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Sparking Our Creative Juices for Our Soul

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Creativity is an essential part of the human experience. It’s a form of self-expression, helps us to make sense of the world around us, and can bring us joy and satisfaction. That’s why it’s important to take time out for ourselves and spark our creative juices. Doing so not only recharges our soul but also helps keep us healthy and inspired.

One way to get your creativity flowing is by engaging in activities that tap into your imagination, such as painting, drawing, writing stories or poetry, playing an instrument, or sculpting pottery. Doing something creative can help you switch off from everyday life and have fun while still being productive. Research has actually proven that regularly engaging in creative activities can increase your sense of wellbeing, reduce stress levels and help you to stay focused.

Digital Artwork by Zak Hussein, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

It’s also important to remember that it doesn’t matter how good or bad you are at something – the main purpose is just to enjoy the process of creation. It’s not about producing masterpieces, but rather taking the opportunity to explore your ideas and express yourself. You may even surprise yourself with what you come up with!

Creative activities are not only great for personal development; they can also be used as a way to connect with others. Sharing creative projects together is a perfect way to bond with people and form meaningful relationships.

Digital Artwork by Zak Hussein, Calgary, Alberta.

Working on projects collaboratively can also motivate us and inspire new ideas – it’s always good to have a different perspective on things.

Ultimately, allowing yourself to get creative is an important part of self-care. Whether it’s through painting, writing, playing music or anything else – indulging in your imaginative side can be incredibly rewarding and enriching for the soul!

How to Shop Art for the Dining Room

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When it comes to finding the perfect artwork for your dining room, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the overall style of your space. Is it formal or casual? Traditional or modern? Once you’ve determined the feel of your dining room, you can start shopping for art that complements it.

If you have a formal dining room, look for pieces that are classic and elegant. A portrait or landscape painting would be a good choice, as would a still life. For a more casual space, consider something abstract or funky. If you have a modern dining room, look for geometric prints or sculptures.

Once you’ve chosen the right type of art for your space, it’s time to think about size. Make sure the piece you select is in proportion to your dining table and chairs. If it’s too small, it will get lost in the space; too large, and it will be overwhelming.

Finally, consider the colours in your dining room when selecting artwork. If your space is colourful, look for a piece that will add a pop of colours. If it’s more subdued, choose a work of art that has calming tones.

No matter what type of dining room you have, there’s an art piece out there that’s perfect for it. With a little bit of thought and planning, you can find the perfect piece to elevate your space.

How to Collect Paintings

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Paintings have been a popular form of art for centuries, and today they remain one of the most popular choices for collectors. Whether you’re interested in collecting paintings for their aesthetic value or as an investment, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

 

When considering a painting for your collection, take the time to examine it closely. Note the artist’s use of colours, brushstrokes, and composition. Also consider the condition of the painting; antique or vintage paintings may be more valuable, but may require more care.

 

It’s also important to do your research before making a purchase. Familiarize yourself with the artist’s work, and compare prices at different galleries or auction houses. Be sure to factor in the cost of framing and shipping when budgeting for a painting.

 

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start collecting paintings! Whether you’re drawn to traditional works or contemporary pieces, there’s a painting out there that’s perfect for your collection.

The Eyes of an Artist

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It is said that the eye of an artist is different from that of a layperson. Artists have a talent for seeing the world in a different way, and this is reflected in their artwork.

Artists often have a keen eye for detail, and they are able to capture the beauty in everyday objects and scenes. They see the world through artistic eyes, and this allows them to create unique and stunning art work.

The artistic talent of an artist is what sets them apart from others. It is this talent that allows artists to create beautiful and timeless art work.

Contemporary art is often thought of as being the art of our time, but it can be difficult to define what exactly qualifies as “contemporary.” Generally speaking, contemporary art refers to art that has been produced within the past 50 years or so. However, some people consider contemporary art to include art made within the last 100 years, while others extend the timeframe even further.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of artists who are exploring new and innovative ways to create contemporary art. These artists are pushing the boundaries of what is considered to be contemporary art, and they are creating exciting and unique pieces that will continue to wow audiences for years to come.

How to Choose the Right Size Wall Art

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1. Start by considering the size of your wall. If you have a large, open wall, you’ll have more flexibility with sizing than if you have a smaller, more intimate space.

2. Once you know the dimensions of your wall, consider the scale of the room as a whole. A small piece of art may get lost in a large room, while a large piece may overwhelm a smaller space.

3.Think about how close viewers will be to the artwork. If it’s hung above a sofa or bed, for example, people will be viewing it from a distance and will need to be able to see the details. On the other hand, if it’s hung in a hallway or near the door of a room, viewers will be up close and personal with it, so a smaller piece may suffice.

4. Consider the orientation of the artwork. A landscape painting or photograph looks best when hung horizontally, while a portrait or still life usually looks best when hung vertically.

