Art

Jesse Witham asked:


Interior design is a buzzword in today’s modern world. The top interior designers around the Globe consider the walls as the perfect places to decorate a home. Apart from installing different kinds of fixtures and accessories, the interior designers consider the wall art as an excellent, cost effective interior design option. Unlike the costly interior design objects like lighting fixtures, these wall arts are very cheap and are very easy to maintain. People have a misconception that the wall art will fade in time. With the advancements in technology, the wall art can last for a lifetime in all its glory with very little maintenance. For high durability, the wall arts are done using the modern canvas print technology. The canvas art is washable and hence very easy to maintain too. Moreover, the canvas art will be more realistic than ordinary wall art methods.

An artistic approach of interior design

Art forms are known to easy grab the attention of the people. The wall art used in interior design is no exemption. Hence the canvas art in your home will definitely admire the visitors. Unlike olden days when people used to spend thousands of dollars in buying art works for decorating their homes, today, with the introduction of canvas art, people are able to bring home the various art forms to the homes at a very cheap pricing. People can get their desired picture printed as a canvas art within minutes. Moreover, as the canvas art is washable and fade resistant, they require only less maintenance.

Increasing the value of you home with Wall art

The values of the homes are found to be greatly dependant on the wall art. According to a recent survey, the home owners claim that the wall art have the ability to increase the value of a home by more than 30%. Due to this reason, American home owners have spent more than 50 billion dollars in decoration their homes with canvas art. They consider the wall arts as wise investments in their home. Not only in America, but also in all parts of the world, the wall art has gained huge popularity. Hence there is huge demand for the wall arts worldwide.

Selecting and installing wall art

With the increase in demand of wall art, there are different types of wall arts available today. Selection of the best wall art has to be done considering some key factors. First of all, the color of the wall art should match the other interior design objects and furniture in the room. The placement of the wall art is another important factor to consider. The canvas art has to be placed in an elevated position which can be seen from anywhere in the room. The wall art should be able to make the visitors feel comfortable and relaxed as soon as they enter the room.

Bottom Line

Considering all these benefits, the canvas art is a cost effective artistic approach for interior design.



TAYLOR

Edwin Mah asked:


With the festive season round the corner, many of you are probably starting on your gift shopping. If you’re having a hard time deciding on what to buy for your loved ones, why not consider buying art? A beautiful art piece displayed in your friend’s home will not only beautify the place, but also be a nice conversation topic for visitors.

However, buying art for someone else can be quite tricky. The last thing you want happening is to buy something that doesn’t suit the décor of your friend’s house. And your friend might end up quietly putting the art piece away into the store room after a while. You have to make sure that the art piece that you buy must compliment the décor of his home.

Here are some tips to help you make the right buying decisions:

If you have never visited your friend’s home, try to arrange for a meet up, so that you can have a sneak preview of the place. While you are there pay close attention to the decorative theme of the house. Is it modern contemporary, minimalist, or maybe Victorian? Perhaps your friend is well traveled, and has collected antiques from all over the world. Maybe he likes Asian styles, as evidenced by the furniture and decorative ornaments around the house. Pay attention also to the color theme. Are the walls colorful with bright primary colors, or is it in pastel earthy colors? These considerations will affect your decision in the kind of art you will buy.

Location

While you are in the house, identify a wall where you might want the art piece to be hung. It can be quite challenging to find suitable space to hang art - even more so if the wall is already decorated with art pieces. Remember that you don’t have to buy a very large piece that occupies the entire wall. You can have a small art piece that can share the wall space with other pieces that are already there. You just need to pay attention to the theme of those art pieces. For example, if those pieces are black and white pictures of architectural buildings, then you have a pretty good idea on the type of art to buy that will match nicely with the others.

Color

A rule of thumb is to take note of the 2 strongest colors in the room, and then choose art that has those colors in them. For example, if the room has a lot of brown and beige, you can find art that has these 2 colors in them, but it’s ok to have an additional splash of red or yellow in it. After all, you want the art piece to stand out and tell a story, so don’t pick an art piece that blends so well until it becomes un-noticeable.

Take note of other things in the room that may be attention grabbing. For example, if there is a beautiful Persian rug at the center of the room that the owner is very proud of, then choose an art piece with subtler colors than the rug so as not to steal attention away from it. Having a room with rugs, curtains and art pieces all shouting for attention can throw the entire room out of balance.

