How to look for economical paintings
July 31, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Landscapes
Don’t we all love to buy a Virtruvian man by Da Vinci and hang it over the fireplace so our friends can come and ogle at the painting and say that what a fine master piece it is and that you have a definite eye and class for paintings of such high quality? Unfortunately such a painting not only costs millions but the real ones just hang in museums.
So what exactly is the solution to buying such quality art work at dirt cheap price? So every man could boast of owning a cryptically smiling Mona Lisa. The answer is simple and right in front of you. Just with a few click of the mouse you could be the owner of Whistlers mother staring at the wall in front of her. In all the divine glory of last supper displayed over you lobby is a reality.
Well how is it really possible that too at a price less than a hundred bucks? Believe me it is. There are hordes of talented artists who could replicate these high quality designs for you, make you the proud owner of stunning portraits and landscapes you could only dream of.
Now there are all sorts of sites advertising for such paintings, but most of them don’t sell cheap. Far from it they are even priced at thousands of dollars. Now why would a sane person, would want to buy an art work which would punch a huge hole in their pocket? So next question is where is that place where you could get such a painting and that too at throw away price.
The answer is sites that owned by artist from countries where the dollar amounts to a lot more than that of the west. So the simple equation is, there are real high quality artists if not better but on par with the western artists. For whom the income in dollars if less still would amount to more than what they could bargain for. The result: amazing art work at awesome tags.
So which country has such proficient artists to boast of? Look to the Far East, china even traditionally boasts of artists as early as early 16th century. Amazing art work with pigments, which last even today… Buddha who is portrayed in various art forms has been the hallmark of Oil paints from Far East. The art is not restricted the eastern form. The artist have adapted to the demand of the western world they can do any art ranging from abstract, cubism to even customized portraits.
Here is a list of tips to watch out for when on the look out for Quality Oil paintings:
1. Look for previous art work, a catalog perhaps.
2. See if the site provides what you are looking for, if not do they provide custom work.
3. Look for paintings that fall under a economy section.
4. Check to see if there is any quality compromise based on the reduction in cost.
Finally check to see if they provide a safe transaction (Discussed in the next article – How safe it is to buy art from an offshore internet shop?).
American Blinds, Wallpaper and More® Partners With Brushstrokes® Fine Art
July 31, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Portraits
American Blinds, Wallpaper and More® Partners with Brushstrokes® Fine Art. Joel Levine, CEO of American Blinds, said, “Brushstrokes® will provide American Blinds customers with a revolutionary new art form that fully and uniquely captures the exquisite color, shadows and every stroke of the artist’s brush in three dimensional detail. In a side-by-side comparison, even the most discerning eye will be hard pressed to pick the original. I took the challenge and couldn’t find the difference between a Brushstrokes® image and the original oil-on-canvas. Faithful to the artist’s vision, the result is amazing — an authentic painting that is closer to the original than any other reproduction; I have two hanging in my home.”
Mitchell Wine, President of Brushstrokes®, said, “We are delighted to be working with American Blinds to offer our assortment of beautiful images to their customers. American Blinds is known for bringing beautiful window, wall and floor coverings to its customers and our Brushstrokes® art will add to their customers’ great selection of items.”
“Partnering with Brushstrokes® will further empower our customers to not only expand their decorating horizons, but will allow them to capture special memories in a unique art form that will be a showcase for their home or place of business.” said Joel Levine, CEO of American Blinds; ”Portraits from Brushstrokes® give our customers a unique, memorable and affordable gift idea for the holidays. Through a combination of the Brushstrokes® patented process and old world artistry, we are able to artistically transform your favorite photograph or digital image into your own original oil-on-canvas masterpiece that you can cherish for years”.
In addition to adding Brushstrokes® fine art oil paintings, American Blinds has recently launched new complementary product line expansions of decorative mirrors and wall décor on their website americanblinds.com. “We have selected a wide range of styles that will fit any décor. All the items offered are the highest quality and of unique design that will enhance any décor from traditional to contemporary, “said Joel Levine, CEO of American Blinds.