5. When in doubt, go bigger! A large piece of art can make a big impact, even in a small space. And if you find yourself falling in love with a piece that’s just too big for your wall, consider hanging it on an easel or propping it up on a shelf.

Following tips in mind as you shop for wall art: size, scale, orientation, and placement. With a little bit of planning, you’re sure to find the perfect piece to take your home decor to the next level.

How to Shop Art for the Bedroom

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Like any other space in your home, your bedroom should reflect your personal style. But what kind of art should you hang in the bedroom?

Here are a few tips to help you shop for art that will fit right in with your bedroom décor:

1. Consider the mood you want to create.

Do you want your bedroom to be a calm and relaxing oasis? Or do you prefer a more energetic and inspiring space? The type of art you choose should fit the overall mood you want to create.

2. Pick artwork that complements your colour scheme.

Your bedroom’s colour palette can also guide your art selection process. Choose artwork that either complements or contrasts with your existing colours.

3. Think about the size of your space.

The scale of your artwork should be in proportion to the size of your bedroom. If you have a large bedroom, you can go for bigger pieces. Smaller bedrooms might be better suited for more dainty artworks.

4. Choose subject matter that speaks to you.

The art you hang in your bedroom should be personally meaningful to you. Whether it’s a landscape painting that reminds you of a happy memory or an abstract piece that makes you feel calm and relaxed, choose artwork that resonates with you on a personal level.

5. Don’t forget the framing!

Your artwork’s frame is just as important as the artwork itself. Make sure to pick a frame that complements the style of your bedroom.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start shopping for art that will perfectly fit your bedroom. Browse our collection of bedroom-friendly artworks now.

Why does Contemporary Art exist?

By Abstract Art, Art History, Inspiration No Comments

Contemporary art is often thought of as being the art of our time, but it can be difficult to define what exactly qualifies as “contemporary.” Generally speaking, contemporary art refers to art that has been produced within the past 50 years or so. However, some people consider contemporary art to include art made within the last 100 years, while others extend the timeframe even further.

There is no single, definitive answer to the question of what contemporary art is. However, there are some common themes and characteristics that are often found in contemporary artworks. These include a focus on the present moment, a rejection of traditional aesthetics, and a embrace of new technologies.

Contemporary art is often seen as a response to the ever-changing world around us. It is a way for artists to express their thoughts and feelings about the present, and to comment on the issues that are affecting our society. Contemporary art can be challenging and thought-provoking, but it can also be beautiful and inspiring.

If you’re interested in exploring contemporary art, there are plenty of ways to do so. You can visit art galleries and museums, or search for contemporary art online. You can also attend art fairs and festivals, or even create your own contemporary artworks. Whatever you do, remember that there is no one right way to experience or understand contemporary art.

a Brief History of Abstract Art

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Robert Delaunay, “Relief-disques,” 1936.Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes • Last updated: 10.01.19

Abstract art has been around for over a century. Though some assert that abstraction began with cave paintings thousands of years ago, the origins of abstract art as a movement came to fruition in the late 19th century. During this time, new developments and fundamental changes in the fields of technology, science, and philosophy inspired many artists to create a new style that embodied the rapidly evolving world in which they now lived. As more secular ideals formed, artists sought a deeper and divine connection to their world and in turn, departed from figurative and representational work and moved toward explorations in abstraction.

What is Abstract Art?

magenta and green colored painting.

Helen Frankenthaler, “Eastern Light,” 1982.

Abstract art—also commonly referred to as nonobjective art—is painting, sculpture, or graphic art that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of visual reality. By definition, to “abstract” means to “extract or remove” one thing from another. Thus, abstract art draws from fundamental elements of painting such as color, shape, and line, and renders subject matter as pared-down, indistinct forms.

The term is also used to classify art that does not take its inspiration from external physical or visual sources such as geometric shapes, highlighting the point that abstract art is not representational and could be created from a real-world object, or no object at all.

Abstract artists strive to be non-representational, which allows their work to be interpreted based upon the viewer’s individual set of experiences and associations. Where Cubist artists like Pablo Picasso presented an exaggerated or distorted view of the world, abstract artists instead use form and color as the focus and subject of a piece, devoid of any conceptual realism.

History and Influences of Abstract Art

abstract art on a canvas.

Wassily Kandinsky, “Improvisation 28,” 1912.

The origins of abstract art can be traced back to earlier movements such as Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Cubism, which helped shape the idea that art could be non-representative and more subjective in nature. Another catalyst for abstraction was the establishment of “art for art’s sake,” a concept that originated from the French l’art pour l’art. This idea—which first surfaced within French literary circles in the early 19th century—furthered the belief that art needed no justification and was of value regardless of the objects it depicted.

Art historians often credit Russian-born painter Wassily Kandinsky as the first artist to create abstract paintings. He painted renderings of floating, representational forms as early as 1912, and brought abstraction to America during the Armory Show (also known as the International exhibition of Modern Art) in 1913.

