Buying Watercolor Paintings

Buying Watercolor Paintings I’ve been buying watercolor paintings for decorating jobs. I’ve found some really nice pieces on eBay. I recently bought a watercolor painting by an artist named Y. Gianni. The painting was produced in 1890 and depicted an Italian village. It was very vivid and pleasing to look at. I was trying to find just the right watercolor painting for a client when I came across one by an artist named William B. Gillette. The colors were pastel, ranging from soft greens, browns, blues, purples and peach. The scene was that of a pebble beach and crashing waves. The hills on one side gave the beach a feeling of privacy. It really spoke to me and my client loved it. There was a cabin that I was decorating for a discerning client that needed one more piece of art to complete the look I was going for. I found a wonderful watercolor painting that fit just right. It had a lot of mossy green colors and there was a lake with a lake house. The artist turned out to be Charles Dickens Wader. He is a well known artist from New York. I have a client that collects art from Romeo Tabuena. I was fortunate to find two watercolors that the owners had purchased directly from Tabuena in the fifties when they lived in San Miguel. The owner settled with me for an even thousand dollars. My client was thrilled. A lawyer friend of mine hired me to redecorate his office. I had a lot of fun putting in things that reflected his interests and tastes. He loves polo and I found a wonderful watercolor painting of two polo players on horses. My friend liked the paintings and they have become a conversation piece in the new office. My friend’s dad liked the office I decorated so much that he commissioned me to redecorate his office. He is a hunter and I found a really nice watercolor painting of several mallard ducks flying above a marsh. The painting was done by Jim Killen and he has painted for Ducks Unlimited. His work is well known and respected. My friend’s father really liked the find and proudly hung it in his reception area. I was really unsure where I was going to find suitable art for the program director’s office at a local radio station. When I went to visit with him for a consultation, his office was absolutely stark. I like watercolor paintings and that is my first choice for buying art. I found a fantastic watercolor painting of Bob Marley surrounded by sunflowers. It was awesome and perfect for this job. There is a musician that I was working for a couple of years ago that wanted their studio decorated with paintings from the artist Raoul Dufy. Raoul Dufy made a whole series of paintings called Hommage to Mozart. I was able to purchase three watercolor paintings in this series. I have always been on the lookout for more paintings to purchase for this client. A friend of mine asked me to find a watercolor painting to give to her mother. I found one by Henry H. Parker that was of cattle in landscape. The frame was what caught my eye at first because it is heavy gilt. It would never hang in my house, but it looked great at my friend’s mother’s house.   Blog: of art and craft-hobbies Website Stores http://art-and-craft-hobbies.com/ http://art-and-craft-hobbies.com/shop/ group Art Studio of Lewis Baber , Post and Sell your ART. https://www.etsy.com/shop/Magikaljourneys?ref=seller-platform-mcnavArt Two Old Guys Folk Art Share this:http://Gallery-Wall-Art.com