ABOUT BRUSHSTROKES DIRECT:
Brushstrokes® Fine Art Inc. is one of the largest Direct Marketers of fine art recreations in America. The company has six patents to recreate not only the true color of an original but to also capture and recreate the original brush strokes. The Brushstrokes® process is the closest one can get to an original oil painting and earned worldwide acclaim at the 2004 Atlanta Art Expo as best new product. No other reproductive process in the world comes close to detail and texture found in Brushstrokes® Painting.
ABOUT AMERICAN BLINDS, WALLPAPER AND MORE:
American Blinds, Wallpaper and More is the largest online retailer of brand name custom window treatments and wall coverings at savings from 25% – 85% off most retail store and home center prices. They carry all brand name blinds and wallpaper, including Hunter Douglas®, Bali®, Levolor®, Kirsch®, Waverly® and American Blinds®, their most popular brand. The company also sells home decorating products including curtains, draperies, custom framed wall art, and area rugs. Their website, www.americanblinds.com can search for over 500,000 wallpaper, border and fabric patterns by color, style and other keywords. Most merchandise is shipped via free ground delivery and is covered by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and a Lowest Price Guarantee. For more than fifty years American Blinds, Wallpaper and More has provided high quality products to over 6 million customers nationwide.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
American Blinds, Wallpaper and More
Jeff Alderman
Director of Online Marketing & Business Development
734-207-5992
jeffa@americanblinds.com
Wholesale Paintings, Quality To Fair Prices
July 31, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Abstract & Cubism
If you have a real interest in paintings, you must investigate about the topic and its various movements. Now, the subject in mention is the Expressionism. This artistic movement was originated in Germany. Expressionism encompasses all art in which the painter is free to express what he feeling. Artist’s inspiration is indispensable to create art, feel free to express what you think, don’t be shy. If you want professional reproductions, don’t forget to visit Wholesale paintings.
The Expressionist movement took inspiration from Fauvism, Symbolism and Cubism. The expressionism also is considered the deformation of reality to express our values. Actually, you can find diverse concepts of Expressionism but with the same idea, express feelings. Choose Wholesale paintings if you want handmade reproductions, here you would find more than you imagine.
Expressionism had many and good exponents. This time our author is Edvard Munch. Edvard Munch (born, December 12, 1863 – died, January 23, 1944) was a Norwegian painter, Symbolist, printmaker and a significant precursor of expressionistic art. Painted in 1893, The Scream, his famous masterpiece is a clear example of the Expressionism because it shows diverse themes such as love, life, death, fear and melancholy.
Initially, Edvard Munch decided to study Engineering but with the time he focused in the paint, a very wise decision. The most characteristic elements of the expressionist works of art are color, dynamism and feelings. You can appreciate these characteristics in majority of Munch’s paintings.
This is a list of Edvard Munch’s major works: Evening on Karl Johan (1892), The Scream (1893), Ashes (1894), Madonna (1894-1895), Puberty (1895), Self-Portrait with Burning Cigarette (1895), Death in the Sickroom (1895), The Dance of Life (1899-1900), The Dead Mother (1899-1900) and Self Portrait: Between Clock and Bed (1940-1942).
Visit Wholesale paintings to enjoy good handmade artworks.
Art history: Understanding abstract expressionism – Part 5
July 31, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Abstract & Cubism
The one thing that sets abstract expressionism apart from all other art forms is that the passion for the piece is directly channeled into the act of painting itself. The artist will usually … Abstract expressionism is the physical manifestation of passion on the canvas.
This movement is generally credited with having its start in America following World War II. Robert Coates coined the term somewhere around 1946. This is the first art movement that is credited with having its roots in America, and its impact is still being felt to this day.
Some of the first artists to employ this method include Jackson Pollock, Clyfford Still, and Willem de Kooning. They resided almost exclusively in New York and formed what was called “the New York School.” At the time there were few art critics and even fewer paying attention to this particular movement. Even though the public at large did not know about the artists that lived among them, they developed fans among the critics who had encountered them, and those critics voices would continue to support them from this period until the movement reached popularity in
The style itself is varied but relies on gestural painting, a surrealist’s appreciation for the immediate, and is by necessary a rapid and forceful process. The name stems from other movements such as Surrealism that value subjective appreciation above actual representation. The fact that these artists were trying to convey feelings and not represent objects is where the word abstract comes from. The word “expressionism” stems from the technique. Their goal was the raw transmission of passion through not only the result but the method of achieving it. The act of painting had finally become as important as the painting itself.
