Thursday, February 28, 2008

Original Artwork Online

When it comes to buying original artwork online there is nothing better than purchasing a piece of original artwork directly from the artist who produced the work.

Not all artists promoting their original artwork for sale online have their own web site though, so it is quite common that you will see a lot of online galleries

promoting and selling artwork on the behalf of the artist.

This is a perfect scenario for an artist who would prefer to be doing what they ultimately do well, which is creating their art – instead of spending a lot of time on marketing their work.

However, I do admire the many artists who have a hand in the representation of promoting their artwork.

In fact, in a lot of respects it can be to the artist's advantage because as with producing artwork, marketing also requires some creativity. What better way to take advantage of that creativity with some input into their own marketing?

I am sure Dali and Picasso lived to see their success because they ultimately had a hand in the their overall "marketing machine". As a lot of us know, both of these amazing artists certainly new how to

make a splash and capture the public's attention.

This leads me to suggest that if you are looking to buy original artwork online, perhaps have a look to see if the artist is involved with his or her own promotion and associated marketing.

Of course this is not critical when it comes to buying original artwork because it goes without saying; good art is good art regardless if you meet the artist or get to read the

artists philosophy on life.

For a lot of people the art itself is enough to capture their attention. If the artwork holds enough credibility on its own because of its quality or manner in which it was produced and you truly love it, that’s all that really matters.

But if you appreciate an artist's work because you also like the way they view the world or tell a story within their artwork, you just may discover that you have been drawn to them through the manner in which they have represented themselves through their marketing and promotion.

Sometimes you will discover that there are additional little qualities that surround an artist when making an assessment to buy his or her original artwork.

This could be associated to how well they are getting the message across through their marketing and not just their artwork alone.

Here are a few tips that may interest you:

One way to discover more about the artist selling their work online is to see if they have their own independent web site.

If they do, then perhaps consider getting on their newsletter or mailing list. That way you'll get to appreciate how they are representing themselves and what their movements are within the art scene.

Sometimes, but not all time, you can get more of a personal tone when an artist has a hand in their own promotion. It can add to the

appreciation and overall enjoyment of purchasing their work.

These tips are not necessary but if you have discovered an artist that is speaking to you and not being spoken for, then perhaps hop along for the ride for a while.

Get to see how they present themselves and produce their work. Not only is it fun to watch but it can be quite interesting as well.

Nate Thomas is a writer and advocate of original Australian art. If you are an art collector or simply an admirer of quality art Nate highly recommends you visit Caku Art

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Moden Interior Design

Modern interior design does not just mean the decorating styles of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. It actually refers to the clean streamlined furniture and architectural styles of the 1930’s. This style has its base in the German Bauhaus School of Design and Scandinavian modern design. Polished surfaces, clean geometric shapes and asymmetry are characteristics of this style. Expansive, unadorned windows help to connect the interior and exterior of the home. Colors:

The neutral palette allows the objects in the design to take center stage. White walls are predominant in a modern interior design with furnishings, accessories and fabrics sporting neutral tone-on-tone color schemes. Wall colors are in the light and highly reflective color range--white-based greens, teals and blues as well as stark white. Ceilings are usually painted a crisp, bright white to further emphasize dramatic architectural features.

Finishes:

The surfaces of homes done in a modern interior design are sleek, smooth and polished. Flooring is usually concrete, granite or linoleum. The common accents found in the kitchen are chrome and stainless steel and the cabinets are usually finished with a lacquer.

Architecture:

Modern interior design focuses on geometric and angular shapes. Light streaming through the windows makes an artistic statement and brings attention to the interior architecture.

Artwork:

The art and accessories used in modern interior design are extremely important and should exhibit striking shapes or forms. Spotlights should be used to focus on the art and create a visual impact.

