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!

Bring the Tropics Indoors This Winter

Sometimes just making a few changes in a room can make it feel warmer. With the colder days of winter almost here, make your living room a warm place to gather and add a tropical touch to make the room a relaxing island escape all year round. If you think "tropical decor" and it brings horrifying images of a room that has gone garishly loud with the colors of the local tiki bar, relax. The look you're going for is elegant, relaxing and laid back - nothing overly bright or garish.

Think Natural
First of all, think natural. Plants of course are an outstanding addition. Anywhere you have natural light in your room, add a plant. You can use either a plant stand - something with a bamboo look melds great with a tropical theme or hang plants near your windows. Woven mats in front of doorways and a natural Japanese jute mat in front of the fireplace with a selection of big fluffy pillows in greens and earthy browns sets a relaxing tone to your room.

On Your Walls
If your vacations frequently take you to warm and sandy locales, make a grouping of photographs on your wall to showcase your adventures. Or ever better add in a beach scene or palm tree artwork to set a tropical mood on your walls.

Window Treatments Make your choice in window treatments light and breezy. Go for light cotton panels that are either solid colors or a print that reflects a tropical feel such as a palm tree or exotic flowers. Use matching sheers to keep the decor feel light and breezy.

Those are just a few changes you can make to keep that warm, tropical feel around your home all through the year.

Elements of Modern Home Decor

When you look around your living room do you see lots of clutter and just "stuff"? If you're eady for a change, it may be time to change your interior to something a little more modern for your interior decor.

If the term "modern decor" makes you think chrome, glass and metal - those are modern elements but are not absolute parts of a modern decor. Instead the goal of a modern decor are sleek lines, minimal "stuff" on tables and multi-tasking pieces that can do a service for the room and then be put away when not in use to keep the feel of the room uncluttered are best.

Modern doesn't have to mean boring, museum-like or austere. There are fun pieces you can add to your decor that have a decidedly modern touch. If you don't already have one, add an entertainment center to hold your CD player, CDs, DVDs, and television. Go for a bold black or white for your finish.

Your walls should have minimalist art and cubism pieces look great too. A good example of Cubism lies in the works Picasso did. They weren't really abstracts, the natures of Picasso's work was to take one element such as a chair and take it apart in a painting by randomly examining each piece. A good Picasso print or other stylish piece will look fantastic in a modern themed interior.

It doesn't take a lot to go modern. If you're ready for a change, go modern and put your living room ahead of the times.

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.

Breathtaking Gift for the Disney Fan!

When it comes to anything and everything that is Disney, you may find that there are plenty of wonderful gift options that you can choose from for any of the people who may be on your shopping list. However, what should you get as a gift when the occasion is something that is extra special and out of the ordinary? For such a special occasion, a simple Disney related gift just won't do. When you really want to give something that any true Disney lover is going to fall for, you may want to look into some of the incredible sculptures that you have to choose from.

It really doesn't matter if your potential gift recipient is a fan of the villains or the good guys, there are all kinds of Disney sculptures that you can browse through. As a matter of fact, collecting these gorgeous sculptures can become quite and addicting past time, simply ask anyone who has a couple of them and they will tell you!

Whether there is a particular movie that is a favorite of the gift recipient on your list or they happen to have a fondness for one of the characters in the Disney family, there is more than likely a great sculpture choice that you can get your hands on.

Straight from the famous Disney classic film Sleeping Beauty, your gift recipient is sure to fall in love with the "Now You Will Face Me" sculpture. This is a stunning piece that shows the cunning sorceress Maleficent in the middle of a stunning Lucite case in the shape of the dragon. Any fan of this film is guaranteed to fall in love with this stunning sculpture upon first glance.

Of Course Art In the Bathroom!

While the way a bathroom looks does not matter to some people, to others a bathroom is their true sanctuary. Of course, while nobody spends all of their relaxation time in the bathroom, there is a certain level of comfort that comes from a bathroom that happens to be put together nicely. This could mean anything from the color on the walls to the kinds of decoration that you will find on the walls, shelving and more.

If you are the type of person who likes to have people over regularly for various dinners or gatherings, it is imperative that you have a guest bathroom that has a good amount of cozy decoration. While you do not have to break the bank in order to place an expensive piece of sculpture in your bathroom, a few strategically placed prints could make a world of difference to the entire look and feel of the space.

To find the right piece of art, it is a good idea to try and look past the fact that it will be hanging in your bathroom. No matter what the room may be, any piece of art will look amazing, especially if it speaks to each of your guests on an inviting level every time they have the chance to glance at it.