Clay Pot Crafts: Make a Bell for the Porch

Clay Pot Crafts: Make a Bell for the Porch Clay pot crafts are a cute way to make home decorations. In clay pot crafts, clay flower pots can be crafted into a variety of decorative things that appeal to gardeners. Usually, the crafter begins with new pots. The pots are often decorated with paint as well as being tied together with rope or cord to create things. Pots for clay pot crafts can be purchased in many different sizes, from tiny ones not more than 2 inches in diameter, to huge ones over a foot across. For a beginning project, start with smaller pots. The beginner should also choose clay pot crafts that don't use too many pots in too elaborate a design. An example of a good craft for someone new at clay pot crafts is to make a bell from two clay pots. Buy one pot that is about five or six inches in diameter, and another that is very small. You will use the small one as the clapper for the bell. You will also need some decorative cord, two large wooden beads, and paint in desired colors. You may also wish to purchase some glue-on jewels to decorate the bell. The bell makes a nice decoration for a front porch. Cut the cord two feet (60 cm.) long. Fold the end over 3 inches (8 cm.) and tie in an overhand knot, making a loop. This loop is for hanging the bell from a hook or a nail. Now turn the larger clay pot upside-down. Pass the loose end of the cord down through the hole in the pot. Lay the pot on its side and slide one of the large wooden beads up the cord until it is about 10 inches (25 cm.) from the loose end. Now tie the cord around the bead so that the bead cannot slip from its position on the cord. If you have done this correctly, you can lift the pot by the loop. In clay pot crafts, the beads must be large enough to stop the cord from going through the hole in the bottom of the pot. On the loose end of the cord, you are going to attach the small pot in the same way. Slide the small pot up the cord to make it easier to tie the other large wooden bead on the end of the cord. Now when you lift the entire arrangement by the loop, the smaller pot should hang freely inside the larger pot, making a pleasant sound when it claps against the larger pot. Decorate the outside of the larger pot with paint as desired. You may like to paint it in black and white patches for a Holstein cow theme. You may also like to decorate the top of the bell with silk or dried flowers and greenery and a ribbon bow. For a variation on this craft, make three of the bells and hang them from a horizontal piece of driftwood or other interesting piece of natural wood. When making hanging clay pot crafts, always make sure the beads are large enough and are tied tightly in place, because the clay pots will break if they fall to the ground. Other clay pot crafts include making a large doll or scarecrow of nested pots strung together and painted. The doll can sit on a chair or a step of the front porch. Paint his face to look like a scarecrow, a jack-o-lantern, a gnome, or a child. Clay pot crafts are especially suited to being displayed outside. http://art-and-craft-hobbies.com/ http://art-and-craft-hobbies.com/shop/ group Art Studio of Lewis Baber , Post and Sell your ART. https://www.etsy.com/shop/Magikaljourneys?ref=seller-platform-mcnavArt Two Old Guys Folk Art Share this:http://Gallery-Wall-Art.com

Starting A Hobby In Art Collectibles

Starting A Hobby In Art Collectibles

 If you look at some of the items that are popularly collected by hobbyists around the world, you will be surprised at how outrageous some of the items are. Toothpicks? Napkins? These things are given away for free at restaurants, why would anyone want to collect them? The truth is that some people are simply enthralled by the thought of collecting certain items. You surely realize by now that these items can be literally anything. However, one of the more traditional and widely acceptable hobbies is to collect art. Collectible art is very popular, and anyone can get into the hobby. All it takes is an appreciation for art, and the willingness to find additions to your new collection. Some people think that paintings are the only form of collectible art that is widely bought and sold. This is not the case at all. Collectible art can come in many different forms, from rugs to miniature wood carvings. Anything that is hand-crafted and beautiful in some way can be considered art, and is fair game for an art collection. If you are reading this, you probably have some specific form of art in mind. This is good and will give you a direction to start in, but you should always keep an open mind and look for other types of art that will expand your horizons and allow you to gain a wider variety of incredible items to add to your collection. As you view different art, you will probably start to notice particular artists who always stand out to you. This is a natural occurrence, and almost any art collector will eventually start to lean towards a certain artist who they appreciate above the rest. It could be one of the famous master artists, or even a local college kid trying to scrape by. Many art collectors will also gravitate towards certain themes or types of art. This is not a necessity by any means, but it will give your art collection a sense of unison. Some think of art collectors as people who have thousands of dollars to spend on paintings by famous artists. The truth is that you don’t need to invest any major amounts of money in order to get some beautiful, original art. The college student that I mentioned before exists in every town. You will never have a lack of “starving artists” to buy paintings from. Most of the best talent goes unappreciated, and by buying from amateur artists you could be buying an original work from the next famous painter. You can find paintings anywhere in the world. If you are taking a vacation to an exotic location, you can almost always find vendors selling paintings. In a place like India, you can buy paintings for just a few dollars. Usually they are very unique and different from anything you will see from western artists. So whenever you travel, be sure to take the opportunity to see if there are any local artists who you would like to support. It will diversify your collection, and make it more interesting in general. You may also have an interesting story behind each painting. Once you start to see more and more additions to your personal collectible art gallery, you will begin to realize what a rewarding and fun hobby art collecting is. Not only does it allow you to appreciate some of the beautiful creations of artists, it also gives you some great decorations for your home. So what are you waiting for? Art collectibles are widely available from many different sources, and if you are really passionate about the subject then you should get started today. Find out about some local artists, and attend galleries or art festivals where you can see literally hundreds of artistic items on sale. Every item you see has the potential to be the first addition to your collection.