Modern interior design uses less texture and is more about form and artistic expression than function. The touches of color added to the artwork and accessories are designed to make you think. Decorative accents such as oversized round chrome accessories, square-edged furnishings and rectangular -patterned rugs and artwork add to the ambiance of the décor.

Stainless steel, metal tubing, chrome and black accents are the hallmark of a high-tech designed area. Kitchens often feature an "industrial" look with sleek metallic appliances and storage cabinets. Glass block or curving transparent window glass may be set in a wall. The cabinetry is usually sleek and unadorned with plain panel doors and hardware that's hidden or unobtrusive.

For lots of great interior decorating tips and related information, visit Nr1 Home Decorating at http://www.nr1-home-decorating.com

By: Ken Wilssens

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Art Frames

When you are purchasing artwork, be it a painting or contact prints, remember that the total cost often include the cost of the frames they come in. Veteran or experienced art buyers will tell you to just buy unframed pieces and have them framed yourself. This way, you only pay for the real cost of the artwork. And this will also save you money on transporting the piece, especially if you made the purchase while on a trip or vacation.

Framing your purchased painting is a good designing idea, providing you with certainty that the painting blends well with the other pieces in your living or office space. This works well for contemporary art or those done by relatively unknown artists.

Art frames can be custom made to suit your specifications. Depending on the subject or style of the painting, you can choose between wood or metallic frames. Victorian-style art, with its elaborate details and decadence is more suited to be framed in wood to enhance the elegance and richness of its texture. Contemporary art, pop art, abstracts, and Picasso-like pieces look best when framed in sleek and simple metallic frames.

Before you decide which frame to use for your newly purchased artwork, search for design concepts in magazines, visit galleries or browse the Internet. There are many art frame suppliers on the web. You can get really good deals from them, especially when they are on clearance. When buying online, just beware of the security framework of the transaction. Give out your credit card details to accredited suppliers only. And you must know all the terms and conditions of the transaction, if there are delivery costs and if the product delivery is insured or not.

The better way to do it is by bringing your painting to a smaller gallery or a hardware store to be framed. This way, you won't have to frame your painting yourself.

Frames provides detailed information on Frames, Art Frames, Photo Frames, Poster Frames and more. Frames is affiliated with Cheap Framed Art.

By: Josh Riverside

Monday, February 18, 2008

VADE - Artwork and Imagery for media applications

Vade: Artwork Posters Wallpapers.

If you are in the market for abstract artwork for your media promotions, you may have seen the artwork on offer from Vade. We decided to delve deeper in to there site and artwork (most of which is license free), from Vade.co.uk.

The artists who combine to produce the artwork available from that site cover a wide range of the more abstract styles. Some of the work appears quite intense but the majority of the imagery available is suitable for use in music and media production work.

The approach they take to their media is much more open with the heavy use of symmetry and intense colors. Although some may feel that it the images are simply mirrored textures it seems that once you take a look at the style they present (which is easier than trying to explain in words) you can see that a lot of work has gone in to each image/artwork piece.

We came across there work have seen it used on music CD releases and it has to be said that it does add that extra something to your productions although once the images become well know online the unique aspect may diminish somewhat.

Although there is not a lot of info about the guys who produce this work, we get the feeling that they are pretty much happy just making the work available to the general public license free.

Unlike most other artwork sites, you don't have to join up to get your hands on the artwork and having used their work on several projects recently they are now among our list of favorite artwork sites. It’s a bit more refreshing than searching Google images…!

Protech Online

By: Gary Hall

Thursday, February 14, 2008

How To Select An Art Piece In An Art Auction

http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifNowadays, there are many art auction houses available online such as sotheby and ebay. However, before attempting to bid for a fine art auction, there are some points you need to take note especially if you are a beginner to art auctions.

If you are new to fine art auctions, you might first decide what it is you like to collect. Is it abstract art, oil-based painting, impression art etc?