Certainly a floral piece is always a smart move to make when looking for a framed art print for your bathroom. Because of the versatility of the style, you really cannot lose. "Purple Dream Irises" by artist Cheri Blum is always a great choice when you want a delicate design for your lavatory. The subtle colors and flowing feel of this framed art will bring a whole new look to the wall of your choice within your bathroom.

Give the Gift of Love in "Love Will Find a Way"

Adding artworks that carry a message is a unique way to get a "theme" going in your decor or to give a special gift. If you are a true believer that love will indeed find a way through any hardship life can throw at you. Or you and your partner are living proof that hard times make good loves - there is a Paul Horton sculpture that will truly touch your heart.

Paul Horton's "Love Will Find A Way" is part of a limited edition of 395 resin cast sculptures that look and feel like the real deal. The sculpture features a detailed dog holding a brightly colored flower and a sack tied on a stick in a classic runaway pose. The dog's fur is etched into this piece in great detail. The dog and the sack and stick are all done in muted shades of pewter; however the flower rings out with a beautiful shade of red and makes this sculpture a very eye catching addition to your decor.

It has a flat base that is slightly wider than the sculpture itself and will sit beautifully on a favorite console table or on your desk to remind you every time you look it, no matter how annoyed you get with your partner, sometimes you need to step back and remember who has always had your back and you know that title of this sculpture is true, "love will find a way".

This would make a fantastic gift for a young couple celebrating their first year together as man and wife or if you have a dog lover on your holiday gift list, this piece is sure to speak volumes to them. Your sculpture will come with a certificate of authenticity and a numbered card so you know which one of the limited edition it is.

Tips To Make Your Room Feel Cozy

It's easier than you think to take any room, no matter how formal and uncomfortable it feels and make it into a cozy and inviting space to relax with your family and friends or just curl up with a good book. In addition to your furniture, there are a great number of wonderful accent pieces that can work wonders if they are placed in the right areas in your room. Pillows, mirrors, candles and the correct lighting can make a world of difference when you are aiming for the cozy feeling.

You may find that if your room is a bit on the larger side, you will want to add something that may give the illusion of a smaller space. In order to achieve this type of a decorating goal, you could look into getting some type of a room screen to help break up the room. If you happen to have a fireplace in the room that you are decorating, there is always the option of adding a beautiful fireplace screen to make the room even more cozy. On your sofa and chairs, some fluffy pillows that just beckon to be curled up with will make all your furniture seem very inviting.

Another touch is your lighting. Take the brightness factor down and make your lighting, while not dim. on the softer side and you will see the entire mood of your room change instantly. Candles around the room will put off a warm and cozy glow. Also put some cozy artworks on the wall. Soft colors, serene scenic landscapes will add a touch of relaxation to your room.

Once you have finished adding the cozy touches to your room, you are then free to sit back, relax and enjoy the space.

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.

A Real Collectible Conversation Piece

An artwork is more than just something to take up a little space on your wall or blend the colors in your interior decor. Another way to use art is to collect pieces that either speak to you through their use of color or content or get a piece that is thought provoking and will be a conversation piece.

Steve hanks has an outstanding piece in his limited edition print collection is his piece, "Things Worth Keeping". This print is only one in a small series of 95 prints total in the entire series. The print features a series of things that a young girl may have kept in her room until the time she grew up and became a woman.

Items such as a cherished dolls, Cabbage patch dolls, Teddy bears that look like they were loved and played with for years and years are all scattered across a young girl's bed along with all her other carefully saved toys from years gone by. In the middle of the bed is a snoozing newborn baby, who is now the most treasured part of her now adult life.

This piece is done in soft colors and the attention to detail is breathtaking. The print is done on a giclee print and will be a brilliant addition to any art collection. This is a fun print to look at the detail given to the items within and remembering when you saw these toys as a child.
Now that's art!

A Gift to Thrill the Outdoor Lover

Got a truly hard to buy for individual on your holiday gifting list? One way to narrow down a good gift is to think of hobbies or other activities that the person enjoys - if they love the outdoors and are an enthusiast about hunting, fishing, or just love hiking off the beaten path, your gift giving just got a little easier.

A Jim Killen print will make an outstanding gift. His lifelike renderings of faithful labs carrying back ducks, mallards flying overhead, Canadian geese and other common wildlife scenes brought to breathtaking life will enhance any sportsman's den.

Most of the print series are limited editions. This means that a set number of prints will be made from an original painting and those are numbered with a unique number like 1/450 will you have purchased print number one in a set of four-hundred and fifty. Once the four-hundred and fiftieth print is sold, the run is closed and no more will be sold. This ensures that your print is a one of a kind and unique.