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Start an Art Collectible Hobby and Beautify Your Home

Start an Art Collectible Hobby and Beautify Your Home

Collecting is a fun hobby, and one of the most interesting things to collect are art collectibles. Many different items can be painted with artwork and become an art collectible. Hobby enthusiasts collect such things as saw blades, and wooden eggs which have had artwork painted on. People even collect designer rugs as art. Another art collectible hobby is collecting limited edition plates, thimbles, Christmas ornaments, and figurines produced by such companies as Bradford Exchange. And of course, many people collect fine art paintings. The person with an art collectible hobby will probably find his or her own favorite artists whose works they appreciate. They can choose to focus on one particular artist, either past or present, or they can choose from the works of many artists. On the other hand, they may collect art and art objects around a theme they enjoy, such as cigars, wild animals, or piano music. One may think of an art collector as a rich person who has the money to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on an original Van Gogh. A person of more modest means can collect art too, however. Post cards are a good place to start. Most art museum gift shops offer high quality, glossy postcards printed with some of their more notable acquisitions. By buying those cards one really appreciates, anyone can have an art collection. Ebay is a good source of art collectibles whatever type of art or collectible you fancy. In fact, if you are just starting out, the choices and options can be overwhelming! Just remember that you can sell your own belongings as well as buying those of others. This should make the impact on the budget a little less powerful. Other ideas for inexpensively collecting art collectibles are scouring flea markets, thrift shops, and garage sales. You never know what treasure someone else may be getting rid of. One nice thing about art collectibles is that artists can be found in every part of the world. The art collector should scout the local art shows, museums, and artist's hangouts to find out just what sort of talent can be had less expensively and close to home. Because of the local flavor of some artwork, art collectibles make good travel souvenirs. For instance, the artist Linda Barnicott specializes in paintings of scenes, buildings, and landmarks found around Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Similarly, collectors can find local artist almost everywhere. An art collectible hobby will keep you interested in life and give you a home filled with art masterpieces as well. If you enjoy pretty and interesting things around you, consider starting an art collectible hobby today.   Website Stores http://art-and-craft-hobbies.com/ http://art-and-craft-hobbies.com/shop/ group Art Studio of Lewis Baber , Post and Sell your ART. https://www.etsy.com/shop/Magikaljourneys?ref=seller-platform-mcnavArt Two Old Guys Folk Art   Share this: http://Gallery-Wall-Art.com

How to Craft Chimes

How to Craft Chimes

Did you know that you could take old reddish-brown clay made of unglazed ceramics to make chimes? (Terra Cotta Pots)

The pots will make up a nice batch of chimes. To get started you will need up to ten ceramic pots. The diameter should be around 1 ¼ inch and up to 1 ¾ inches. You will need wood, 4 inches time’s six plates and varnish finish. You will need up to ten 5/8 inch grommet screws. Add up to ten rounds of beads made of wood and around 3/8 inches of spool, i.e. up to 30 pounds of anglers’ line. You will need wire up to 20 yardsticks, i.e. spools and a 7/8 inch grommet screw.

How to make chimes:
Now you are ready to make your chimes. On the wooden plates, add a coat of varnish, allow drying, and continuing a few times adding the varnish as needed. Use your grommet 5/8 screw, and screw it in by hand, screwing it into the plate. If you add, additional screws keep them an inch apart. Cut your line measuring lengthwise. Next, at each end feed the line through, and into the grommet screw. Work the line through until you reach the lower region of the vessel.

Once you finish the step, run another line measuring lengthwise through your beads of wood, and fasten so that it forms a dual bond. You can use adhesives to fasten the area if you feel the need to do so.

Take the other vessels you have available to create your chimes, threading them and regulate the measurement lengthwise as needed. You can now add the grommet 7/8 screws to hang your chimes. Fasten the screws at the middle of your crown plate. Use the wire outlined in this article to hang your chimes.

You are now finished with your chimes. To complete this article I will give you a few tips on crafting snakes to place beneath the lower areas of your door so that you can keep wind out during the cold months.

If you do not have a yard of fabric around your house, purchase a yard of strong textile weaves of fabric or corduroy. You will need thread that coordinates with your fabric. In addition, you will need stuffing, dry beans, and rice. Add some adhesives and felt, preferably red, white, and black.

