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Selecting the right art for your home

Tom Prendergast

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November 16th, 2015 - 07:09 PM

Selecting the right art for your home

Selecting the right art for your home is at times a daunting task Art selection is an important element that not only beautifies your home but also defines in a sense who you are and what you like.
Have you ever been in a someone's home and looked at the artwork that adorn the various rooms? It tells you a lot about the occupants who selected the art for one of the most important places in their world. You get an immediate glimpse of the person their tastes and likes in what they have chosen to hang on their walls.
So artwork is an important part of decorating your home as well as an important part of you. Your selected art sets a mood, adds a beautiful accent and as stated displays what you like.
Artwork simply put, gives a space that special finishing touch so, it is important to know how to find the perfect piece of art for your room.

Later on in this writing I will outline various tips on selecting and matching art to a space or a room .
Fine Art: Where can I buy art?

Whether you are searching for modern and contemporary art, fine art photography you have an unlimited selection of sources to choose from.

Here are some of the places where you can buy art:
Galleries

No matter where you live, whether it be a small town or a large metropolitan area there will be a large number of galleries to chose from.in fact, I am sure you will be able to find what specifically the type of art you are looking for, whether it be photography to paintings, from conceptual art to figurative art to abstract art for your home .In this instance just do an internet search search for the specialty you seek and be sure to include the state and the area you reside. Then simply visit the gallery. I love going to specialty galleries and viewing the art, It inspires me, it really does,

The one thing I should point out and tell you is that art styles come and go, and so do art galleries.
In a way they are like the restaurant business.- One day they are their,the next day they are not, The art business is a very risky business, so most galleries have a very short life span. Also, Gallery art is, to say the least is expensive. So, make sure above all that this particular establishment is a thriving business that has had longevity and will be there in the future.
Online Art Galleries

With the onset of Internet, there are a large number of online art galleries, to buy art from. The advantages are clear – you are able to choose from an unprecedented number of artists and artworks. However, you may be missing out on the experience of viewing the artwork in person. In this case, if the Website offers you a comfortable money-back / return guarantee, you should actually be able to view the artwork in person and at the convenience of your home or work.

As with the physical galleries, it is important to ensure that the Website is credible and has been in the business for a while.
Art Fairs

Similar to galleries, most big cities have annual art fairs. Some cities like New York, London and Paris, actually have specialized art fairs, covering photography, graphic prints, etc. The largest art fairs these days are: Art Basel, Art Basel Miami, Freeze, and The Armory Show.

The advantage of visiting the art fairs is that they bring together a large number of art galleries and dealers. As a result you have the choice to buy art from around the world. The disadvantages might be that you will not be able to know much about the dealer or the gallery who may disappear the next year. Additionally, the fairs are only there for a couple of days so you do not have the time to really decide whether you like the artwork or not. Hence, it may be a good idea to visit the art fairs from the perspective of exploring, learn about the artists and artworks that interest you and see if you can buy the art at a later date.
Auction Houses

Auction houses, such as Sotheby’s and Christies, are an excellent source to buy older artworks, such as pre-20th century artworks. Since auction houses primarily sell pre-owned artworks, i.e. secondary market art, the prices of contemporary pieces is usually higher. It is important to understand how art auction houses work, so that you are making an appropriate purchasing decision.
Online Auctions

One of the key aspects of buying art is ensuring the authenticity and the selection criterion on the gallery. Since the quality of art and its price should be approved by an expert, purchasing art through a Website, that does not adapt these criterion, may not be a good idea.

But first lets discuss where and how do you select art. For this article I will discuss art for walls. Specifically paintings and images (photographs).

Paintings and drawings-
Painting and drawings come in two forms-originals and copies. Their is also digital art drawings these days.

Art Galleries-
There are many types of Galleries out there.
High end galleries –
The works of art displayed in this type of venue will be highly priced and
mostly original pieces.

In this case, we will be looking at canvas wall art and how to look for the perfect piece for any space in your home. Canvas wall art has become popular over the last few years and more and more people are taking the plunge and purchasing some truly amazing pieces for their home.
What makes canvas wall art so great is that they can be fairly inexpensive but give the appearance of an authentic piece since they are usually prints on canvas of an original or a photo Using a photo or a photo and converting it to canvas which is available on Fine Art America cuts down the initial cost, although you can purchase some that are very expensive, while it allows you to have some excellent artwork for your home. Choosing the right canvas wall art can be difficult at times but it only takes a few simple steps to find the perfect piece for your room.

Match the color scheme

The first step in choosing your canvas wall art is to really know your color scheme. The basic rule of thumb is to choose an art piece that will match your room without detracting from any of the design elements that are in it. If you find that your design style is filled with cool sleek lines and neutral colors, then a canvas wall art that adds a touch of color to a room is the perfect selection. If your room is filled with color, such as with a Middle Eastern styled room, then a simple canvas wall art that has minimal color will provide a nice break in the room.
When you go to purchase your canvas art, it is important to bring some swatches of the colors that are in your room. This allows you to find the perfect color and to ensure that the colors do not clash.