If your sportsman would prefer something like a Wildlife Regulator Clock. These clocks are one foot wide and two feet tall and are handcrafted from solid red oak from Wisconsin. The clock runs on a AA battery and you get a choice of several images to put in the bottom of the clock that will reflect an aspect of the outdoors that your sportsman likes the best. This clock makes an outstanding gift and also comes with a one-year warranty.

Also, consider a sculpture of a flying duck, a strutting pheasant or a regal buck with his antlers held high. Any of these will make an outstanding gift for that hard to buy for lover of the great outdoors.

Secret Tricks to Make Your Bargain Decor Look Expensive

A dirty little secret that your local interior designer doesn't want you to know is that you don't have to have the bank account of Paris Hilton to make your room look like it was decorated by a top dollar interior designer. There are a few secret tricks that interior designers use to give a room a chic feel and you can do it yourself for a lot less.

First of all, clear the clutter. Expensive rooms have no clutter. Invest in a cabinet or simply move it a box in the bottom of your closet. Just remove it from sight and don't shove it under anything! The idea is to get organized as well as clutter free.

Next, look around your room and write down two main colors that you see and then write down two minor colors. Your goal will be to bring the main colors together and then add accents with the two minor colors. You can use your window treatments to bring in your two main colors. As for your minor colors, use them in pillows and area rugs to highlight lesser used colors.

Another way to add "wow" to a room is to add a artwork that had your minor colors in it. A large piece that can work as an impact piece is also a good trick to use if you are decorating a larger sized room. If you have a small space that you're working with, go for a small collection of three to four small artworks will look outstanding. If your budget won't allow for an original, go for a brush stroked print. The brush strokes appear on the print and when matted and framed under glass, it will look like for all the world as an original artwork on your walls. You can get a Monet in a brush stroked print or a lesser known artist.

Use these little tricks to give your room an expensive look and feel and no one has to know you really didn't spend an arm and a leg to do it.

Van Gogh - Always a Great Choice

If you want something eye catching to put on your wall and you'd like something with bold colors, go to the top of the line and put a Van Gogh on your wall.

Van Gogh's art is well known for the use of bold brush strokes and vivid colors. His art was dismissed during his lifetime and a fact about Van Gogh many people don't know is that he only sold one painting in his entire lifetime. Another painting he gave as a gift to his doctor was used a shingle for a chicken coop for many years until it was discovered and later sold at auctions for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Obviously an original may not be in the cards for you but you can own a print that is as dazzling as an original. One of Van Gogh's most celebrated paintings is called "Starry Night" and it features brilliant stars with a swirling blue background. This print is matted in a cream and blue frame to further set off the print. Framed in a gold frame this will be an outstanding addition to any art collection.

If you have a Van Gogh fan on your gift giving list, there are many pieces available in the Van Gogh collection of prints and every Van Gogh aficionado has their favorite. Try a sneaky conversation about Van Gogh and see if you can find out what their favorite painting was and get them that particular print as a holiday gift, they'll be thrilled and wonder how you knew!

The print is framed under glass and archival tapes and acid free papers are used to make this artwork long lasting. It will arrive ready to hang out of the box.

Add a Little Drama to Your Decor

Sometimes a room needs something dramatic to really wake it up. That is known as an impact piece. All rooms need a little waking up from time to time - here's an easy way to add interest and impact to a room that needs a little zing.

You can use a myriad of items to create an impact piece. Create a focal point in your room using a sculpture on a short column and add tall plants on either side to accent it. Another way to add an impact piece is to add a resin cast medallion that is lightweight and can be hung in the center of your ceiling (also referred to as your "5th wall").

You can also use artwork to create an outstanding impact piece. The type of artwork you want to add on your wall is entirely up to you. Think eye catching and think bold. If you only have fine art on your walls, consider adding a striking photograph to your collection. Put it in a solid black frame and a simple white mat will make it really stand out in your room.

Steve Hanks has a set of three limited edition prints that feature a woman at the bottom of the stairs, the climbing the stairs and finally at the top of the stairs. These three prints hung together will make a real impact in your room and tell an inspiring story of a woman who began a journey and at the top of the stairs is looking out at a new beginning. Steve didn't use the same model for the final painting that he used for the first to in order to get the idea across that we are not the same person that the end of a journey that we were at the beginning.

Monkey Around With a Little Wildness

If you want something to create a fun yet elegant tone to your room, consider adding a piece or two of designer framed art. There's something about monkeys that brings a smile to nearly everyone's face and now you can have a surefire smile maker on your wall in the form of a designer made pair of tiles that feature a monkey on each one.