The work is noted for what appears at face value to be a strong reliance on chance, but after careful inspection it is revealed that most of these “accidents” were well planned by their creators. Many works by artists such as Pollock were labeled abstract expressionism even when they did not meet the profile and this has blurred somewhat the idea of what pieces fall under the heading.
That said, there are a few pieces you can check out that are undoubtedly indicative of the movement as a whole. These include: “Popeii” by Hans Hofmann, “Virginia Landscape” by Arshile Gorky, “Woman” by Willem de Kooning, “1951-N” by Clyfford Still, and “Birth” by Jackson Pollock.
Even though this movement was cast aside by the coming of Pop Art in the sixties, its impact on the art culture of today is undeniable. There are still many contemporary artists like Fuller Potter and Jack Bush still expanding the style’s visual representations and applications to this day. This art form will always be, the same as any one of its pieces, one of a kind. As American critic Rosenberg said many years ago, “The canvas was not a picture, but an event.”
Why Is A Portrait Painting Significant
July 31, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Portraits
Are you one of the persons who give high regard to a work of art? Do you value all the beautiful paintings, designs and photographs you see around you? Cant you help yourself but be stunned with all the good portrayals of images you come across of? Well, if you are such an individual who looks into every art as a beautiful craft, then you will surely be happy to look for a portrait painting artist. You will surely be astounded with every portrait painting these individuals pour their hearts on. Here are some of the purposes behind these masterpieces.
A painting may serve as a unique gift or present for your loved ones. Not all people have the eyes to give value to a portrait painting. However, if you have already been lost for things which you may use for gift-giving purposes, a portrait is a very good present. You will surely be thanked by your recipient a hundred times more – especially if the portrait painting artist made the work brilliantly. If you want the plan to work out at its best, you may give a picture of your receiver and have it be crafted as a masterpiece.
Just for plain house display. A portrait painting is usually seen hanging on the walls of a house particularly in the living room. Your family portrait is a very ideal welcoming sight for your visitors. You may also hang on some portrait paintings in your dining room or ask your portrait painting artist to make one for you in your bedroom. These are splendid displays that will surely leave you utterly happy all the time. As it serves this particular purpose, you bring more value to your entire residence.
A portrait painting is also a good memento. If you are holding an affair in the office and you have speakers whom you requested to help you out with the event, a portrait is a great token of appreciation for the efforts. This is also a good keepsake for people retiring from an industry or a simple office. Once you get your portrait painting artist to do the work, the honoree will surely be thrilled that you have given value to the efforts he extended to the company for all the years of his life.
It may also serve as a reminder of an event. Aside from taking photos kept in photo albums, one good thing to remind you of a special occasion is through a portrait painting. This work of art is one of the reminders of how the party went. The most common examples of instances which will seek the help of a portrait painting artist are weddings. Since these opportunities come only once in a lifetime, it is but proper to have your own souvenir from the event.
Apart from aesthetic pleasures of a portrait painting, it is also considered functional. Whatever occasion or reason you will use this work of art for, you are always faced with the best options yet the most challenging ones when it comes to choosing a portrait painting artist. Make sure you look for someone who will exert efforts to bring your image in consonance with your objectives.
Three Common Myths About Investing In Fine Art
July 30, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Impressionist
Collecting fine art is quickly becoming a more common method of investing and saving money. Putting your money into artwork can result in more of a return than a regular savings account, which is contrary to what most people believe. Many people don’t think of fine art collecting when it comes to managing their money — but nothing could be further from the truth. Here are some common myths about fine art investments and financing.
Some of the biggest myths concerning fine art collecting and finances are that it doesn’t appreciate quickly enough to be a good investment. Also, a widely-held assumption and falsity is that art doesn’t do well in a down-turning economy and that prints aren’t valuable. This article dispels each of those myths and proves that art can be a suitable way to improve your investment portfolio.