Style

It is important to find an art piece that will match the décor style of your friend’s home. If the house has a Victorian style to it or has a lot of old antiques, pick an art piece that will match closely with that style. Floral themed paintings or scenes of the countryside can never go wrong. Protect it with an antique styled frame that will add a nice old charmed look. Remember that the frame you choose is also part of the art piece, so do not ignore it. A frame with intricate details and carvings will work nicely with a Victorian or old cottage house.

For a modern home with contemporary styled furniture, you’ll be practically spoilt for choice when it comes to contemporary art. For a room that’s colorful, pick something that’s black and white. For a room that has neutral colors, choose something that will stand out and grab attention. The important thing to note is that you want the art to be noticed. Remember also, that contemporary or abstract art, do not have to mean anything. Different people will interpret it differently. So don’t be too hard on yourself when choosing the right art for your friend.

Size

If you intend to purchase a large art piece, make sure your friend has enough wall space to put it. It may seem common sense, but coming from an interior design point of view, large pieces are more suitable for rooms with a lot of space and have high ceilings. If your friend is living in a small space, then certainly large pieces may not be suitable. In this case, get a smaller piece, or better yet, get a set of small, similar looking themed art pieces that can be grouped together when displayed. On the other hand, if your friend is living in a very large space, buying art that is too small will make it look out of place and out of proportion.

So there you have it - just some basic guidelines to set you in the right direction. Remember, if all else fails and you really cannot find a suitable space to hang art, you can always put your art piece into a photo frame and display it next to other photographs. Nothing is impossible. Just a little experimentation can work wonders.

Enjoy your art shopping!

Copyright 2007 Edwin Mah



GREGG

DiscoveredArtists.com Media Relations asked:


Maybe you buy art simply to decorate. Most of us do. We have a blank wall and want something fabulous, so we go looking for a great piece of art.

But, have you ever considered collecting art? Take a look around at the art on your walls to see if there’s a common thread or theme that emerges. Do you have a number of florals? More than one landscape? Or, maybe you have a budding art collection of pieces purchased on trips you’ve taken.

Of course, when we talk about paintings, we’re talking about real art. Art that’s created by actual, living artists. Not art you’d buy in a department store. So, if you have that kind of art - real art - you can stop thinking of it as a bunch of paintings, and turn it into a budding art collection.



Here’s a wonderful example of real art that’s collectible and affordable.  This fine art photo could be the beginning of a wonderful Americana art collection.  There are literally thousands of artists who artfully document everything American, including this example of a vintage sign advertising the last privately owned bar in Fort Lee, New Jersey.  The artwork titled The Last One is a 20″ x 24″ print available for $125 from fine art photographer Nick D’Andrea. http://www.discoveredartists.com/.

A collection of vintage, neon bar signs or advertising symbols from the 1950’s could create an interesting, decorative art wall while at the same time become an enjoyable pursuit as you hunt for more Americana artwork.

But, the subject area for art collection themes is wide open.  For example if you absolutely love cityscapes and have photos of skylines and skyscrapers, before you know it you’re an Architectural Art Collector. Or, if you have a couple of floral or animal prints, and begin collecting similar pieces, you can build a collection of botannicals or nature artworks



Believe it or not, chickens and cows are very big with collectors.  These are creatures that artists particularly like to paint, often because of the challenge of turning fur and feathers into interesting, lifelike figures with personality.  Rooster 25 is a perfect example of an artist who took on and met the challenge.  This fierce looking bird already has his feathers ruffled, ready to strike without provocation.  The painting is an original 12″ x 12″ oil on canvas by artist Ilse Kleyn and sells for $100 in the artist’s DiscoveredArtists.com gallery. http://www.discoveredartists.com/

So, all you really need to do to become an art collector is to put some thought into your art buying. Before you know it, instead of just buying art, you’ll be collecting art.  Decide on a theme based on art that appeals to you. Perhaps you love raku vases, or glass art. Or, maybe you’re attracted to bronze figurines. If you’re into wall art then cityscapes and watercolors from a particular country could become a theme for your collection.



 Cityscape at Dusk is a wonderfully warm, inviting photo that captures a moment in time at the intersection of North, Damen and Milwaukee Avenues in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. Collecting photos and original art that takes you back to places you’ve visited or neighborhoods where you once lived adds meaning to the art that you use to decorate your home or office.  This fine art photo by photographer Kurt Kramer can be purchased for $90 in his online gallery at DiscoveredArtists.com and is just one in a series of collectible, big city neighborhood cityscapes.

So, as you can see, there’s no end and no limit to the types of themes for collecting art. In fact, many collectors just buy what they like and create collections comprised of favorite artworks. These are collections that bring the owner years of pleasure and great satisfaction.