You also might want to read up on the art category that you prefer to buy. Take for example, you are into abstract art. It would help you in your art auctions if you knew more about abstract art history, the various abstract art movements. The best way to start would be on the internet. One such site is www.artsconnected.org. They provide comprehensive search tools for visitors to research on their favorite art category.

The other way is to browse the various art magazines, books, periodicals. You could go to your local bookstore, amazon or even the local library. Visit a few fine art auction houses and get a feel for the type of art you are interested in. Art Auction houses will usually provide detailed information on the art piece being auctioned.

How Do I Know The Art Piece I Like Is Real?

Ok, so you finally found an art piece you like. The next question you are probably asking is how do I know it is authentic? Since the value of an art piece is subjective depending on the person looking at it, it would be best if you can afford it to get a professional art appraiser to value the art piece.

For large fine art auction houses such as sotheby, you can be assured that the art piece is already appraised and is authentic. However, if you are looking for an art piece at smaller auction houses or online art auctions such as ebay, you do need to be extra careful. Particularly so for online art auctions where there are many fake art pieces being auctioned.

If you like a fine art being auctioned online, the best way if possible would be to communicate with the art seller before buying. Online art auctions usually keep a track record of the art seller’s sales history and can help you to determine whether the seller is a reputable person.

Ricky Lim runs an fine art auction info site. To know more about and early american art, visit his site

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

The Indonesian Art of Sculpting

Since the beginning of time, men have had the interest for shaping simple objects into entirely new different objects. Human beings have learned to adapt to his surroundings, and this resilience of men has made them more in tune with their environment, enhancing their talents.

Modeling objects is somewhat similar to this concept. This process entails the usage of a material flexible enough to be manipulated through methods such as heating and molding. This manipulation is done to recreate the object it is being modeled after.

Sculpture is definitely a form of art that differs from culture to culture. All cultures may use the same material and same model, but how each culture implements their own cultural design, concept and beliefs would separate one work of art from another.

The Indonesian Symbolism

The Indonesian culture renders high respect and adoration for the nature that surrounds them. That’s why in most of their art forms, themes of natures are always incorporated in their designs. Such designs they use are intricate and very expressive. Furthermore, the Indonesian design sticks to colorfully bright and sharp details.

Indonesia’s close ties with its religious beliefs have led their art forms, specifically their sculptures, to be mythical in theme and design as well. These and other designs basically symbolize how significant life, nature and religion are to the Indonesian culture. Another addition to the already long list of themes significant to the Indonesian culture is the close ties that families form with one another which have so far inspired the Indonesian art tradition.

Indonesian Sculpture

Similar to wood carvings, sculpture in Indonesia follows the unwritten rule that the sculpture should incorporate the Indonesian's concept of life, nature and religious beliefs. Indonesian sculpture involves many processes of polishing and touches that highlights the truthfulness it should possess. Indonesian sculpture is also never limited to fixed model positions. Instead, it has the ability to portray extreme movement and expressive features. Most important of all, the richness of the Indonesian ethnicity is evident in every unique piece of art, especially their sculptures. Each unique piece also represents the unique cultural diversity that resides within the boundaries of Indonesia.

Sculpture and other forms of art not only serve as a hobby for the Indonesian society but a way to preserve their rich cultural heritage as well. At indonesia-exporter.com and other websites in the Internet featuring sculptures, further appreciation for the Indonesian art can be seen.

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By: James Osborn

Monday, February 11, 2008

Landscape Designers Can Make a Difference

Landscape designs

Landscape design combines the essential elements of art and science to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing extension of indoor living to the outdoors. It is a part of landscape architecture and allows space and design to reflect creativity. Completely a man made exercise, the purpose of landscape design is to blend technology with nature. To become a landscape designer one must have a working knowledge of art elements and design principles.

Though an architectural field, landscape design has a special aesthetic value. Elements of art include but are not limited to color, line, form, texture and scale. These elements are never independent of each other, but their individual natures should be dealt with care before considering the interactions.