Feng shui is the creation of balance within your room and if you use this method of design in your decor, you know the value of adding pairs of items to create harmony along with the spirit of the monkey that is said to bring wisdom and bit of good natured mischief to any room they grace.

These monkey tiles were created by the artist Swartzendruber and come in a set of two. The dimensions of each framed tile are 24 inches by 28 inches and the tiles are surrounded by filets and mats to create a real one-of-a-kind piece that will garner a lot of attention in your room. The piece is framed using archival (acid free) tape and mounted and framed using museum quality materials. The finished framed piece has a paper dustcover and will arrive ready to hang with the hardware attached. You can literally pop this set of exquisite tiles out of the box and find a place that you think they would look best on your walls.

If you want to add something to your walls that will wake up your room, add a designer touched artwork with something a little wild, like monkeys!

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!

Thinking Ahead for the Cat Lover

If you have a cat lover on your holiday list that also has a quirky, fun sense of humor, you will most definitely want to put a Bryan Moon print down on your gift giving list for them.

Moon has been painting realistic cats in very unreal settings and the result is a brilliant executed piece of art that is whimsical and detailed. Sometimes his cats are doing decidedly cat things and othertimes the result is surreal.

Another artwork that will please any Old West fan, is the "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". This piece shows the two famous outlaws at cats on horseback, looking over the horizon for the ever present posse that was always on their proverbial tails, which can be seen in this artwork.

You have numerous framing options and a choice in colors for both an inner and outer mat. You can pick the best frame and mat colors to match your interior design or the interior decor color scheme for someone else if you're purchasing this print as a gift. These are open edition prints, meaning there is no specific number being printed and at the size of 15 inches by 16 inches, they aren't a huge commitment for a wall space.

Any of Moon's works will make a fun gift for a cat lover and if you have someone who already collects his works, they will be truly purring with satisfaction at your thoughtful choice in gifts!

A Truly Personal Message

Want to tell someone how you really feel? Want to give a the most personal of messages to someone? You can do that in an art print that will deliver any message you want.

"Messages from Wolves" is an outstanding piece that carries any message you want to write to the recipient. From the message "Dare to Dream" to "You are the Best". Whatever you want to say to the recipient, the wolves will say for you. The piece itself contains three wolves and a sycamore that is ready to be engraved with the message of your choice. This piece is cold cast from the original relief carving in the mountains of Arizona and meticulously hand-painted. This is a limited edition of 3,000 signed and numbered sculptures. A Certificate of Authenticity is included. You may include a personalization of up to six lines containing ten characters each. Notice how the wolf's paw on the left side is actually coming out of the picture onto the frame.

This would make an outstanding housewarming gift, anniversary gift or even a very unique way of saying, "Will You Marry Me?" in a striking print that will grace any wall it is displayed for years to come.

Gifts to Thrill the Collector

If you enjoy shopping for holiday presents, you probably really love the collectors on your gift giving list. They make buying gifts oh so easy!

Have someone that loves to collect horses or western art? Get them a limited edition print featuring running mustangs, cowboys on the plains or Native Americans in an encampment or riding painted war horses. There are so many choices. You aren't just limited to items that can be hung on a wall. Get a sculpture to be displayed on a desk, table or shelf. You can get them in any size. Angels, cats and even large hearts can make the perfect gift.

If you want to be sneaky and get the colors right for your friend's house. Pay a visit to them and either sneak a few shots around the house with your cell phone camera if you have one or just make a note to yourself of the dominate colors in the room and you can be assured of getting a gift that will match the decor perfectly.

Prints will arrive matted and framed under glass and ready to hang. You can present the gift of a sculpture in its own box it is shipped in or put it in a gift box of your own. Either way, your gift recipient is sure to be thrilled!

Inspire Someone to Keep Trying

It's never easy to try anything new. Sometimes it's through a promotion at work or other life circumstance that you suddenly find you or someone close to you challenged and having to keep trying.

Learning anything new and the inevitable learning curves that come with many new situations can be defeating and leave a person anything but uninspired to keep trying. If you have someone that you want to motivate, give them a gift that will be there to remind them to have confidence in their abilities to do things right and have faith in themselves.

A perfect example of an artwork that will give continual inspiration is Patrick A. Lunquist's "Faith". It depicts a sure-footed goat leaping from one cliff top to another. When you give your gift, include a note that shows you care and you're giving a gift to inspire someone to "keep the faith" in themselves and know that they will come out on top.

Sometimes the best support you can give someone is in the form of something that will remind them how much you believe in their abilities, give them a gift that will show them how much faith you have in their abilities, every time they glance at their wall.