MYTH: Art Doesn’t Appreciate As Fast As Traditional Investments
TRUTH: This couldn’t be further from the truth. A piece by Andy Warhol worth $1,000 in 2005 is worth about $3,250 today. Simply put, the art market is consistently showing impressive returns, often beating out traditional investments. Two business professors from New York University agree. Michael Moses and Jiangping Mei have complied and tracked the performance of fine art. The Mei Moses Index covers Impressionist, Modern, American (before 1950), and Old Master artists. “From last year, through the end of 2007, all our index was up 20% while the S&P total return was up 5%,” says Michael Moses (co-founder, Beautiful Asset Advisors).
MYTH: Art Investments Don’t Do Well In A Down-Turning Economy
TRUTH: Fine art collecting is known to be a recession-proof method of investing. Because art values aren’t dependant on any country’s stock market or currency, they can continue to appreciate over time, regardless of the current state of the economy. For example, foreclosures have crippled the real estate market, but fine art investments continue to do well. Well-known artists like Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol are some of the many whose works continue to appreciate in value. The reason for this is simple: these artists are no longer living, limiting the number of original pieces available for sale.
MYTH: Prints Aren’t Valuable
TRUTH: An original, authentic, limited fine art print created during the artist’s lifetime carries with it the value of being printed by the artist’s hand. That is impossible to reproduce, and that is why it will always be valuable. When most people think of prints, they think of mass-produced posters that can be found anywhere. In the art world, a print has a completely different definition. An art print is usually produced in limited editions that are often hand-signed by the artist. Usually you can find a number such as 15/150 which means that your copy was the 15th numbered out of a total edition of 150 (frequently there are also a few artist proofs). Collectible works were printed under the artist’s direction and with the artist’s approval. The plates used to make the prints were almost always destroyed shortly after the printing run. This means they are in limited supply and it impossible to recreate an original.
When it comes to fine art collecting, there are many myths regarding art and investing. Art has proven to be a unique investment opportunity that is sure to appreciate while you enjoy its beauty every day.
Modernity and History in Lisbon
July 29, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Impressionist
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the country’s largest city. Its population is more than 2,5 million and it’s the most western of all the European capitals: the city is located on the Atlantic coast, by the Tagus river. This Portuguese pearl will enchant you with its churches, castles, medieval streets and museums.
Its coastal line stretches from the river Tagus to the beaches of Alentejo region, from modern urban constructions to picturesque fishing settlements. Located on the south-western coast of the Pyrenean Peninsula, Costa de Lisboa is rich in natural landmarks and attracts tourists with its mild climate.
Those who come to Lisbon for the first time will see much more than they expected. None of books can give a complete description of the country, where diverse traditions and cultural peculiarities stand side by side. In the course of 15 centuries not only local people, but also merchants and travelers from India, Japan and Africa brought their customs to Lisbon.
The city’s historic centre stands on seven hills, that is why Lisbon is rich in steep slopes, which make it difficult for cars and buses to move along some streets. But the city is provided with funiculars and lifts – quite a spectacular view it is. No wonder why this area has long been attracting romantic people and merchants. A lot has changed since the times when first settlers appeared on this territory, but the city’s looks are still stunning. All this plus the relaxed and unconstrained atmosphere of Lisbon and the mixture of different architectural styles – and you will find yourself in one of the most pleasant cities in the world. What is no less important, a stay in Lisbon won’t cost you a fortune – the city is really economical.
The heart of Lisbon is filled with wide avenues, green trees, modernist-style buildings, mosaic decorations and numerous cafes. Lisbon is like an impressionist painting which depicts small pastel-painted houses, the domes and towers of local churches. One local attraction is the Monsanto Forest Park 10 square kilometers big – this is one of the largest European parks.
The city is now being reborn and renovated. After many years of standstill and passiveness, nowadays its modern, lively, energetic and cosmopolitan atmosphere reminds of the times when Lisbon was the trade centre and the starting point for many sea expeditions.