Next, gather your fabric and trim up to 10 inches wide, and around 6-inches lengthwise. Measure your door before cutting, since you will need length wider than the bottom area of your door. Use two parts of the outer regions of your fabric, gather and hand or machine sew at least 3 sides and around 3/8 inches away from the edge of your fabric. You will need to leave a short region of your fabric available. On the right side of your fabric conceal your seams and add your filling, i.e. stuffing. Turn up your edges and then stitch them and choose additives to design your snake.

You can use glue, buttons, studs, etc to make your eyes if you choose to do so. As well, you can use your felt to make up the mouth, nose, and so on. Use the red felt to make the lips, tongue, etc, and the black to make up the surrounding features about the eyes, since as lids, or brows.

The snakes will make up a great warming gift also. You can craft a few to give to your friends, as well as keep a few around your home to keep it warm in the winter months.

[caption id="attachment_181" align="alignnone" width="647"]<img class="alignnone  wp-image-181" src="https://art922882269.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/pexels-photo-997411.jpeg" alt="photo of hats hanging on tree" width="647" height="971" /> Photo by Artem Bali on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-hats-hanging-on-tree-997411/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>[/caption]

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How to Craft Basket Flowers

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How to Craft Basket Flowers

We have walked through the steps of creating the May basket, now it is time to craft your flowers. We have added handles, basket, etc, to your quilt, which at this time you should have created six blocks to make your basket. How to create flowers: We are quilting flowers. On the left side of your fabric, you will have invented pink squares. You can trace your pattern to start your project. Trace at least one flower (Choice), use your outside solid lines, and repeat your steps to create the foliage, or leaves. Use the variety of green patterns and use the yellow narrow pieces to create the center of your flower. You can design roses if you like. Use a variety of greens, red, pink, white, etc, if you intend to create roses and petals. Along the lines, you have marked, cut the fabric strips sewn onto your fabric, the shaped patterns that form your design, cutting only near the lines. Use freezer paper and turn it over so that you reveal the side that does not have a shine. You want to create a starting line for the six centers of your flowers, and the flowers also. Once you mark the 12 parts, mark the leaves (12), marking them inside the dash lines. Now you are ready to cut your shapes. You will need an iron and board. Use your hot press, or iron to press the flowers on your paper, pressing in the middle of your flowers on the left side and in the middle. You want the glossy paper turned in the direction of your fabric flower at this point. Do the same with the center of the flowers and foliage. Next, collect your yellow filament/thread and tone it with the center of your flower. If the colors do not match, try another shade of yellow. Run lines of stitches into your cloth, which encloses the ring of the freezer paper. You want to congregate your material around this ring, so pull your filament up at the end. Now, tie your thread, press the ring, and use your starch bottle, spraying the region. Do the same for the center of your flowers. Next, use your variety of green filaments that match your leaves and collect the allowances at the seam. (1/4 inch) Collect around the foliage and streamlines of stitches along your fabric, about the enclosed region of your ring that is designed on the freezer paper. You want to collect your textile about the ring. Pull your filament/thread up at the finish and tie it, pressing the ring. Again, spray with starch. When you congregate your allowances at the flower seams, snip the inner points of the flower corolla/petals where the flower collectively forms a ring. You will need to collect your thread that matches the color of your petals, such as pink. Just as you collected the edges of your leaves, do the same for your corollas. Once you finish running stitch lines in your fabric, which you have enclosed freezer paper about the ring, you will need to gather your material about the ring. Next, pull your strands of thread up at the finish. Next, bind your filament and then press the ring. Press, and spray the region with fabric starch. Now seam your allowances, i.e. snip the central points of the leaves, flower center, etc where the flower collectively forms a ring. Press and starch to complete your crafting task:   [gallery ids="137,133" type="rectangular"] Now you are ready to assemble the top of your quilt. After you assemble, you can move to finish your craft. Website Stores http://art-and-craft-hobbies.com/ http://art-and-craft-hobbies.com/shop/ group Art Studio of Lewis Baber , Post and Sell your ART. https://www.etsy.com/shop/Magikaljourneys?ref=seller-platform-mcnavArt Two Old Guys Folk Art   Share this: http://Gallery-Wall-Art.com  

