Monster series and is licensed exclusively to S2 Art Group by Universal Studios Licensing, Inc. You will have the choice of getting your print matted and framed or get a print only and let the recipient choose how they want to display the piece. Please order early for custom framed items as they take three to four weeks for delivery.

Make sure the recipient knows there are several classic films available in case they'd like to start a collection or even better - keep it to yourself and surprise them with additional posters for their collection for birthdays, Christmas and more!

Holiday Spirit Through Great Art Selections

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

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

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

Time for Reflection

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

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

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

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

A Pause on a Hill

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

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

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

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

A True Love for Painting

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

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

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

Art that Evokes Nostalgia

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

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

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

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

The Message in the Cubes

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

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

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

Art - Functionally Pretty

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

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

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

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

Junkyard Surprises

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

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

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

Fine Dining and Glassware

The term fine dining is generally used to describe a restaurant or atmosphere that tends to create a serious dining experience. There will usually be a great location and view that compliments the restaurants overall theme. The service strives to be impeccable, with chefs and a service crew from the best culinary schools available.

Perhaps you may not be able to enjoy this type of atmosphere as often as you would like, but you certainly bring the dream close to home by owning the Thomas Stiltz, numbered, and limited edition: "Champagne of Kings". You will find an extraordinary presence of light and form in his works. He does a wonderful job of accenting the ordinary things in our everyday lives by evoking deep feelings and emotions.

The emphasis on detail is stunning, and you can tell this is a man that takes his time when enjoying a fine meal with friends or family. It is obvious that he takes the same care and concern when crafting images of wine and glass. Like the famous wines that take years to age, his process of painting is patient, and utilizes old world techniques using many layers to build up the painting surface. The effect is nothing short of amazing and stunning!

Entertain your family and friends with the fine works of Thomas Stiltz. The artwork alone will do a superb job of setting the proper mood. And, when artwork rises to this level, it is nothing short of being a masterpiece.

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.