Renovation of the city started in the 1990s. During the period there were a number of new constructions erected here. Those are Vasco da Gama Bridge connecting the city airport with the country’s highways and Gare do Oriente transport hub (built by the project of an award-winning Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava) that connects Lisbon with the rest of Europe.
But those are not only new projects that enchant tourists – the city will attract you with its old charm and a sort of provincial feeling. The Castle of Sao Jorge at the magnificent medieval district, old wooden trams riding up and down the streets, art-deco cafes and roadways decorated with mosaics will help you feel the city atmosphere. Many historic attractions were destroyed during the great 1755 Lisbon Earthquake, but many were left and are now no less popular with tourists than such modern constructions as the Lisbon Oceanarium.
A small distance away from the city tourists can enjoy several sandy beaches: Costa da Caparica, Estoril and Cascais, forests of Sintra and a wonderful Mafra Monastery. Lisbon is filled with light, vivid, self-assured, fresh and modern spirit.
A brief history of pop art – Part 1
July 29, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Abstract & Cubism
Pop art is short for the term “Popular art” and is used to describe art which incorporates ideas from popular culture. Pop artists use everyday items like groceries, comic strips and advertising materials to create artwork. The Pop art movement began as a revolt against art that was only aimed at the elite; it is art designed to be enjoyed by the ordinary person.
In 1917, Marcel Duchamp turned a porcelain urinal on its side and displayed it as a sculptural piece. This was the first clear demonstration of an artist using ready made objects to create art. His artwork was a rebellion against dreary, realistic paintings of struggling peasants. This artwork, credited with bringing art down off its pedestal lead the way for the modern art movement of pop art.
The Pop art movement became an international art movement which ran from the 1950s to 1975. It included various mediums of artwork such as paintings, sculptures and printmaking.
Pop art first took off in England in the 1950s and had gained popularity in the United States by the 1960s. It was a natural evolution in the United States because society was being bombarded with bright, new magazines, a booming film industry and many forms of advertising. Pop art was the middle of the road; it combined techniques from advertising illustration work and formal artistic techniques.
Ordinary objects like soups cans, hamburgers and soap were all used in Pop art. It was animated, energetic and colorful which made it appealing to a mainstream audience. This was the intention of believers in the Pop art movement. They felt abstract art was too difficult for the average person to comprehend and enjoy and they believed fine arts were too serious and restricted to a privileged few.
Pop art was a fresh new concept which introduced many new individuals to art. The artworks were often humorous, sarcastic or metaphorical. Artists commonly used repetition in their work. The pop art movement initially met some resistance from older individuals in the art industry. They were openly critical about works that they believed made a mockery of art. However, the acceptance of the public ensured that pop art went on to become a strong art movement.
One of the most popular artists of the pop art movement was Andy Warhol. His iconic works include the Campbell’s soup tins and screen prints of Marilyn Monroe. He used one iconic advertising image of Marilyn Monroe’s face and screen printed it over bright colors. Warhol believed that art should be for the masses not an elite few.
Pop art became one of the most popular art movements of the modern art period and over the last few years it has been a popular feature in many galleries around the globe.
Why Art Matters
July 29, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Old Masters
Is art still relevant in the modern world, a world growing ever more complex and technological in nature? This was a question first posed in the 19th century when photography threatened to replace the artist and his canvas. Yet throughout history, despite cultural shifts, wars, censorship and technological advances, art has always found its way, filling a need that is uniquely human.
So why are the arts so important to us? Art refines the feelings and emotions—no other field of human endeavor can do this; whether painting, poetry or music, art appeals to our souls in a way that is unmatched by any other activity. Art is considered one of the “humanities”, along with science, language, philosophy, etc, and as the name implies it is these fields that define us as human beings—we are human because we can think, reflect, communicate and appreciate, precisely the qualities the liberal arts encourage and develop.
Art fosters an appreciation of the world around us, of our place in it, and offers an insight into the feelings and perceptions of others. A single look at one of Vincent Van Gogh’s self-portraits will tell the viewer more about this man and his life than a dozen biographies could ever do.