Buying Paintings: Futurism

  Buying Paintings: Futurism A 20th century art movement with its’ roots in Italian and Russian beginnings, Futurism is said to have largely began with the writing of a 1907 essay on music by the Italian composer Ferruccio Busoni, and explored every medium of art to convey its’ meanings. The Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti was the first to produce an article in which was summed up the major principles that became the Manifesto of Futurism in 1909. It included the passionate loathing of ideas from the past, and with that enmity of political and artistic traditions, espoused a love for speed and technology. The philosophy of Futurism regarded the car, the plane, and the industrial town as legendary of the technological triumph of mankind over nature. With Marinetti at the helm, a few artists of the time introduced the tenets of the philosophy to the visual arts, and represented the movement in its’ first phase in 1910. The Russian Futurists were fascinated with dynamism and the restlessness of modern urban life, purposefully seeking to provoke controversy and attract attention to their works through insulting reviews of the static art of the past, and the circle of Russian Futurists were predominantly literary as opposed to being overtly artistic. Cubo-Futurism was a school of Russian Futurism formulated in 1913, and many of the works incorporated Cubism’s usage of angular forms combined with the Futurist predisposition for dynamism. The Futurist painter Kazimir Malevich was the artist to develop the style, but dismissed it for the inception of the artistic style known as Suprematism, that focused upon the fundamental geometric shapes as a form of non-objective art. Suprematism grew around Malevich, with most prominent works being produced between 1915 and 1918, but the movement had halted for the most part by 1934 in Stalinist Russia. Though at one point, those Russian poets and artists that considered themselves Futurists had collaborated on works such a Futurist opera, but the Russian movement broke down from persecution for their belief in free thought with the start of the Stalinist age. Italian Futurists were strongly linked with the early fascists in the hope for modernizing the society and economy in the 1920s through to the 1930s, and Marinetti founded the Futurist Political Party in early 1918, which was later absorbed into Benito Mussolini’s National Fascist Party. As tensions grew within the various artistic faces that considered themselves Futurists, many Futurists became associated with fascism which later translated into Futurist architecture being born, and interesting examples of this style can be found today even though many Futurist architects were at odds in the fascist taste for Roman imperial patterns. Futurism has even influenced many other 20th century art movements such as Dadaism, Surrealism, and Art Deco styles. Futurism as a movement is considered extinct for the most part with the death of Marinetti in 1944. As Futurism gave way to the actual future of things, the ideals of the artistic movement have remained significant in Western culture through the expressions of the commercial cinema and culture, and can even be as an influence in modern Japanese anime and cinema. The Cyberpunk genre of films and books owe much to the Futurist tenets, and the movement has even spawned Neo-Futurism, a style of theatre at utilizes on Futurism’s focuses to create a new form of theatre. Much of Futurism’s inspiration came from the previous movement of Cubism, that involved such famed artists as Pablo Picasso and Paul Cezanne, and created much of the basis for Futurism through its’ philosophy. Website Stores http://art-and-craft-hobbies.com/ http://art-and-craft-hobbies.com/shop/ group Art Studio of Lewis Baber , Post and Sell your ART. https://www.etsy.com/shop/Magikaljourneys?ref=seller-platform-mcnavArt Two Old Guys Folk Art   Share this: http://Gallery-Wall-Art.com      

Painting, and Decorating

Painting, and Decorating Painting, decorating and other ways to make sure your house is in a good condition to sell. House selling has become a very competitive market, and though people are desperate in some areas to buy a house, its important you take care to ensure that the you've done all you can to make your house as attractive, safe and saleable as possible. It is said that the average house buyer has no vision – which means you need to make their 'envisioning' themselves within the house as easy as possible. Dark paintwork is a definite turn off – as are stained, worn or smelly carpets – both of which need to be taken care of. On the latter, you could offer an 'allowance' or remove a fraction of the house costs for carpets – or, if you can, invest yourself and replace them, to allow a possibly higher sale price. Walls should be painted off white, or antique white – or possibly very pale and pastel shades if you're planning on redecorating – you may have no option if your walls are stained, marked or damaged. Its also a good time to ensure that everything that you've been meaning to repair is taken care of is actually done – a faulty stair tread, banister or fence in the garden may only be a minor annoyance to you, but can be a danger to anyone looking at the house. Its hard to sell your house without help, but one of the biggest tips you can take to ensure your house sells is to make sure you've removed your 'imprint'. Looking at the house impartially, remove anything that screams 'my personality' and 'my personal space'. Things like photos, pieces of unique artwork, and ornaments and more can be removed before people come to view the house. Remember – they want to buy the house, not feel how you lived there, so if you haven't finished boxing up your non essentials by the time you start showing them the house, its time to consider whether you really need the clutter still unpacked – or whether its time to put it in the bin.   Website Stores http://art-and-craft-hobbies.com/ http://art-and-craft-hobbies.com/shop/ group Art Studio of Lewis Baber , Post and Sell your ART. https://www.etsy.com/shop/Magikaljourneys?ref=seller-platform-mcnavArt Two Old Guys Folk Art   Share this: http://Gallery-Wall-Art.com     