In fact, when compared to using art simply to decorate or to impress someone, collecting art gives you an even greater payoff. The process of collecting art is a life enriching hobby that beautifully mirrors who you are and shows the world what you love.  It can return a lifetime of satisfaction and value.

Where to Find Real Art At Reasonable Prices:

At www.DiscoveredArtists.com you can search over 4000 pieces of original and limited edition art created by international, independent Artists. Search by style, color, price, shape, size, and theme. Read artist biographies and search for artists by career experience, credentials, juried status and more.

Artwork is shipped directly to you from the artist’s studio. Prices are set by the artist, not by the gallery so you avoid paying gallery markups.  Purchase art using a major credit card using a secure shopping cart. All purchases are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee including return shipping.



DIRK

DiscoveredArtists.com Media Relations asked:


The first rule for buying art is to love it.  The second rule is to be able to pay for it without taking out a bank loan.  And, rule #3?  Feel good about what you paid for it.

So, how do you know that a piece of art is worth the asking price?  If you love it, and can afford it, should you buy it?

We asked over one-hundred interior design professionals for some help.  We asked them to review pieces of art and tell us what they think about the quality of the work and the asking price.  Each designer chose five pieces of art to review from over 4000 original and limited edition artworks created by independent, fine artists whose work is available at www.DiscoveredArtists.com.

Designers were asked to comment on how they might use the art in an interior room design, and were asked to only review artworks that they felt were worth the asking price.  In other words, would you recommend that your client buy this piece of art at that price. Here’s what they said:

Terry Symington is principal designer and owner of T. Symington & Co. Interiors in Brenham, Houston, and Austin Texas.  She is a big fan of using art in her interior designs and suggests that “For rooms lacking a proper focal point, an oversized painting makes a great statement!”



Ms. Symington reviewed Fleurs Rondes #19, a 12″ x 18″ contemporary collage by Canadian born artist Lisa Carney.  The artwork is a mixed media original on panel priced at $115.  Lisa Carney is a formally trained, emerging, full time artist who is represented by galleries.  She creates abstract, modern, and fine art using multi-media methods and materials.  Her work is especially suited for decorative interior design.

Symington’s review of Fleurs Rondes 19: “I would love to see a grouping of several of Ms.Carney’s collages in an interior to make a really big statement.  Her combinations of materials, textures and colors are very pleasing … the the pricing makes it very affordable!”

Elaine Buderer, principal designer for Restoration Interior Design, LLC in Columbia, Maryland writes, “Good art brings some life into a space,” and adds that she approaches design by, “Using color, texture, furniture, art and the existing elements of a home.”



Ms Buderer reviewed Drayton Hall #20 a 21″ x 25″ limited edition by fine art photographer John Michiels.  The artwork is an edition of 40 that is signed and numbered by the artist, matted and framed with glass, and sells for $525.

John Michiels’ primary style is fine art, his signature style is southern gothic.  He is a mature, juried artist who is represented by galleries.  Michiels personally completes every step of the printmaking process in his studio in his Charleston South Carolina studio currently offering prints in editions of 45 or less.

Interior Designer Elaine Buderer’s review of Drayton Hall #20:  “This is a spiritual piece.  It hints of serenity (provided by the classic balance) with a vision of hope beyond.  It would be a soothing vista in a quiet room.”

Nicky Quartermaine Scott is owner and principal designer for Quartermaine Interiors in Plainfield, Illinois.  Her advice to art buyers in general is “If you’re stuck choosing a color scheme for your home, look to art for your inspiration. Select a piece that you truly love, and start from there. Art will reveal some wonderful colors that you can use as a foundation for your project.”



Ms. Scott reviewed Italian artist Mauro Celotti’s large, landscape titled Follow the Clouds.  It is a 50″ x 40″ original acrylic on gallery wrap canvas priced at $3600. Celotti is a mature, professional artist, formally trained and juried, who paints abstract, modern, surreal and figurative subjects.

Scott’s review of Follow the Clouds: “This piece is reminiscent of Van Gogh, but with a twist.  I love the color combination of orange, grey and white.  It has a masculine quality to it, with diagonal line and strong movement, but the soft, undulating earth reflects back nicely to Mother Nature herself.”

So, going back to the rules for buying art, if you need a second opinion you certainly should get one.  But, it seems that the driving force behind each of these professional reviews is how much they liked the artwork and how they might use it in a room.  So, if you love it, and can afford it, it deserves a place on your wall.

