Framed Art the Inexpensive Way

Framed art needn't cost the earth. In fact framed artworks can be very inexpensive way when you allow yourself to reconsider exactly what constitutes a frame and, indeed what determines art.

First of all, one must reconsider the nature of art and its role in our daily lives. As an Art Director of Urban Fine Arts which is a contemporary framed art company I hold what is perhaps nowadays a slightly out of vogue opinion on the nature of art for somebody in my position. That is, I do believe that art should be beautiful (even if it's only a face that mother could love) and I do also believe that art should be in some way "framed" and we shall also reconsider here in a moment exactly what "framed" means.

In-keeping with the popular trend, I don't believe that art should necessarily demonstrate a significant degree of skill in the making and neither do I believe that art need be some high-brow, sacred thing nor that it even need be recognized as art - however, as I say, I do think that art should be beautiful. Its an opinion that has occasionally put me at odds with many of my peers, but its a belief that I would like to argue for in this article and maybe entice you to recognize the art that exists all around you (yes even within the room in which you sit right now) and encourage you to "frame" the artworks so as to appreciate their beauty and just maybe even stretch your notion of beauty that little bit further.

It's been said that "truth, like beauty, is very much in the eye of the beholder" and those of you familiar with this post modern paradigm will also appreciate that any definition of art can be equally subjective.

As an undergraduate I was subjected to the, now standard, induction for all art students which sought to deconstruct the "popular myth" of art as our lecturers saw it. We were told that there existed no rigorous definition of art beyond merely describing it as "that which we understand as art" or "that which hangs in a gallery". Every "popular myth" of art, we were told, had so many exceptions to it so as to prohibit its validity.

Of course, there are many things which our society recognizes as art that are neither beautiful nor could we argue that they involved a significant degree of skill on the part of the artist. On famous example is Marcel Decamps' installation of an upturned urinal entitled "Fountain" which is not something that many of us in layman's-land would recognize as art were we not told that it is art and were we not to find it in an art gallery labeled as such. And yet, Decamps' Fountain is considered a seminal work of the early nth Century.

So, am I now trying to persuade you that your toilet is art and that your toilet seat is the frame? No, not because I don't believe that your humble look is framed art (that's for you to decide), but because I don't believe that intellectual persuasion towards a doctrine of art is ethical or fruitful.

It appears to me futile to argue for a definition of art or seek to produce a litmus test for recognizing it. However, I do think that there is some value at least in challenging people's idea of what is art and encouraging people to frame the art all around you.

Rather than bore you with an intense argument on this subject I will merely provide an example for you to consider.

An art dealer friend of mine through whose hands have passed works of art worth six figures has upon his study wall, not a great work by a recognized master but a worthless looking paper invoice from his water cooler supplier firm. The invoice would be nothing above the ordinary to any casual viewer and its place upon his wall would at first seem bizarre. However, what is significant to him about this particular invoice is that the seemingly random system regenerated number of that particular invoice is the exact date of his daughter's birthday. Add to this that the company happens to be called Gemini which is his daughter's Christian name. The logo for the company is an image of a young girl holding a star in her outstretched hands. The invoice is attached to a pencil crayon drawing his daughter did at school based on a poem the teacher had read to them in class about God. The picture she has drawn is of a star in an outstretched hand with the words written underneath "He holds my world in His hands".

Nothing but a chain of happy coincidence you might say. And, of course, these details are only of significance to him. However, when, as in this case, the object holds huge significance for an individual it becomes as wealthy and significant as any great artwork in any gallery. And when that art is framed within the context of something else we cherish (in this case the child's artwork) the work becomes art purely by the framing and yet the irony is that we only framed it because we first recognized it as art.

Urban Fine Arts - Framed Art Gallery [http://www.urbanfinearts.com/framed-art.php]

J Winter is Art Director at Urban Fine Arts Ltd

Why Black & White Art is Famous

Art can be of any type probably it is liked by large number of people. There is no doubt that some of the things look beautiful only when they are totally natural and doesn't contain any modification. Art generally includes the sincere efforts of the artists and there is one in which lot of efforts are required. This is called as black-white-art. Some people often call it fully natural art and this is mainly because of the reason that everything in this art appears totally natural.