Choosing Art To Decorate Your Home With

   Summary: When you go about decorating your house, you’ll have many different things to consider. It can be hard to add enough accessories to fill up your walls and surfaces to make them seem less desolate. Once option is to buy art to hang on your walls. The right painting would be a tasteful addition to your wall, giving you artistic value as well as decorative value. Most people don’t know the first thing about buying art. If that is true of you as well, then read on as I go over so... Article Body: When you go about decorating your house, you’ll have many different things to consider. It can be hard to add enough accessories to fill up your walls and surfaces to make them seem less desolate. Once option is to buy art to hang on your walls. The right painting would be a tasteful addition to your wall, giving you artistic value as well as decorative value. Most people don’t know the first thing about buying art. If that is true of you as well, then read on as I go over some basics of purchasing art. Some people have certain “favorite” artistic works that they have always admired or enjoyed. In this situation, it would be a good idea to look for a replica. You can get an exact photocopy of the original, or you can even find a hand-painted copy with the personal touch of another artist. As long as you know the title of the painting, you can search online at auction sites, or for art dealers who have copies that you can buy. Buying art on the internet is relatively cheap, as long as you don’t have them ship a frame. A frame increases postage greatly. If you buy copies of famous art, you are supporting businesses that do nothing but copy art. For many people, this is unacceptable. If you’d like to support some real artists, you should purchase original paintings. You can go to art shows, galleries, festivals, or many other places to find paintings. There are many festivals that invite hundreds of amateur artists who show off their paintings that are for sale. You shouldn’t attend with your mind set on getting a painting. Instead, you should walk around at your own leisure and enjoy all of the art. If you see something that really strikes you and is within your price range, then buy it. But don’t be afraid to go home empty-handed. Buying art is fairly easy to do, and once you get started you may find that it is hard to quit. When you hang a beautiful painting on your wall, it adds so much to the room. It gives your house a whole new level of aesthetic value. So even if you’ve never been interested in art before, you should start to look at some of the options that are available to you. Attend art festivals, talk to painters, and visit galleries. You’ll find that along with the items you purchase, you’re also getting involved in a vibrant and interesting lifestyle with lots of cool people! Website Stores http://art-and-craft-hobbies.com/ http://art-and-craft-hobbies.com/shop/ group Art Studio of Lewis Baber , Post and Sell your ART. https://www.etsy.com/shop/Magikaljourneys?ref=seller-platform-mcnavArt  Two Old Guys Folk Art Share this: http://Gallery-Wall-Art.com http://Gallery-Wall-Art.com 