To read more about any piece of artwork featured in this story go to www.DiscoveredArtists.com and type the name of the art or the artists name in Keyword Search.  To read more designer comments or to contact a featured interior designer click on Search Interior Designers on the DiscoveredArtists.com home page.

About DiscoveredArtists.com

DiscoveredArtists.com is a marketplace for buying and selling original and limited edition artworks.  Independent artists sell directly to the general public.  Prices are set by the artists and artwork is shipped from the artist’s studio.   All major credit cards are accepted.  Artwork may be purchased online and is backed by a satisfaction guarantee of a full refund plus return shipping expense.



LLOYD

DiscoveredArtists.com Media Relations asked:


CHICAGO, IL  A growing trend among independent artists is evident in the number of artists who are selling paintings, sculpture and fine art photos on the internet.

Chicago based DiscoveredArtists.com, an internet marketplace for buying and selling art, reports that more than four-hundred artists have joined their online art gallery in the past sixty days.

These international, independent artists are following a growing trend among artists who are searching for a better way to sell their art.  They’re looking for an alternative to selling at art shows and to relying on art galleries to represent them.

The cost to exhibit work at art shows, according to many artists has skyrocketed over the recent summer season.  And, traditionally, artists have relied on art galleries to represent them.  But, few artists are able to get galleries to sell their work and, even those who can, are often frustrated by the high commissions that galleries attach to each sale where an artist receives only half of the selling price.

So, many artists are looking for a better way to show and to sell their art, and they’re looking to the internet as the next, big thing. 

Established artists as well as emerging artists are flocking to the internet to promote their work and sell their artwork online to the general public more efficiently.

One of them is veteran artist, Richard Black, creator of Smokey the Bear and illustrator of the legendary advertising icon, Mr. Clean. The internet-savvy artist started his career long before plastic keyboards were invented, but was quick to embrace the world wide web as a place to show and sell his art.

Black, who is an eighty-something, teaches at a local university, paints every day and regularly uploads finished paintings to his online art gallery. Like most artists he has had to acquire the technical skill to photograph and create high resolution images that are so important for successful e-commerce art sales.

Of course, internet generation artists like fine art photographer Crina Prida are a natural for showing and selling their work online. Prida who is a medical student, lives and works in Cluj, Romania and has only been a serious photographer for two years.

The artist has already won a number of local competitions, but more important, she is gaining internationl exposure by showing and selling her work online.

Starting artists like Prida who promote themselves on the internet are positioned to create a much larger following for their work than previous generations of artists ever could hope to cultivate.

And this is why artists are flocking to show and sell their work online. Self-representation in what is now a world-wide art gallery is a trend that is quickly changing the art world, and how artists go to market.

And, it’s a positive change for art buyers, too.  Real art is now more accessible and more affordable to the general public than ever before.  For the first time in history artists have a practical way to show and sell their work, and buyers have a practical way to find and buy real art.  The internet is a worldwide art gallery a thousand times larger than the Louvre and much easier to browse.



Veteran artist, Richard Black, creator of Smokey the Bear and illustrator of the legendary advertising icon, Mr. Clean uploads his fine art oil paintings to his virtual art gallery at DiscoveredArtists.com.  Black, who is an eighty-something, teaches at a local university, paints every day and sells his work online.  He ships paintings directly from his studio in Ohio, USA.  His online art gallery has more than two dozen original paintings available for sale.  This painting, titled Africa is an 18″ x 24″ original oil on stretched canvas.  VIEW LARGER



Crina Prida lives and works in Cluj, Romania and has been a serious photographer for only two years.  Starting artists like Prida who promote themselves on the internet are positioned to create a much larger following for their work than previous generations of artists ever could hope to cultivate.  This fine art photograph is one in a series of photos titled Circus Set available in Prida’s online art gallery at DiscoveredArtists.com.  The artwork is approximately 16″ x 16″ and is priced at $150.  The artist ships directly from her studio in Romania. VIEW LARGER

About DiscoveredArtists.com

DiscoveredArtists.com literally searches the world for talented artists who produce collector-quality, decorative art.  The artists range in experience from starting artists to established artists.  But, it’s not about the artist … it’s about the artwork and the value to the buyer.

DiscoveredArtists.com’s marketing team advises artists on how to display and describe their work, but artists independently set their own prices. Paintings are shipped directly to buyers from the artist’s studio, so there is no middle man, gallery markups or handling fees which helps keep prices reasonable.



CORNELL