Although you may think that I already covered this, I still want to mention a few things on the actual artwork. As with all other pieces of art, there is a range of styles that you can choose from. There are landscapes, flowers, abstract and many other prints that can be found in canvas artwork so you really need to make sure that the theme in the picture does not clash with the theme in your room.
For instance, a lighthouse landscape is not going to work in a room that has been decorated with an Asian feel and an oriental floral canvas art is not going to work in a room that was decorated with a nautical feel.
No matter how much you like a piece, if it doesn’t match your decor, then it shouldn’t be purchased.

Match the wall

The area where you will be hanging the artwork is an important part to choosing your canvas wall art. First, take a tape measure and get the dimension of the space that needs the artwork. Once you have those dimensions, you will have a better idea of what you would like in a piece.
Make sure that the canvas wall art matches the size of the wall. One of the worst things that can happen is going to the store and purchasing a piece that is too big or even too small. For the former, it may not fit, and for the latter, it may appear out of place in the room, as though the wall art is just floating there in the middle of lost wall space. When you go to the store to purchase your canvas wall art, make sure you bring the tape measure and the measurements to get the best match.
Choose the style
Okay, style differs depending on the room, the design and the individual but before you go out and purchase a canvas wall art, you should be aware of the style that you want. A large piece of canvas can really be a statement piece in an area with a large open wall but it doesn’t have to be the only way that you go. Panels are a great way to fill a room and it breaks up the pattern just enough to bring the eye to the artwork. If you produce a piece of art in panels, it is important to use the proper artwork.
First, most landscapes don’t work well in panels but if you do choose a landscaped piece, make sure that you use canvases side to side and not top to bottom. Second, larger pieces of canvas panels use the rule of three, especially if you are decorating a large wall space but it is perfectly okay to use more than three. Look at the art and decide on the best way to showcase it.

Make your own

The last thing that I am going to mention about choosing the right canvas wall art for your room is to make your own if you can’t find something you like. It can be very easy to make canvas wall art and if you don’t mind abstract art, most people can create some very interesting and one of a kind pieces with very little effort or join FAA for free-upload your photo and order a canvas print.

Remember that canvas wall art should reflect your design and character so there is no need to stay with the norm. Branch out, explore and don’t hesitate when you find that perfect piece of canvas art for your wall.
The key to successfully investing in art lies in figuring out what kind of art you actually like and deciding how it will fit in with the rest of your home.
If you change your decor frequently, buy more cost effective pieces to enrich a theme based around your chosen color palette. If you want to invest in a piece which will stand the test of time, then choose colors which will work in most color schemes.

The location of the artwork can also be a deciding factor. In a bedroom it's appropriate for art to be calming, or even seductive, but in a dining room you can afford to be bolder and more dramatic. If you intend to relax in your living room, don't choose art that's too loud, or anything that feels as though it takes over the room. The purpose of the room where you intend to display your art should influence the tone of the artwork itself.
Should the art suit the room or the room suit the art?
Any artist would prefer that everyone buy the art they love and then find a place to put it. If you feel strongly about a particular work of art, this is certainly the way to go. But you may find that when you get the art home and place it on a wall, it doesn't work with its surroundings. 'Not working' means that the art looks out of place in the room. Placing art in the wrong surroundings can diminish its beauty and impact.
What should you do if you bring home a painting or a photo print you love and it clashes with its environment? First, hang the painting in various places in your home, trying it out on different walls. It may look great in a place you hadn't planned on hanging it.
If you can't find a place where the art looks its best, you may need to make some changes in the room, such as moving furniture or taking down patterned wallpaper and repainting in a neutral color. The changes will be worth making in order to enjoy the art you love.
The right lighting is the key to showing art at its best. You may find that placing a picture light above a painting or directing task lighting on it is all the art needs to exhibit its brilliance. If you place a work of art in direct sunlight, however, it may well fade. Pigments such as watercolour, pencil and pastel are especially prone to fading, whereas acrylics are not.