It ay seems that the black/ white-art is simple but actually it is tougher than that colorful art and this is due to one reason and that is in colorful one can add beauty by putting different colors while on the other hand in this art it is not possible and the artists has to take this think in the mind. Generally what happen in case of any colorful is that if there is a slight error occurred at any stage it has a probability to be corrected but when a error is occurred in black- white/art there is no probability that it can be corrected. Some people think that black and white-art is outdated and is generally doesn't demanded by the people but actually the black and white art has lot of demand and especially lot of old people love this art. The best thing about the black and white art is that it can be suited at any place. There are lots of people who prefer this art for their home.

The black white/artists are also considered as best as they have a very unique advantage and that is most of the black and white-artists are able to a colorful art while on the other hand majority of artist that work on colorful arts are not able to have a black - white/art. The black /white can be of any type but always it looks fabulous if the artists have created it through a unique idea.There is no doubt that some of the things look beautiful only when they are totally natural and doesn't contain any modification. Art generally includes the sincere efforts of the artists and there is one in which lot of efforts are required. This is called as black-white-art. Some people often call it fully natural art and this is mainly because of the reason that everything in this art appears totally natural.There are some fine black- white-arts that are difficult to understand and only limited number of people are there who can understands what exactly the art is conveying. This is one reason that some people don't prefer black/ white-art.

Painting Art: A Work of Imagination and Creativity

Painting art can be of various forms, but abstract art is considered to be as the most difficult form of art. This is something that cannot be learned unless the person has high levels of imagination and creativity. Basically, unlike other forms of paintings, this form does not have any particular subject, and only colors and shapes are the subjects in this painting. You might not be able to relate this painting with any other thing because it is purely an imagination that cannot be stolen from the mind of the person who designed the painting.

Abstract art has been in existence since early U.S.S.R. and no body has ever been able to extract any meaning from any of the paintings made till now. It is purely a form of art that is only worth appreciation than learning what is the concept behind it. The main aim of the artist is just to create a beautiful art which goes beyond imaginations and does not restrict itself to a particular society or tradition. It is equal for all the art lovers. It is the best way to depict the beauty of art in the most mysterious way and enhance the way in which colors can be used.

If you want to paint an abstract art, you need to have strong imagination and creativity. An abstract painting art is a means to put different colors, shapes, sizes, and textures together in order to construct an impeccable piece of art that just represents your imagination and thoughts in particular. Not everyone can appreciate or try and understand the meaning behind this art form, but it should not discourage you from adopting this form of art as your passion. Painting art is one of the purest forms of art because it is influenced only by the imagination of the artist, abstract being one of the strongest forms of paintings.

Many people get influenced with music while painting an abstract art. The rhythm of the music becomes the inspiration and depending on the tempo of the music their hands and paint brush moves. The best part about this art is there are no rules, and nothing is either right or wrong. The complete control is in your hands and once you end the painting you will be surprised to see how your thoughts when combined with art can bring such a beautiful result. These paintings are high in demand these days, so even if you wish to take it up as a career option it can be highly fruitful. Painting art, in whatever form, was appreciated, is appreciated and will be appreciated in all the coming years.

Photo Art: The Science Behind Morphing Pictures Into Artworks

Hand-painting is an art that came into being very early in time, right from the prehistoric age, when the only known mode of communication was sketching. The initial crude form evolved through continuous tweaking and fine-tuning, down the generations, to the day when the finest of painters were born to marvel the world with their remarkable and inimitable handiwork. The commoners, till today, and hopefully till a distant future, will be able to appreciate the artistic brilliance and splendor of hand paintings fully. Painting as a booming business in the modern world has promoted the dying art with renewed energy through photo art. People€™s interest in converting their photographs into paintings has led to commercialization of the art which in a way has developed the infrastructure for professionals to earn a comfortable living. Portraits in pencil are equally popular among buyers and patrons of art.