Abstract Art As Therapy

Abstract Art As Therapy
Summary:
Abstract art is not just a mixture of colourful meaningless patterns and arbitrary shapes.
There is, I believe, a definate therapeutic value to be found in most of the enigmatic marks made by the very different styles available today. What appears to be the most important decision to make is a very careful consideration of the specific audience in conjunction with the choosing of the appropriate artwork. This is not something to be taken lightly or quickly. This can cover ...
Article Body:
Abstract art is not just a mixture of colourful meaningless patterns and arbitrary shapes.
There is, I believe, a definate therapeutic value to be found in most of the enigmatic marks made by the very different styles available today. What appears to be the most important decision to make is a very careful consideration of the specific audience in conjunction with the choosing of the appropriate artwork. This is not something to be taken lightly or quickly. This can cover anybody within the wide spectrum of individual audiences: a busy boardroom environment or a single office or room where quick thinking, fast reactions, and serious decision making is required; or a worker who returns from a hard days work simply wanting to be visually massaged by an easily observed enigma; or even the space inwhich the desperate and mostly misunderstood person who is gradually loosing their tentative hold on the sense of reality. There is a tremendous variety of possibilities.
Here are some suggested associations from one artists point of view:
Colour plays an obvious healing and therapeutic role to be found in a carefully selected crafted piece, and so colour-field work, which is growing in popularity, first conceived by artists like Mark Rothko and Ellsworth Kelly with their vast areas of empty colour space, might add a general feeling of peace and quiet to an otherwise noisy and hectic environment. With there being very few variations within such a large image a gentle sense of immersion into abstract stillness can slow down any fretful or irratic thinking, and even assist with the adrenal challenge of a creative.
Indefinate shapes or patterns by the likes of Jackson Pollock, Peter Lanyon, and Howard Hodgkin (again, similar works inspired by these very different abstract styles can be seen in many exhibitions, shops and galleries), show a very positive association, and may perhaps persuade a mind filled with illogical thoughts to pause, simply take in the apparent spontenaiety, and then take a different direction. Hodgkin style works in particular can be seen as puzzle like canvases inwhich the observer has no real point of reference so is free to "start" anywhere upon the picture. And because there are very few defined areas sometimes the observer inevitably finds themself either regarding the piece with little emotion, and therefore can freely make a comment - positive or not.
Let us not deny, however, the fact that many an image that has the potential to provoke a negative response can also be of great value to the observer who might actually benefit from seeing such a challenging picture that bears such a bad association. Better there on the wall than here inside the head. In this case the classic associations of red for blood and danger, black for death and sin, brown for decay and illness, along with dramatic lines and movements found in a painting are equally valuable stimulii if revealed within the appropriate environment. This comes back to my point made at the beginning - when choosing a picture, very careful consideration must be taken in order to find that one work of art which speaks directly to the very deepest parts of the observer.
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Don’t Avert Your Eyes

Don’t Avert Your Eyes
There are some fine artworks that can be described in no other terms then that they are “difficult”. They may deal with harsh themes of fear, pain, loneliness or themes of violence such as war or suicide. When we encounter these kinds of art works in shows or galleries, it is our natural instinct to avert our eyes or just avoid that part of the show because we know it will upset us.
But we need to know how to look at difficult fine art as much as we can look at art that pleases us. The artistic soul does not confine itself to just themes of happiness and peace. There is something about the artistic temperament that can produce some of the most beautiful art works from the torture in the soul over personal tragedy or social wrongs.
Never has this been more evident than the explosion of art that came out of the great wars of the last century. It seems that after each great conflict, artists came forward with stirring and moving art works that reflect the horror in the human heart and soul that is a result of these terrible events in human history.
Sol this is one good reason to patronize and appreciate what the artist is trying to say to us. By expressing those strong emotions in the form of art, the artist is performing an act of emotional purging personally. But because the place of artist in society is sometimes to bring healing, that catharsis of the soul the artist goes through can perform a similar catharsis for you and I when we are strong enough to expose ourselves to that art work.
It is also important to remember that the artist is not necessarily trying to upset you and not to allow others to interpret the artist for you. Not long ago the photographic artist Robert Mapplethorp created a huge controversy with a show that included some very graphic sexual images. Along with those images were some lovely photographs of flowers, fruit and children. But because the artist has offended the sensibilities of some, many interpreted his other art works, particularly those of the children as obscene.
Look at each artwork in its own context. It is possible that Mapplethorp was just making a commentary on the beauty and innocence of young children. But because the children were nude and because Mapplethorp was gay and had produced other very provocative sexually charged pieces, the viewers projected perverted sexuality onto those pictures of children. The lesson to us is that we cannot let other circumstances to influence how we react to art. Each artwork stands on its own. We, as educated consumers, must judge each work in its own setting to see what the artist may have been saying with that particular work.

There may be astounding beauty even in scenes of tremendous suffering and human tragedy. So when you look at a difficult piece, in addition to letting the theme and the pathos of the piece talk to you, be sure you judge the artwork artistically as well. Study the colors, the relationship of the objects to each other, the use of realism, surrealism and abstract art concepts to add depth to what you are looking at. Always let the artwork be an artwork. Then you will enjoy multiple meanings and layers of cognizance to what the artist has presented.
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