Tag: Insert the [ Artsy ]

Insert the Artsy: Black and White Art, 3 Rooms 3 Styles

Choosing artwork for your home can be an intimidating process. Sometimes we fall in love with a piece of work but wonder how in the world we would ever incorporate it with our current style?! You know that old adage, buy what you love and somehow it will work? I’m here to prove it’s true. Let’s say you fall for this bold black and white art pair by this month’s Featured Artist, Alexandra Bellissimo.

the antagonist | the guardian

They’re strong. They’re daring. They’re a little weird but totally fabulous. Now where can you put them? The best thing about graphic black and white art like these is that they can add a sense of the unexpected to anywhere they hang.

1 | fierce romance This fantastical pair are like creatures from a dark fairy tale. Hung off to the side above the antique sofa in a romantic bohemian living room, The Antagonist and The Guardian would add just the right amount of sass to counteract the sweet.

art by alexandra bellissimo | interior image found here

2 | sleek soak In the bath is often the very last place we consider for artwork, but these guys are just screaming to add a little of the unexpected to your personal spa. They’re graphic so maybe placement in a contemporary bath seems like a no-brainer, but their organic sci-fi feel compliments the space in a fresh way.

art by alexandra bellissimo | interior image found here

3 | rustic edge Maybe you love rustic decor but don’t want to completely live the cowboy life? The his and her pairing is perfect for a bedroom and this black and white art would provide a fantastic juxtaposition against a wood feature wall. Want to edge it up even more? Add an extra wide white mat and simple contemporary frames in a bold color like yellow or bright green. Boom. You’ve turned up the sophistication to 11.

art by alexandra bellissimo | interior image found here

Have a room you need some artsy help with? Or art you love but not sure how to style in your room? I can help with that! Check out my Forager Services page for details. Love this pair by Alexandra Bellissimo? Check out her site AND stay tuned for some news here and on the Mantle Art site for affordable, limited editions prints coming soon!

All image sources linked above.

April 30, 2014
Insert the Artsy: Color Three Way

There’s a school of thought that white walls = boring. But white walls + wooden textures + pops of colorful artwork? Anything but!! And this Artsy is here to prove it to ya. Let’s take a beautiful, airy space like the one below. The white surfaces have already been warmed a bit by pops of cozy wood textures. The way the light bounces off those walls make this the perfect place for some color. And that beautifully curved staircase wall? It’s just crying out for a fabulous wall sculpture or installation. Don’t believe me? Let us count the ways..

There are lots of different ways you could take the artwork in this space– those white walls are the perfect blank canvas!

1 | happy texture Smooth surfaces abound in this space, which leaves ample room for adding pattern and texture. A Liz Tran sculptural installation is like a party on a wall, providing an instant shot of joyful movement. Or how about gettin’ a little groovy with a retro-ish weaving? Tanya Aguiniga‘s Multi Knot Wall Hanging is a bit more minimalistic, but still adds just the right amount of texture and color. Making a simple, bold statement is hardly ever the wrong choice and one of Jen Pack‘s fabric & wood wall sculptures packs just the right amount of punch.

images found here here here and here

2 | organic elegance Not only can a space like this handle something dynamic and full of color but a single elegant representational sculpture can add just the right amount of elegance to bring the slightly casual atmosphere up a notch.

images found here here here and here

3 | slick pop Interesting juxtapositions your game? Graphic, pop inspired pieces provide an intriguing touch of je ne sai quois when paired with these white walls and warm textures. Think of the neon signs, sand and palm trees of Miami– opposites never looked so good together.

images found here here here and here

Have I convinced you yet? Are you running out to buy gallons and gallons of white paint? 😉 See more of my favorite artsy interiors on my Artsy Dwelling Pinterest board. Oh and like what I put together here? I can do it for you, too!

All image sources linked above.

January 21, 2014
Insert the Artsy: One Painting, Three Rooms

A phenomenal piece of artwork can find its home in any sort of space. Especially when its as beautiful as this one, Darzita by this months’ Featured Artist, Jennifer JL Jones.

Darzita means “to reveal” and I love how this abstract mixed media work informs the personality of each of these spaces in such a chameleon-like way!

It goes soft and serene in a monochromatic bedroom retreat..

room found here

Or adds dynamic movement to dramatic charcoal walls in this copper-accented dining room–

room found here

Modern texture and little pops of bright color echo this loft’s downtown feel–

room found here

Which is your favorite? Personally, I think it would look stunning in a little modern cabin in the mountains.. preferably one with my name on the welcome mat. 😉

If you’re in the Tulsa area, be sure to check out Jennifer’s latest exhibition opening on November 14th at Aberson Exhibits! Don’t miss out seeing her work in person!

Interior images linked above, art image via the artist.

October 30, 2013
Insert the Artsy: Susan Hall

There are certain artist’s work I seriously dream about owning. And if I can’t own one myself, why not daydream about how one might look in someone else’s home? Which brings me to the latest edition of Insert the Artsy. I’ve mentioned before how much I would love to own one of Susan Hall‘s paintings.. This piece, Veil of the Sky is particularly lovely and lyrical. Don’t you think it would be the perfect complement to this modern traditional room? It would add just the right amount of delicate visual interest and texture without competing with the beautiful architecture.

interior image found here | art found here

Surely you would enjoy peaceful slumber and dreams of beckoning birds with this beauty above your pillow. I’m certain I would!

