artsy forager

Tag: interior design

  • Insert the Artsy: Color Three Way

    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.

    ITA_Jan_happy texture collage

     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.

    ITA_Jan_organic elegance collage

    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.

    ITA_Jan_Slick pop collage

    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.

  • Artsy Dwelling: Your Art Studio Style

    Artsy Dwelling: Your Art Studio Style

    As different as each artist’s work can be, so too is the way they work and the environment in which they find the most creativity.  Some artists are lucky enough to be able to design their studio space to fit the way they work just perfectly, others take advantage of whatever available space may be at hand.  And some, like me, out of necessity keep their supplies to a minimum so they can set up studio wherever they land!  But oh how I long for the day when I can have a dedicated work space.  Are you dreaming of your own studio space, too?  What’s your current art studio style?  What are you dreaming it could be?

    Art Studio Style inspiration Willem de Kooning

    found here

    Do you like your space open & airy?  Maybe like Willem de Kooning, you create best in bright white spaces with soaring ceilings and gorgeous light.

    Art studio style open and airy

    clockwise from top studios of kirra jamison | emily ferretti | lisa congdon | brenda hope zappitell

    Don’t have a big open space?  Paint every surface of your small studio white and remove any window treatments.  You’ll be amazed at how much light bounces around the room!

    Some artists work best in smaller, creative & cozy spaces.  Filled with warmth and life, Monet-like spaces make you want to settle in with a cup of tea and paint your heart out.

    Art studio style inspiration Claude Monet

    found here 

    Art studio style creative and cozy

    clockwise from left studios of isabelle tuchband | anahata katkin | claire basler | michelle armas

    Paned windows, chandeliers and plants make a studio space feel like a creative home.  And having a sweet pup around to love on helps with the creative frustration!

    AD_Studio_O'Keeffe-2

    found here

    No doubt working in a neatly organized space helped O’Keeffe achieve her soft, elegantly clean lined paintings.  A tidily laid out space with supplies within arm’s reach allow an artist to concentrate on creating instead of looking everywhere for that one tube of paint..

    Art studio style artsy organization

    clockwise from top left studios of scott waterman | jenny saville | mari andrews

    Timothy Atwood said, Creative mess equals creative thought. And for many artists, I think this holds true.  Most creatives are, by nature collectors.  We need to be surrounded by a beautiful mess, so that inspiration may spark at any time.  And let’s admit, sometimes, we’re just too busy creating to pick up. 😉

    AD_Studio_Picasso

    found here

    beautiful mess collage

    clockwise from left studios of thomas campbell | cornelius volker | flora bowleg

    What is your own studio style, Artsies?  One of the above or a mix of all?  Is a studio overhaul on your 2014 to-do list?

    See more art studio style inspiration on my Pinterest board, Where the Artsy Folk Work.  Have a dynamic studio to share?  Leave a link in the comments!

    All image sources linked above.

  • Insert the Artsy: One Painting, Three Rooms

    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.

    1380996_495705810528702_41315867_n

    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..

    ITA_jones_dreamy

    room found here

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

    ITA_Jones_drama

    room found here

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

    ITA_jones_urban

    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.

  • Artsy Dwelling: Be Off Center

    Artsy Dwelling: Be Off Center

    Once upon a time, there was a rule that we all followed diligently– that art had to be centered on something.  Whether it was centered above a piece of furniture or centered based on the wall on which it was hung, centering was very important.  But I’m noticing a trend towards more casual, more interesting placement.  Deliberately hanging artwork off-center.  Justified waaaay to the right or way to the left.

    Hanging Artwork Off Center

     found here

    But hanging artwork off center is akin to creating deliberately messy-bedhead-like-waves.  It takes a bit of work to get that effortlessly casual look.

    Here are a few ways you can use off center artwork to create spaces that are interesting and pleasing to the eye–

    1 | Use off center artwork to balance other eye catchers in the room 

    Hanging Artwork Off Center

    found here here and here

    Bold statement pieces often need another dramatic something to balance them out or your room may feel a bit lopsided.  That scene stealing coffee table or pendant needs something  to create a bit of harmonious tension, otherwise, he’s like that dinner party guest that just won’t shut up.  We liked hearing his stories at first, but someone else, please say something!

    2 | Go for the triangle effect 

    Hanging Artwork Off Center

    found here here and here

    Our eyes like triangles.  Triangular compositions help our eyes travel and take in all that we see instead of zeroing in on one element.  By hanging artwork off center, you can deliberately create your own triangular composition.  So even if that painting is hanging in a place that at first seems off, once your eye takes in all the other elements in the room, it seems just right.

    3 | Work your other angles 

    Angles aren’t just found in the architecture and furnishings surrounding a piece of art, but also in the artwork itself.  Don’t forget about the compositional lines and angles in your artwork when thinking about how to hang it.  The work should carry on a pleasing conversation with the furnishings around it.  Like a first date that’s going really really well.