Photo art in the pencil sketch style is considered to be a highly creative concept when it comes to portrait making. Local artists are always enthusiastic about portrait painting in imitation of the subject posing for them. However, portraits in pencil from a photograph will require more than just a person with flair in lines. There are many painting companies that offer creative and expensive-looking paintings through skilled painters who can make brilliant sketches just by the photograph of a person. Pencil sketched portraits make the best gifts ever to people you admire, adore and the families of those who have lost a dear one.

The portraits in pencil are potent and admirable from the eyes of a common man and a man of art alike. Previews are offered to clients before the item is delivered, and redoes are chargeable. So, mail your favorite picture today and get a painting done on it. The painters use sketch inks and fiber-based papers to make the portraitures. Photo art is now a highly popular practice that literally translates photos to paintings manually.

The painters make use of stark colonization techniques that improves the artistic interpretability of the picture, adding a new dimension to the portrait. Use of fine papers, oil colors, brush strokes, etc. transform the AA€˜OA€™ in the picture into something surreal and divine. Photo art services are offered by companies who have a team of experienced candidates who are gifted in painting and sketching, being capable of delivering brow-rising output to clients that will interest new buyers.

The artists are equipped with matte, semi-matte or oily papers, cotton swabs, spatulas, brushes of multiple sizes, etc. to ensure productivity of the best possible quality. However, for pencil sketch, not much is needed. Sketch ink, a paper and canvas are all that they need to imprint the person in the photograph on the paper. The artists not just imitate, bur create a new and much more original version of the person. The painting is likely to reflect not just the same looks as the person in the photograph, but their personal attributes that elevate the artistic value of the work.

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Collecting Fine Art - Some Advice

Great original art gives and lives inside the owner. It distinguishes him/her as an individual. It's best to become informed by utilizing museums, galleries, auction houses, other collectors, art books & periodicals. What is the state of the current art scene? Allow yourself to form opinions. The bottom line must be what turns you on. Do you enjoy subjective or abstract art? Is there an historical period that appeals to you or are you interested in what is being done today (contemporary)? Will your collection focus on a particular region, medium or subject? Do you prefer a certain genre, i.e. impressionism, expressionism, realism. Many people prefer to build an eclectic collection, whereas others prefer to specialize in one type of art. Be careful to avoid fashion trends.
What do you need to look for in a work of art? There are many ways to appreciate and determine quality in fine art. Depending on the artwork in question some elements are more important than others. Breaking a work down into its elemental parts, however, is essential. What is the aesthetic and historical relevance? Aspects such as composition, color, surface, mannerliness, and expressiveness are very important in an abstract piece. Whereas, the narrative, subject, paint quality, play of light or draftsmanship might be more important in realism. Become acquainted with the jargon of art. Understand the difference and function of "decorative art" vs. "fine art." Be concerned about archival quality-will it stand up over time? Learn to recognize quality in all its aspects.
The value of a work of art is not necessarily the same as it's cost. As with any purchase the art consumer is looking for the value to be greater than the cost. Or, put another way, equity is the difference between the purchase price and the appraisal value. Art collectors are savvier today, not as subject to hype and the empty promises of huge investment turn-arounds. Even though art collecting is still one of the best long term investments around it is unrealistic to buy art for the sole purpose of making a financial killing. The bottom line is this: is the personal satisfaction and value you will derive from owning the work of art worth the cost? Watch out for dubious Limited edition prints or starving artist fare, dressed up to look like art.
What makes for a good art investment? In contemporary circles, one determines prices based on the quality of art, the stature of the artist (gallery/museum shows, awards, notoriety, collections, provenance of works, etc) and the fair market value of his/her work. Emerging artists are a good long-term investment if their work is of consistently high quality and if the artist has proven he/she is on a solid career track.
An investment in art will likely appreciate if the work in question has beauty and originality in its favor. Did you know that five percent of the population controls 90 percent of the wealth; these people buy and sell art. Do they know something we don't know? Don't throw your money away but don't be part of the woulda, coulda, shoulda club either. Trust your instincts. How many great pleasures, how many opportunities have passed you by because you didn't trust your instincts? Great artists have a way of tapping into the pleasure centers of the brain. Collecting their art is a kick. If you've been sitting on the bench, get into the game!

