art

Finding beautiful art for your home can be challenging. Some people dont have access to the galleries we do here in San Francisco, so knowing what they are looking for is a bigger challenge. We have several categories that apply to the modern art styles: Know your design style (contemporary, ultra modern, ecletic, funky or casual). Keep in mind we are giving you examples of various art for each style and for reference where we found the art, the price at the time and the artist. By the time you read this these pieces may be sold, but artists and retail stores have other items which may be similar. Let this inspire you to find exactly what you want. Contemporary Modern Artwork These pieces are sometimes a soothing mix of two to four colors, textured or completely smooth. In this case the art is a compliment to the furniture and wall colors usually brining in several of the colors in the room for a peaceful feeling. If you room is complete, except for the art, then it is helpful to step back and think about color balance. You can match brighter accents in a room to a painting, or if the floors are dark then bring that color up to the frame. In Contemporary designs it is important to keep the colors in harmony with one another.

This would be beautiful with a wood, tan and white interior with orange or red accents. This piece is/was $1100 named “Taos” by Bette Ridgeway. See www.guild.com for more original artwork.

This piece is an elegant retail art print. It is $299 at Crate and Barrel. You can view their artwork in the furniture section of their retail stores or online. Ultra Modern Artwork These pieces use masculine and unexpected color combinations that draw your eye to the piece. Sometime These pieces are the centerpiece, yet the complement the industrial and sleek feeling around them. Maybe something in Metallic paint? I have seen geometric designs or unexpected dual colors that would fit nicely into these designs. Photography is also a great way to go. A photo of an objects texture or unique angle can bring the unexpected element to the piece.

This artwork is/was $1100 named “Spring” by Diane Walker-Gladney. See www.guild.com for more pieces.

This interesting photo brings a lot of texture to a room. This is $349 called Water at ZGallerie. If you do not have a store nearby check it out online. The prints and reproductions are wonderfully modern. Funky Modern Artwork

This artwork is usually humorous or unexpected, colorful and interesting. Large paintings of interesting characters or objects can be a great compliment to a funky room. In this case also, sometimes the art is the focal point and sometimes it will blend with the theme of the room (when there is one). When the room has a theme finding that perfect piece might be difficult, so commissioning your own art may be the way to go. We have family who commissioned a fantastic sculpture of a girl on roller skates made of junk. It was inspired by my husband’s sister who skates in the roller derby. Even though it is light hearted in nature and made of junk, it looks elegant and whimsical in a beautifully landscaped yard.

This whimsical piece is perfect for the person who loves it. It is $7000 named "Forty-Six Polka-Dotted Ovals" by Anne Lopez. See www.guild.com for more original art. This is a great print for a dog lover. It is Zeus from Ron Burnes at $60 for sale at ZGallerie. If you do not have a ZGallerie nearby check it out online. The quality is excellent. Eclectic Modern Artwork The artwork can be abstract with an international or outdoor feeling. Many of the colors will be green, blue and neutrals. By the nature of eclectic anything that fits your aesthetic will feel right. Some suggestions might be international paintings or photos from your travels. I had a dream at one time of finding original paintings from some of my favorite travels including Russia, Belize, Germany and Spain. I have had such a difficult time deciding where to start, that this dream is temporarily on hold (usually I execute my plans quickly). This dream is one that I will save for later. In any case, abstracts work nicely also usually with a nature feeling such as a waterscape or landscape. The beauty of eclectic design is regardless of size and color there is a way to make it all work together. The look itself is meant to be just everything you love. This artwork is/was $2500 named "Pond 775: Mirror" by Edda Jakab. See www.guild.com for more original art. This print is a great deal at ZGallerie. It has a large scale and is $299 named Bamboo Garden Panel. If you do not have a store nearby, you can see many pieces online. Casual Modern Artwork These art pieces are abstract and colorful, but they don’t need to coordinate as much will their surroundings. The youthful casual look can handle some variety. If your couch is grey, artwork red and walls yellow it work. See the color guide for more ideas, but not everything has to match. A collection of smaller pieces that are mix-matched can be perfect if they are cohesive by color or frame. These pieces can work with a variety of furniture and accessories. This piece is $299 named Caledonia Print I from Crate and Barrel. You can view their pieces in the furniture area of the retail stores or online.

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Where to Buy Your ArtFine Art Galleries: If you love high-end quality art then shopping in art galleries and by private showings is the way to go. If you research the artists you want to see, you can travel to see them in person. Look until you fall in love and then design the room elements around your masterpiece. If you are on more of a budget, you may be surprised that some original art is not that expensive. New artists can be tempted to sell their art between $300-1000. It is well worth the added price over retail stores to have something unique that will last forever. In addition, there are beautiful pieces in retail stores. Crate and Barrel has some wonderful modern art which is the perfect scale for behind a couch, a large wall or behind the bed. A few of my other favorites are ZGallerie (which is California based), CB2 and West Elm. Retail prices range from $200-1000 depending on the piece and store. If you are on a budget, you can find modern artwork at Target, Ikea and other home stores. In my experience large pieces are still $150 or so. That is not that much less than you can find elsewhere for a higher quality. Lastly you can always make your own. See our modern design style techniques for more information. The cost of a canvas and some paint can be as little as $20. If you have an artistic nature, this can be a great solution.

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