    Hanging Artwork Off Center

    found here here and here

    4 | Rethink centering

    Hanging artwork off center doesn’t necessarily have to mean that the artwork isn’t centered on anything.  Just maybe think about centering on an unexpected or secondary element in the room, like a chandelier or rug instead of the desk or dining table.

    Hanging Artwork Off Center

    found here here and here

    Rules tend to be created to make things easy and orderly.  But art is neither of those things, so why should we live with it that way?  Don’t be afraid to be a bit off center.  Your art is crying out for it!

    See more off centered artsiness in my Artsy Dwelling Pinterest board!  Need some help finding just the right artwork for your space?  I can help with that!  More info here.

    All image sources are linked above.

  • Artsy Dwelling: 4 Ways to Style Leaning Artwork

    Artsy Dwelling: 4 Ways to Style Leaning Artwork

    You know, there’s more than one way to skin a ca— I mean, hang artwork.  I hope I proved that in our last foray into Artsy Dwelling!  Be a rebel.  Don’t hang that art at all!  Go all crazy and casz.. just let it lean.

    Leaning = layering.  If you keep your artwork relegated to the walls, you’re holding it at a distance.  You know, like that moldy fruit you found in the refrigerator.  But living with art should be about living with it, having it truly be a part of the way we interact in our personal space.  Leaning brings it in close.  We can study it, pick it up and touch it, live with it in ways we can’t do when it’s nailed to a wall.

    Check out some of my favorite ways to style leaning artwork–

    1 | On a ledge

    Lean on ledge collage

    found here here here here and here

    Take advantage of those architectural details as a natural resting spot for artwork.  It’s kind of Decorating 101 to put artwork above a fireplace, but leaning it on the mantle, especially when layered with other pieces creates a visually rich display that’s easy to change up with the seasons or just on a whim!

    2 | On a piece of furniture

    Lean on collage

     found here here and here

    Same rules apply for furniture.  Wait, forget that.  There are no rules!  Big art, small art, doesn’t matter, as long as it makes an interesting impact and puts a smile on your face.  It all goes back to that layering thing.  Leaning artwork connects itself better to the other objects in your vignette when it is sitting on the same surface.  It’s like bringing your artwork into the half-time huddle.  Now he feels included!

    PS– If you’re gonna lean artwork on your headboard, might be a good idea to secure the back with a little 3M velcro, you know just in case things get a little, shall we say frisky?  Oh come on, you know you were thinking it!

    3 | Behind a piece of furniture!

    Lean behind collage

    found here here and here

    My favorite rule to break.  Used to be, no art lover would dream of putting artwork, which let’s face it, we probably paid a lot of money for, even partly hidden behind a piece of furniture.  But that little artsy game of peek-a-boo leaves me wanting more!

    4 | On the floor

    Lean on Floor collage

     

    found here here here here and here

    Maybe you have the perfect spot for a piece of artwork, but hanging just isn’t practical.  Just lean that baby on the floor.  The perfect solution especially for super oversized pieces of work that it would take an army to hang!  Or for when we want a splash of color but don’t want to commit to holes in the wall.

    Of course, it should be noted that leaning artwork, especially on the floor and behind furniture isn’t the idea solution if you have small children, rowdy teenagers ( ok, really any kids at all ) or clumsy husbands.  😉  Do you have any artwork leaning around your house?  Share a photo over on the Artsy Forager Facebook page, I’d love to see!

    All image sources linked above.

  • Artsy Dwelling: 7 Unique Ways to Hang Artwork

    Artsy Dwelling: 7 Unique Ways to Hang Artwork

    Look beyond the nail and picture hanger.  There are so many unique ways to hang artwork, whether you’re hanging just one piece or grouping lots of work together.  Here are a few of my favorite methods!

    1 |  String it up

    String collage

    found here here here here and here

    Create a bit of interest and drama by hanging your artwork by a thread, ‘er string.  It’s a great way to add a bit more height to a piece that isn’t quite tall enough for your wall or to add just the right boho vibe.

    2 | Clip it!

    Clip collage

     found here here here and here

    Clip art takes on a whole new meaning!  Use specialty art clips, gator clips, vintage pant hangers or even just an old fashioned clipboard to display work that isn’t terribly precious.  ( Stay away from clips that might crimp for artwork you don’t want to damage ).

    3 | Create a hanging structure

    Create structure collage

     found here here and here

    Artwork stands out– literally– when you hang it from a three dimensional grid.  The grids add just the right amount of visual texture, creating an interesting juxtaposition and the added bonus of easily switched out work.

    4 | Use the structure you have!

    Structure You Have collageAD_Structure3

    found here here and here 

    Maybe you’re lucky enough to have some fabulous architectural details already built into your home!  Consider using those structures as a hanging surface for art– that’s what those vintage picture rails were for to begin with!  I’m personally in love with the industrial vibe of the barn-door hanging above!