Landscape design is a multi-disciplinary field, including within its fold mathematics, science, engineering, art, technology, social sciences, politics, history, philosophy. Color, line, form, texture and scale are tools which are used in combinations to adjust design the landscape. Design principles include unity, balance, transition, focalization, proportion, rhythm, repetition and simplicity. All these principles interact to yield the intended landscape design.

The landscape designer essentially works on:


• The form, scale and citing of new developments

• Public parks, greenways, golf courses, theme parks and sports facilities

• Housing areas, industrial parks and commercial developments

• Urban design, town and city squares, and pedestrian schemes

• Large or small urban regeneration schemes

• Forest, tourist or historic landscapes, and historic garden appraisal and conservation studies

• Environmental assessment and landscape assessment, planning advice and land management proposals.

• Coastal and offshore developments

The key steps in landscape design are:

• Develop a plot plan.

• Conduct a site analysis.

• Assess family needs and desires.

• Locate activity areas.

• Design activity areas.

• Plant selection and placement.

Important in landscape design:


• Unity is obtained by the effective use of components in a design to express a main idea through consistent style. It is emphasized by consistency of character between units in the landscape. Use of elements to express a specific theme within units creates harmony in landscape design.

• Balance is also needed. It refers to the equilibrium or equality of visual attraction. Symmetrical balance is achieved when one side of the design is a mirror image of the other side. There is a distinct dividing line between the two sides. Equal lines, forms, textures or colors are on each side of a symmetrical landscape design.

• Colors are combined into color schemes for practical applications. Three basic color schemes are monochromatic, analogous and complementary. A monochromatic color scheme consists of different tints and shades of one color and is seldom achieved in its pure form in the landscape design.

• A line is maintained in landscape design with the height of the plants that have been planted. In the overall landscape, line is inferred by bed arrangement and the way these beds fit or flow together.

• The size of the area is to be kept in mind for a definite landscape design.

Landscape designers and Landscape technicians or engineers are employed with landscape construction and service companies. Landscape designers, like garden designers, design all types of planting and green spaces. With rapid modern urbanization, landscape design is fast gaining momentum.

Gardening and landscaping are one of life's simple joys. Learn more about Landscape design by visiting our Garden Facts web site.

By: Bill McRea

Friday, February 1, 2008

Fantasy Abstract Art

Fantasy abstract art is a form of abstract art which uses dreams, myths, magic, wild designs, and stories in major. Fantasy art varies from Roman Gods to Mermaids to different fairy tales and more. Fantasy art is entirely about the imagination or the things that have developed just the way you dream about them.

Most of the fantasy abstract art work uses oil on canvas material. This provides the drawing with an additional attraction and moreover a realistic way of appearance. In general, a fantasy art drawing which uses oil on canvas differs in variety of sizes and the price package. For an oil-on-canvas fantasy art at a size of 18'x24', the price range would come around $375. Fantasy art can be categorized not only in the abstract form, but it is also developed in the modern form of art.

In the recent years, fantasy abstract art can also be developed with the use of software. The software offers you with quick drawing and development of fantasy art, along with lots of features that you can make use of. Fantasy art has been developed for more than twenty-five years with some exquisite masterpieces from various artists.

Fantasy abstract art has developed more number of drawings which comprise aliens, angels, collectives, dark, dragons, dreams, fairies, furry, goddesses and gods, mermaids, myths, sci-fi, and vampires. These are developed in the form of an imaginable manner, just giving shape to our dreams. This form of art development is gradually increasing in number, for the reason that it very soon attracts any kind of art lover. Fantasy abstract arts are also available around $8 in either framed or mounted forms, which have huge variety in selection with an incredible work done.

Abstract Art provides detailed information on Abstract Art, Modern Abstract Art, Abstract Art Paintings, Abstract Art Galleries and more. Abstract Art is affiliated with African Wildlife Art.

By: Damian Sofsian