Have a room that needs a little artsy? Artsy Forager is now offering Art Consulting services! Click here for more details.

Image sources linked above.

September 10, 2013
Insert the Artsy: Casey Matthews

In my not so distant past, I worked as a Project Manager/Art Consultant for a gallery & art consulting firm. What does that mean exactly? It means I looked for artwork for clients. A LOT. Matching up the right art to fit the client’s space, budget, design, and taste was what I did and something I plan to start doing again ( keep your eye on this page! ). When I see a blank wall, instinct takes over and I immediately start thinking of what artist’s work would be perfect in that space!

When I saw the empty wall above this bed, the wheels immediately started turning.. Clean, modern bedframe, fabulous funky black Bertoia chair, graphic striped rug and bright green coverlet. So we want something with some texture and color but not too much.. enter this pair of abstract paintings by Casey Matthews!

interior | artwork

Casey’s work feels fresh and young, but still sophisticated enough to add a grown up vibe to what could otherwise feel like a “starter” room. And I love putting a pair or series of work where a single large piece is the more expected choice. What do you think? What artwork might you place in this space?

Stay tuned for more details regarding services coming soon to Artsy Forager!

Images via artist’s representing gallery, Gallery Orange.

July 23, 2013
Insert the [ Artsy ]: Fuzzy Sculptures and Sunsets

Holy wow, it’s been a long time since I did an Insert the Artsy post! I’d forgotten how much fun they can be, dreaming and scheming what piece of artwork I would place in a room. When I saw this room designed by Erin Martin, on Pinterest, I loved the warm sparseness of it, those wood beams, high ceilings and that magnificent hanging sculpture! But then I thought, oh, maybe that space above the bed could use just a little cool, saturated color– not too much and nothing too textural to take away from what’s happening above.. enter the work of New York photographer Eric Cahan.

room design | Erin Martin

photo source | Eye on Design by Dan Gregory

art | Eric Cahan

I love the way the deep turquoise of Cahan’s work plays off the subtle browns and oranges in the wood, while the purple adds just the right touch of coolness. The quiet sleekness of the photograph is a perfect foil for the shaggy texture of the hanging sculpture and rusticity of the wood beams.

What do you think, Artsies? What piece of artwork would you like to wake up to in this room?

All image sources linked above.

January 31, 2013
Insert [ the Artsy ]: Art For Every Pocketbook

I am a firm believer in buying art at whatever level you can afford and I’m not talking about the framed art aisle at Target. While there are certain levels of art collecting which some of us may never reach ( I’ve reconciled myself to the fact that I’ll never own an original Georgia O’Keeffe, just keepin’ it real ), there is fabulous art available for every budget! Just because your budget is limited, that’s no excuse for blank walls! For this installment of [ Insert Art Here ], we’ll take a look at 3 art options for the same space– all fab, each fitting a particular budget level. Here we go!

Let’s begin with our blank( ish ) canvas–

From www.nestdallasdesign.com, home of Bradley Agather, designed by Beth Dotolo, photo by Kevin Dotolo ( artwork removed, to see the original design, click on this photo )

For the Beginning Collector:

Artwork by Ann Tarantino via 20×200

Prints are the easiest and most budget friendly way to begin an art collection and these days there is no shortage of sources for quality limited editions. These Ann Tarantino prints ( Far and Wide [ left ] and Flying Colors [ right ] ) are archival pigment prints, $200 each ( not including framing ) and are available through 20×200. Pretty sweet, right?

For the Mid-Range Artsy:

Artwork by Michelle Armas

So you’re ready to put your money where your mouth is and begin a serious art collection? Original work by emerging artists is a great place to start. Atlanta artist Michelle Armas has become something of an art & design blog darling and with that comes a certain ( well deserved! ) notoriety which makes her work highly collectible. Her abstract paintings are riotous and painterly, filled with joyous color. The piece above, Eggplant is an acrylic work on canvas, 30×40 inches. It is available through Gregg Irby Fine Art at $1000. An awesome price for a piece of that size and quality! Forego your daily $4 chai-mocha-frappawhatever from Starbucks and you will be able to purchase a piece like this, too. It’s all about priorities, ya’ll. 🙂

For the Serious Artophile:

Artwork by Christina Foard

Christina Foard is a painter’s painter. She paints intuitively and revels in the materials, not afraid to get her hands dirty. There is an emotionality to her work that, along with its glorious physical texture, provides a depth that you don’t always find in abstract compositions. The piece above, Floating Invasion ( acrylic on canvas, 40×30 ) provides this space with a certain amount of gravitas, while still giving just the right amount of color and movement. But Foard’s works are pieces you buy because you can’t stop thinking about them.. you have to have them.. If they happen to match your throw pillows, well, that’s just a bonus. ( FYI– Floating Invasion is no longer available, but Foard pieces in a similar size are usually in the $3000 range )

My final word.. as Dan Fear said “Buy art because you like it and because it moves you, and because it enhances your life.” This has been a little exercise that I hope will inspire you to purchase a piece of art that you love this year. Now that’s a new years’ resolution I can get behind!

January 4, 2012