Since 1980, Robert Maniscalco's exquisite oil portraits and fine art have become part of over 850 distinguished private and public collections throughout North America. Born in Detroit in 1959, he is the son of internationally renowned portrait artist Joseph Maniscalco, with whom he apprenticed during the early 1980's. He moved to New York City in 1986 where he continued his studies and professional activities. In NYC he also worked as an actor and director on numerous stage, film and TV projects. He returned to Detroit in 1997 after a three year residency in New Orleans. In Detroit he founded the Maniscalco Gallery, which showcased many local and international artists. As host of Art Beat, the critically acclaimed PBS series on Detroit Public Television, he explored the creative process with his celebrated guests.
Excerpt from "Point of Art" by Robert Maniscalco, advice for the serious artist.
Visit my latest SCAN -with recent arts news and information from Robert Maniscalco.

Defining Abstract Art

The term "abstract art" is like the term "modern music" in the sense that it is a very broad umbrella sheltering a wide variety of art. But like "abstract math," the general sense of the term is that it is the opposite of the concrete, or "realism." At one end of the continuum is a painting of a violin so perfectly rendered that we feel we could reach into the frame, pick up the instrument, and play it. At the other end is a canvas painted pure white or black all over. There is nothing in it to reach in and touch.
A simple, common definition of "abstract art" is "not realistic." Yet many artists who call their work abstract, actually do have a subject in mind when they paint. They take a figure or landscape and simplify it, exaggerate it, or stylize it in some way. They are not trying to imitate nature, but to use nature as a starting off point. Color, line, and form are more important to them than the details of the actual subject matter. They want to give a sense or feel for the subject rather than an exact replication.
Historically, the term "abstract" has been associated with a variety of art movements. The cubism of Picasso, Braque and Cezanne was a geometrical abstraction. In the United States, a group also known as the New York school of action painters was defined by critics as "abstract expressionists." Yet the individuals in this group varied greatly in their approaches. Jackson Pollock did overall drip paintings. Mark Rothko painted shimmering color field canvases based on a simple square pattern. Willem de Kooning did not abandon subject matter like the others, but abstracted the female figure in much of his work.
Art that has no intentional beginnings in any subject matter is sometimes referred to as "non-objective," or "non-representational." A related term is "minimalism," or the tendency to take as much away from the painterly surface of the canvas as possible. A white square painted on a white background is an example of minimalism. The end result is not so much the point as the daring it took to get there.
"Modern art" is another term commonly used to refer to abstract art, though originally this term was used to differentiate the experimenters of the twentieth century from the traditional European painters and sculptors. Thus, "modern art" began over seventy years ago, and is no longer new. Many movements in art have come and gone since then. For example, "pop art" incorporates popular culture such as comics and movie stars. Well-known artists of this genre include Andy Warhol, who painted Cambell's soup cans and portraits of Marilyn Monroe; and Jasper Johns, who did a series of flag paintings.
"Contemporary art" is another one of those terms that covers a wide variety of art. The best definition of "contemporary" is the work of any living artist, though the term has also been used to mean art that you would hang in a contemporary home. This sense of contemporary is more like the term "modern," in that it means the opposite of "traditional." Thus, "contemporary art" is also sometimes used to mean "abstract art."
Another way to define the term "abstract art" is to enter it as a search term on Google or Yahoo and look at the results. There will be millions of them, proving that the term is used today to cover a vast amount of art. I use the term "abstract art" to define my own painting because I know that people who love my art tend to define it this way. They often find me by entering the term on Google. Others use the term "modern art" or "contemporary art" to find me.
So where does that leave us in our definition of abstract art? Like most definitions of art movements, the answer is complex. We can look at it historically from an art critic's perspective, or use it as the general public would, to mean something other than traditional realistic representation.
Copyright 2006 Lynne Taetzsch

Lynne Taetzsch is an artist and writer whose contemporary abstract paintings have been exhibited in solo and group shows throughout the world. Described by collectors as “vibrant” and “exciting,” her colorful paintings and prints can be viewed on her website at http://www.artbylt.com.