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The World of Art

How to Frame an Artwork

When you think about framing art, it’s natural to start by considering your decor. Not so fast, the most common mistake we see is people choosing a frame to match their home, rather than to complement the art. If you choose something timeless, you only need to frame it once and you can move it from room to room, and decor style to style. And remember, the frame can make as much of an impact as the piece itself. Framing is a decorative art, even simple gallery frames yield an aesthetic.

What is Expressionism?

Expressionism puts the personal and emotional at the forefront of art, with subject matter and accuracy as the last of its worries. In fact, the term “Expressionism” was coined by Czech historian Antonin Matějček in 1910 to specifically mean the “opposite” of Impressionism.

The Beauty of Black & White

Depending upon the genre, and the use of grey, which softens the contrast, the beauty of black and white artwork is that it suits all types of interiors, from traditional to the most modern, from serious to playful.

What is Cubism?

The Cubist painters rejected the inherited concept that art should copy nature, or that artists should adopt the traditional techniques of perspective, modeling, and foreshortening. They dismantled traditional perspective and modeling in the round in order to emphasize the two-dimensional picture plane.

What is Impressionism?

Instead of painting in a studio, the impressionists found that they could capture the momentary and transient effects of sunlight by working quickly, in front of their subjects, in the open air rather than in a studio.

Understanding an Artist's Style

Each artist has his or her own personal art style, which is developed throughout his or her lifetime. An artist's style can change and adapt as the artist grows as both an artist and as a person.

What is Artistic Style?

An artist's style is basically the manner in which the artist portrays his or her subject matter and how the artist expresses his or her vision. Style is determined by the characteristics that describe the artwork, such as the way the artist employs form, color, and composition, to name just a few.

What is an Art Movement?

The concept of "movements" in art is usually linked to a specific time in history. Although art styles can be resurrected from the past, the movement itself is still anchored in its original position on the art history timeline.

What is a Serigraph?

Seri comes from the Latin work for silk and graphein, from the Greek, means to write or draw. The origin of screen-printing may have been in Japan, where artist made large, delicate paper cuttings in which the elements were joined and held together by human hair. The hairs served as stencil ties without interfering with the printmaking process.

What is a Monoprint?

A monoprint or monotype refers to any print made in one version and incapable of being exactly duplicated. It cannot be editioned. They may be unique prints or variations on a theme.

What is a Linocut?

A linoleum cut or "linocut" is a relief print carved into linoleum rather than wood. Linoleum is composed of burlap coated with linoxyn; polymerized oil mixed with ground cork and pigments. The best grade, battleship linoleum, is usually brown or gray.

The History of Woodcuts

During the 1700's and 1800's Japanese artists produced outstanding woodcuts that greatly influenced such European artists as Degas, Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec and Van Gogh. In the 1900's expressionist artists such as Ernst Ludwig Kirchner of Germany and Edvard Munch of Norway created many fine woodcuts.

What is a Woodcut?

To create a woodcut, the artist draws a design on a piece of wood sawed lengthwise across the grain. Pine is the wood most commonly used, although fruitwoods such as pear or cherry may also be used. After smoothing the surface, the wood may be hardened by treating it with shellac. This makes it more durable under the pressure of a press and also makes it easier to carve strong, bold images.

The History of Lithography

In the 19th and early 20th century many people saw lithography only as a less expensive means to own a work of art by a well-known painter. However many European artists began experimenting with lithography soon after its invention in 1798. Some of these early masters included Eugene Delacroix, Pierre Bonnard, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Edvard Munch.

What is a Lithograph?

Designs are drawn or painted on a level, porous surface with a greasy material, such as conte crayon, grease pencil or a greasy substance called tusche. The most commonly used surfaces are limestone or plates made of metal or plastic. After the image is drawn, the stone is dampened and ink is applied with a roller. The greasy image repels the water and holds the oily ink while the rest of the surface does the opposite.

How to Properly Care for Watercolors

Watercolors should be framed with UV protection glass to prevent any damage from moisture or sunlight. Getting a watercolor wet will result in sever damage to the pigmentation and could potentially ruin the artwork.

How to Properly Care for Acrylic Paintings

Acrylic artworks should be dusted lightly with a soft brush. Acrylic is a water-based pigment and could be damaged with moisture or water.

How to Properly Care for Oil Paintings

Oil paintings are strong. The pigmentation hardens over time and often will be varnished making it extra resilient, however occasionally they will get dusty and need special care to help them look their best.

Are Limited Edition Prints Collectible?

The exclusive nature of a limited edition print effectively raises its value and, therefore, its price. Although there are many factors to consider, because they are limited to a certain number and can never be duplicated again in the same capacity, they are often prized and sought after by collectors and art lovers alike.

Why Collect Art?

No matter what your motivation may be for collecting art, we will help to introduce you to the world of art and its various aspects. Knowing where and how to begin your collection will make your journey into art collecting a much more satisfying and enjoyable one.

What is an "Edition"?

When considering purchasing a limited edition print, it is crucial to note the "edition" size or "edition" number. The edition number can often be found written in pencil directly below the print image on the left side or opposite the artist's signature.

What Are Limited Edition Prints?

Limited edition prints are either original works or are limited production runs of already existing artwork in collaboration with the artist himself. These prints are usually created in "editions" and are often signed and numbered by the artist.

What Is An Open Edition Print?

Given their non-exclusive nature, open edition prints are fairly easy to come by. They can be purchased online, in museums and other gift shops, second hand stores and also at large retailers.

How to Care for Your Artwork

When it comes to material, not all artworks should be considered equal. It is important to note the types of artwork you have and how to care for them. Today, we'll give you some quick and easy ways to effectively keep your art collection looking its absolute best.

Limited vs Open Edition Prints

If you're simply hoping to beautify your home with recognizable artworks at a reasonable price the best option for you may be to consider open edition prints. If you're more serious about art collecting and would like to acquire an artwork with a bit more panache and something which may possibly increase in value over time, then limited edition prints would be the way to go.

Introduction to Art Collecting

For some it is about a sense of community and friendship, and for others it is about being at the forefront of contemporary culture and international style. Some see art as a keen investment, while others see it as the purest form of artistic expression and emotional connection.