While Shakespeare, Rembrandt and Beethoven may only be for the relatively few who are able to appreciate such monumental accomplishment, art in general is for everyone—popular music, film, poster art is usually mediocre and overly-commercial at best, but it is still art, and is accessible to anyone. Even a poorly educated person has a taste for some type of music, or enjoys a good movie. In an age where popular culture is largely generic, and our overpopulated society is increasingly technological, the arts can help to keep these dehumanizing influences at bay.
While art is necessary for its audience, it also serves as a necessary path of creativity for the artist as well; to create is a normal human attribute. Few things in life are as rewarding to the artist as the act of creation; taking an idea that exists only in his mind, and making it become a reality. And the artist will always be able to do what the camera cannot—show the viewer how he feels about the subject before him.
There is an acquaintance of mine, who is technologically savvy, with a great mathematical and logical mind, yet never seems to “get it”, lacking in perception and understanding—the richness of the arts could help here, turning a two-dimensional person into someone of depth. The perception, sensitivity and imagination that the arts foster would also prove a beneficial influence on the leaders of our society, who usually suffer from a notable lack of these essential qualities.
The “liberal arts” are now largely dismissed in our education system, a great loss for both society and the individual. A society’s art and culture have always been one of the most lasting facets of any civilization throughout history—what we know of Greece, Rome and Egypt, as with other ancient civilizations, is known through their architecture, sculpture and painting. Along with tools, cave paintings and carved statuettes are the earliest cultural artifacts we have from the first modern humans. In America, despite our otherwise bland and commercialized culture, we are still fortunate to count many great painters, sculptors, architects, composers, writers and film makers as part of our legacy for future civilizations.
There have always been and will always be those who fail to see the value of art and the humanities, and of course there are other aspects to life that also have great importance. But to ignore the arts is to neglect the very qualities that make us human: the need to create, the need to communicate, and the capacity for feeling.
Individual interpretation of what makes art
July 29, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Abstract & Cubism
Individual interpretation of what makes art
What makes art has been a long standing debate amongst the world for hundreds of years. The art scholars will give a very defined and different description of art than will the street artist found in the intercity.
If we define art as, and I will paraphrase since I don’t remember the man’s name who said: Art is something which someone gets more out of than the artist put into it. This statement becomes prevalent when we look at the movement of “found art” by talented individuals attempting to polish up their intercity neighborhoods and the depressed areas of the county. I have heard it said more times than I care to have that found art is only a pile of junk and not art. It is only my opinion but this rings of a closed mind or someone who has been listening to long to the art colonists. This is like saying, Rap artists arent street poets.
Everyone isn’t going to like this article or the one you have written but that doesn’t mean either one isn’t an article. It is only their personal opinion. Art at its very basics is something that is pleasing to the beholders eye. There is an old adage which states: “It is in the mind of the beholder, not the mind of the beholded.” But that doesn’t mean the way a drop of oil spreads out across a pool of water is art. That is unless someone reproduces the image on canvas.
In art class 101 you are taught some basic rules of drawing and painting. The two big ones are prospective and how the piece draws the eye from top to bottom and left to right. So then an artist who doesn’t follow the rules isn’t an artist? Then we would be forced to say Picasso wasn’t an artist since his prospective of human anatomy doesn’t follow the human form. Pablo Picasso was an abstract artist, abstract art follows non-correctness of form. We don’t have to like Picasso’s woman hating idealism, but we have to say he indeed was an artist who made art which some people don’t like.
I believe art can and does exist in many shapes and forms. I say this knowing I am only one of a minority. Although I do believe an artist should know the rules before he or she breaks them. The exception to the ‘rule’ would be early cave drawings and Egyptian art since there wasn’t a set of rules for perspective set down during this time in history. These were the artists individual interpretation of the subject mater in the art.
Art is constantly evolving as our civilization moves from one century to the next. Art along with literature is what keeps our blood warm with passion, and passion is what moves civilization from one century to the next. The next time you look at a painting which incorporates steel shavings into the canvas or a tire rim, a rusty piece of pipe, and barbed wire welded together look at what the creator, artist was representing. It still may not be your cup of tea but you just might see the art in it.