During World War I, movements such as de Stijl (“The Style”) in the Netherlands and Dadaism in Switzerland helped widen the spectrum of abstract art. However, the period between World War I and World War II marked a lull as Totalitarian politics, coupled with new art movements like Surrealism, took the spotlight. After World War II ended, Abstract Expressionism emerged, gaining mass appeal and putting New York at the center of the Western art world. Since the 1950s, Abstract Expressionism has been a widely practiced and influential style within European and American art.

Characteristics and Techniques of Abstract Art

Jackson Pollock utilizing his signature “drip” painting technique.

Jackson Pollock utilizing his signature “drip” painting technique.

Abstract artists experimented in both media and technique, but the defining feature of art from this movement is non-representational practice where the use of color, memory, and visual sensation demonstrated that reality could be subjective. Several pioneers of the movement developed signature approaches and techniques that helped shape the course of abstraction.

American painter Mark Rothko (1903–1970) was a leading figure of Abstract Expressionism and experimented with large-scale Color Field paintings. He made his own paint from animal glue, which he heated prior to adding dry pigment and whole egg as a binding medium to help disperse the pigment. He wanted the viewer to feel overwhelmed by the color and feel part of the painting.

Another key contribution was that of Jackson Pollock’s “drip” painting technique. Pollock would use basting tools, brushes, sticks, and even cigarettes to fling, splatter, and smear paint onto canvases that he laid on the floor. This led to the origin of “action painting,” a style in which paint is spontaneously dribbled or smeared onto the canvas, as opposed to being carefully applied.

Clyfford Still (1904–1980) also brought various techniques and forms to the movement. His combination of uneven and erratically painted canvases created a fractured, haunting quality devoid of all figurative allusion. His works featured vibrant, cutting colors intended to evoke dramatic conflicts between man and nature.

Famous Examples of Abstract Art

Wassily Kandinsky, “Composition VII” (1913)

colorful abstract painting.

Wassily Kandinsky, “Composition VII,” 1913.

Kandinsky’s Composition VII is often credited as one of the most important paintings of the 20th century. It is a massive painting, complete with overlapping amorphous forms, bold lines, and myriad colors, with little to no reference to the natural world. Kandinsky’s selection of shapes and colors was meticulously planned out, with over thirty sketches and studies created prior to the execution of the painting. Art historians believe that Composition VII depicts several Biblical themes such as Resurrection, the Judgement Day, and the Garden of Eden.

Piet Mondrian, “Broadway Boogie Woogie” (1942–43)

yellow, blue, and red abstract painting.

Piet Mondrian, “Broadway Boogie Woogie,” 1942.

Dutch painter Piet Mondrian fled to New York shortly after World War II began, where he was inspired by the rise of American jazz music. His Broadway Boogie Woogie captures the city’s grid-like approach to urban planning, the energy and movement of city traffic, and rhythms of jazz music through abstract forms.

Mark Rothko, “Orange, Red, Yellow” (1961)

red and orange rectangular painting.

Mark Rothko, “Orange, Red, Yellow,” 1961. Sold for $86,882,496 via Christie’s (May 2012).

Orange, Red, Yellow is one of Rothko’s signature Color Field paintings. To achieve his composition, Rothko applied several thin layers of paint and spread them with a rag or brush on an unprepared canvas. These thin washes of paint allowed the colors to have a kind of brightness that illuminated the canvas. With its warm hues, this remarkable example of the artist’s oeuvre sold at Christie’s from the estate of art collector David Pincus for $86,882,500 in 2012, solidifying it as one of the most expensive paintings ever sold.

Joan Miro, “Bleu II” (1961)

blue painting with red line and black dots.

Joan Miro, “Bleu II,” 1961.

Spanish painter Joan Miro created Bleu II, the second work produced from of a series of three paintings, after he had garnered popularity and fame. The canvas elicits a rich blue hue with a slash of red and carefully placed applications of black. Currently, the series of three paintings are owned by the Musée National d’Art Moderne in Paris.

Jackson Pollock, “Blue Poles” (1952)

woman standing in front of an abstract painting.

Jackson Pollock, “Blue Poles,” 1952.

Blue Poles remains one of Pollock’s most famous works. It was originally titled Number 11 because Pollock felt that assigning a name or title attached characterization to a work, while a number allowed it to remain neutral. The composition features embedded shards of glass, footprints, and aluminum paint dripped onto the canvas in his signature style. It was purchased by the National Gallery of Australia in 1973 and remains one of the museum’s most monumental exhibits on display.

The late-20th and early-21st century brought about technological advancements that encouraged experimentation with abstract forms, evidenced by the emergence of digital art, geometric abstraction, and photorealism, to name a few. Explorations in abstraction are wildly popular among artists and collectors alike, and new ways of approaching abstraction continue to reveal themselves as the scope of 21st century art continues to evolve.

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