    5 | Frame within a frame

    AD_Frame in a Frame

    found here

    Another way to add a some healthy dimension to your space?  Find a giant frame and group smaller works of art inside.

    6 | Art mobile!

    Art mobile collagefound here

    Perhaps the most fun of all the options– create an art mobile!  These tiny clips are perfect for displaying artful photos, sketches, postcards, etc.  You know when you’ve bought a little notecard of an artist’s work, knowing there’s no way on earth you could ever afford an original?  Here’s the perfect way to display those treasures!

    7 | Go old school.  Use thumbtacks.

    House of Honey

    found here

    The ol’ thumbtack method was probably the very first way anyone hung your artwork.  Or maybe your mom used refrigerator magnets instead.  Raw, unstretched canvas pinned up in the corners with brass tacks looks absolutely divine in this nursery, doesn’t it?

    Have a unique art hanging method you’d like to share?  Let us know in the comments below!

    All image sources linked above.

  • Artsy Dwelling: Watercolored Walls

    Artsy Dwelling: Watercolored Walls

    A Different Take on the Art Wall

    Gallery walls have been all the rage for a couple of years now.  They are a fantastic way to showcase your art collection and so easy to change up!  But sometimes, you want your art wall to make a bolder statement– why not make the wall itself the artsy focal point?  Whether you paint your masterpiece directly on the wall’s surface, apply an artsy wallpaper, or a mural sized decal, there will be no shortage of artsiness on those walls!  Here are just a few of my own faves from around the web–

    AD_pink palms

    via 

    AD_blue watercolor

    via

    AD_multiwatercolor

    via

    AD_pink geom

    via

    Think I love the simplicity of the pink geometric design and the blue watercolor best.  What do you think?  Have you ever treated your walls as a truly blank canvas?

    PS– Need help finding art for your walls?  Check out the new services I’m offering!  Click on Forager For Hire in the tool bar for more info!

    All image sources linked below the photos.

  • Design Foraging: Kristina Crestin Design

    Design Foraging: Kristina Crestin Design

    Design foraging isn’t always just about finding artfully designed wares.  It’s also about finding those folk out there doing their thing with an artsy bent.  In my art consulting days, I loved working with interior designers who had an appreciation and eye for artwork, incorporating well chosen work into their designs not just for aesthetic appreciation, but also to begin to create a personal collection for their client.  Boston area’s Kristina Crestin Design knows how to work magic in a room through icing the cake with artwork.  Check out some examples of Kristina’s art-centric designs!

    DF_KCD_gallery1_photo12_Kristina Crestin Design DF_KCD_gallery3_photo3 DF_KCD_gallery4_photo5

    DF_KCD_gallery1_photo10[ I am completely in love with the bones of this house.  Seriously my dream house. ]

    Finally, Kristina has been working with a favorite Artsy Forager artist, Christina Baker, on a special artwork commission for a client.  Here’s a sneak peak!

    DF_KCD_Baker commission

    I can not wait to see Christina’s piece ( in love with that palette! ) installed in the finished space!  I have no doubt it will add just the right touch of artsy pixie dust to Kristina Crestin’s design.  Want to see more work from this artsy designer?  Check out Kristina Crestin’s website.  You can also follow her blog!

  • Insert the Artsy: Casey Matthews

    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!

    ITA_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.

  • Design Foraging: Artsy Nesting

    Design Foraging: Artsy Nesting

    So if you read yesterday’s late afternoon post, you’ve heard the news– Mr. Forager and I have officially moved to Seattle!  That’s right, no more traveling around, no more putting up with someone else’s decor taste or grody furnishings.  We’ve rented a sweet little mid-century apartment in a beautiful Seattle neighborhood and I’ve been completely obsessed with furnishing it.  Since I’m not working yet ( Did I mention I now have to get a real J-O-B? ), we’ve been furnishing on a “for now” budget until we have two incomes coming in.  And then there’s all my lovely home goodies in storage back in Florida.  I can’t wait to see them again, but am having serious issues remembering what I kept!  So I’ve been doing a bit of day dreaming today.. looking at lovelies that would be perfect for our first real home together.  My favorite colors, a little artsy for me, a bit rustic for Mr. F.

    Large Jar in Summer Moss by Ben Fiess
    Large Jar in Summer Moss by Ben Fiess

    find it here

    Teak Measuring Spoons
    Teak Measuring Spoons

    find them here

    Hawaiian Salt Cellar
    Hawaiian Salt Cellar

    find it here

    Forest Found Hook
    Forest Found Hook

    find it here

    Rose Ombre Velvet Pillow
    Rose Ombre Velvet Pillow

    find it here

    Anyone else doing some artsy nesting in a new home?  Any Seattle  area artsies know of a job opportunity for a hard working Artsy? 😉

    All images linked above.