How to choose art to suit the room

You may prefer to create the look of the room first and then find the art to suit your décor. Size and color are the two major criteria for selecting art to fit its surroundings. For any particular space, art that is too large will overwhelm and art that is too small will be lost and look out of proportion.
The bolder the art, the more room it needs to breathe. Larger canvas artwork can look stunning in a large, spacious conversion, whereas collections of smaller pictures work well in smaller cottage locations.
When selecting a painting to match color, select one or two of the boldest colors in your room and look for art that includes those elements. You're not looking for an exact match. Picking up one or two of the same colors will send a message that the painting belongs in this environment.
How to frame and hang your artwork
Some canvas artwork can be hung with no frame and can be a good solution for interior walls that can't carry a great deal of weight. Landlords and developers often use this option in show homes and in rental properties for this reason. If you do select a frame, tie it in to the location where the artwork is to be hung, as well as in to the artwork itself. The frame should be a continuation of the picture rather than a contrast.
Style is another consideration when selecting a frame for your art. If your house is filled with antiques, for example, you'll want to use antique style frames on the paintings you hang there. If you have contemporary furniture in large rooms with high ceilings, you'll want to hang large, contemporary paintings.
As a rule, paintings should be hung so that the center of the painting is at eye level and hung the right way up. On abstract pieces this can be confusing. Check for a signature (usually bottom right) or with the gallery you bought it from.
How to create an art-friendly room
When you walk into a gallery or museum, what do they all have in common? White walls and plenty of light. If a room has wallpaper, patterns or is quite dark, there will be too much interference for you to appreciate the piece. Simple, plain and neutral color schemes work best to show off your art.
If you want to make art the center attraction, play down the other elements of the room such as window coverings, carpeting, wall coverings, and even furniture. A room crowded with other colors, textures and objects will take the spotlight away from the art.
You may like to select one room in your house to focus on art. Paint the walls white or off-white. Lay hardwood floors or a neutral carpet. Install window coverings with clean simple lines and neutral colors (or no window coverings at all). Put up directional spot lights that can be adjusted to focus on the art, or use individual picture lighting for each piece.
For the furniture, follow the principle that less is more. This is not the room to display your collectibles. Let the art be the star. Then relax and enjoy it.
Selecting art for your home can be an exciting adventure and a source of enjoyment for years to come. Keys to success are figuring out what kind of art you like, how it will fit in with the rest of your interior design plans, and how to exhibit the art to the best effect in your home.
Search for great art that you favor. Online auctions sites are one great place to search. Check out the self-representing artists for your best values. Stay clear of the assembly line Chinese art, as these are mostly ripoffs from legitimate artists on eBay. There are many artists who represent themselves at a savings to you. Check out the S.R.A., Folk Art and Contemporary categories for your best buys! Don't forget to check feedback. Numerous negatives will often burn you. Read about the seller and ask questions before you bid. If they don't respond, look on down the line. You'll find a seller you like who will respond.
Select art by size to fit a particular space. Art that is too large will overwhelm and art that is too small will be lost and look out of proportion. The bolder the art, the more room it needs to breathe. Measure the space you want to hang the art and leave enough "white space" so that the painting will not feel crowded.
Choose artwork that harmonizes with the color of your room. When selecting a painting to match color, select one or two of the boldest colors in your room and look for art that has those colors in it. You're not looking for an exact match here. Picking up one or two of the same colors will send a message that the painting belongs in this environment.
Opt for paintings that match the style of the paintings is your room. If your house is filled with antiques, for example, you'll want to use antique-style frames on the paintings you hang there. If you have contemporary furniture in large rooms with high ceilings, you'll want to hang large contemporary paintings.
Amend your room if the painting doesn't suit. If you find that when you get the art home and place it on a wall or pedestal, it doesn't work with its surroundings. If you bring a painting home and it clashes with its environment, first try hanging it in various rooms on different walls. It may look great in a place you hadn't planned on hanging it. If you can't find a place where the art looks its best, you may need to make some changes in the room, such as moving furniture or taking down patterned wallpaper and repainting in a neutral color. The changes will be worth making in order to enjoy the art you love.
Hang correctly
As a rule, paintings should be hung so that the center of the painting is at eye level. Sculpture may sit on the floor, a table, or pedestal. Rules should be considered guidelines only, however, so feel free to experiment. One collector hung an acrylic painting on her bedroom ceiling so she could better view it while lying down.
Make the painting the center of attraction of your room of your house by playing down the other design elements such as window coverings, carpeting, wall coverings, and even furniture. A room crowded with other colors, textures, and objects will take the spotlight away from the art.
Experiment to learn what pleases you and what doesn't. Selecting and displaying art is an art in itself. You will be well-rewarded for the time you invest by finding more satisfaction both in the art and in your home.

A wide light-colored mat and neutral frame create a protected environment for the art within.
Discover what kind of art you like by looking at as much art as possible. Look on the Internet or in local galleries, museums, and public spaces.
Another choice is color. Consider how art with muted colors, black-and-white art, or or colors interacts with the colors in your room.
Make sure there is enough light on the art to show it off. Consider track lighting or picture lights if the art requires more light.
Another alternative is to choose artwork based on photographs. There are many internet sites that offer art images. You must make sure you are purchasing from a high quality photo web site such as Fine Art America and also offer a money back guarantee. There you can choose a high resolution (very clear) photograph that you would like to have displayed in your home. Decide on a size and a medium (for example: pencil, acrylic paint, watercolor, etc). Choose an artist that does work in the style you like, and contact them about your project. Ask about the cost. Now just Sit back in anticipation of the amazing work you'll soon have in your home!

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