Figure Out Your Art Style
Bemoaning bare walls but flummoxed by all the choices for art? Here's help deciding on a style
Houzz Contributor. I am a former magazine editor specializing in travel and design. I just completed my first remodel, turning my crumbling 1941 kitchen into a beauty of grays, whites and natural wood. If I could, I'd sleep on the countertop. That's how much I love it.
You can also read my parenting blog on Baby Center http://blogs.babycenter.com/author/sschoech/
Houzz Contributor. I am a former magazine editor specializing in travel... More »
You don't have to be an art historian or an art critic or even an art collector to be an art lover. Good art enhances our understanding of the world, makes us think and moves us. Sometimes it is just plain beautiful.
To my mind, art is an essential part of creating a home. A house without art is like pasta without sauce — perfectly adequate but lacking any pizzazz or personality. Totally "meh."
But it can be intimidating to chose a piece. There seem to be so many rules and opinions when it comes to art. But really, it's not so difficult. The first step is simply to figure out what you like. Look at art. Go to museums, to galleries or even online and have a gander.
Here are a bunch to get you started, not that you have to chose a single style. You can also browse 20x200 for inexpensive art or the Tray Wick gallery for a large selection from contemporary artists.
To my mind, art is an essential part of creating a home. A house without art is like pasta without sauce — perfectly adequate but lacking any pizzazz or personality. Totally "meh."
But it can be intimidating to chose a piece. There seem to be so many rules and opinions when it comes to art. But really, it's not so difficult. The first step is simply to figure out what you like. Look at art. Go to museums, to galleries or even online and have a gander.
Here are a bunch to get you started, not that you have to chose a single style. You can also browse 20x200 for inexpensive art or the Tray Wick gallery for a large selection from contemporary artists.
|
by Dana Nichols
»
|
| Abstract Abstract art, when it's good, manages to convey so much emotion and movement and feeling without relying on any recognizable figures. It's all color, shape, line and texture. |
| Abstract art can speak to the surroundings. This one reflects the lines, movement and color of the urban view. |
Many abstract painters use large canvases. On white walls, they create a gallery effect. This one uses color and texture to create a soothing, dreamlike feeling.
A single large abstract painting can set the mood for an entire room.
Traditional
Plein air landscapes, classic portraits and traditional art forms tend to impart a more reserved feeling.
Plein air landscapes, classic portraits and traditional art forms tend to impart a more reserved feeling.
These paintings, inspired by classic Japanese panels, have an ethereal feeling, but they are firmly rooted in traditional art.
| |
| Plein air landscapes in gold frames are a very traditional form. But depending on the subject matter, they can also be modern, playful and genre busting. |
There is something masculine and no-nonsense about antique maps. They're art with information.
by Chloe Warner
»
Modern
This term can encompass almost anything, from abstract to figurative paintings, drawings and sculpture. Modern art tends to deal in reality and avoid the sentimental.
This term can encompass almost anything, from abstract to figurative paintings, drawings and sculpture. Modern art tends to deal in reality and avoid the sentimental.
| |
| This close-up of horses, by Roberto Dutesco, is less about horses and more about movement, texture and vital force. |
| |
| Sculpture like this one by Mary Callery is so full of movement and texture. It demands to be a centerpiece without being particularly "showy." |
by SFGIRLBYBAY
»
Boho Eclectic
Anything goes, really. Flea market portraits, a mixture of styles, random frames, old posters. The basic principle: Pick stuff you like and hang it all together. The result: It looks like you've been collecting things forever.
Anything goes, really. Flea market portraits, a mixture of styles, random frames, old posters. The basic principle: Pick stuff you like and hang it all together. The result: It looks like you've been collecting things forever.
| |
| A single wall covered with paintings, mirrors and ephemera adds a very personal, cozy touch. It kind of makes you want to host a salon. |
This type of collection can work in a traditional room as well.
Pop Art
Pop art can be big, bold, playful and tongue-in-cheek. It deals in images and styles from popular culture: celebrities, products, signage.
Pop art can be big, bold, playful and tongue-in-cheek. It deals in images and styles from popular culture: celebrities, products, signage.
You can get a pop art version of something personal (like Fido) custom made online from sites like AllPopArt.
A neon carnival sign is a piece of art. And it looks especially surprising and pretty in this low-key room.
You can have signs custom made to look vintage at Roadhouse Relics.
You can have signs custom made to look vintage at Roadhouse Relics.
Crafty
This includes framed wallpaper scraps, elegantly framed kids' art and anything that looks made by hand. This mural made from paint-store chips is a beautiful piece of modern art with that made-by-hand touch.
This includes framed wallpaper scraps, elegantly framed kids' art and anything that looks made by hand. This mural made from paint-store chips is a beautiful piece of modern art with that made-by-hand touch.
by simple thoughts
»
Framed and hung together, kids' art can look downright gallery worthy.
These paper hearts by Sarah&Bendrix in matching black frames are elegant and homespun at the same time.
More:
10 Design Strategies for Art Lovers
More:
10 Design Strategies for Art Lovers
Ideabook published on May 2, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
We print is various sizes and mount under acrylic with an aluminum dibond backing for a sleek, durable, easy to clean, frameless design. For a matte finish or a more traditional look, we also mount on dibond without acrylic or on stretch canvas.
Come take a look at our curated collection.
For below images:
http://printedart.com/content/feather-ground
http://printedart.com/content/lash
http://printedart.com/content/guatemala-wall-11