Aug 25
0

SHADOW PLAY & LEAVES – New Collections of Photo Art Inspired by Mother Nature

Posted by Toni Collins | Collections, VR Blog | No Comments

Mother Nature as an influence is a bottomless resource – she just gives and gives and gives.

Megan Morton from her book ‘Home Love’

Drawing upon the guiding hand of Mother Nature, Michael has created two new Collections with beautiful botanical references and the play of light at the inspirational heart of the works.

With compositions featuring elegant simplicity and a glorious contre-jour effect achieved by the photographic technique of having the sun (or other light source) behind the subject. The lighting effect hides details, creates silhouettes and presents a stunning contrast between the delicate natural subject – and the crisp, clean, white background.

Leaves Collection of Photo Art by Michael Collins for VISUAL RESOURCE B

Botanical references and a creative contre-jour lighting effect combine for elegantly simple designs. Top ‘11 Leaves’, Bottom ‘13 Leaves’.

 

Shadow Play Collection of Photo Art by Michael Collins for VISUAL RESOURCE C

Photo artwork from the new SHADOW PLAY Collection. Top ’06 Shadow Play’, Bottom ’04 Shadow Play’.

 

Shadow Play Collection of Photo Art by Michael Collins for VISUAL RESOURCE D

With compositions featuring elegant simplicity and a glorious contre-jour effect – French for ‘against the light’. Top ’02 Shadow Play’, Bottom ’03 Shadow Play’.

 

View the full LEAVES Collection, within the Abstract Gallery.

View the full SHADOW PLAY Collection, within the Abstract Gallery.

 

Aug 05
1

COPYRIGHT – What’s it all about?

Posted by Toni Collins | Q & A, VR Blog | No Comments

“If I see an image I like on the web, that’s free isn’t it?

I can use that image any way I like… right?”

Imagine for a moment…

You are out for breakfast on a Sunday and the woman on the next table has an elegant Louis Vuitton handbag resting on the back of her chair. You think…that is a good-looking bag, well sized; it will perfectly carry my belongings and compliment my outfit. You happen to have left your handbag at home – so you think, ‘I will have that!’ You lean over and take the handbag from the back of the chair. Would you do that? Probably not… because another person owns the bag! If you did take the bag, do you think the original owner would mind?

You can think about artworks, imagery and creative in the same way.

VR Blog Post COPYRIGHT Louis Vuitton Fashion

If you did take the bag, do you think the original owner would mind? You can think about artwork, imagery & creative in the same way.

 

Imagine you see something on the Internet you like and think it will work wonderfully as your kitchen splashback. In terms of ownership: it is safe to assume that the original creator of the image owns the work and if you would like to use it – asking permission is the thing to do.

VR Inspiration for artwork COPYRIGHT Internet Research COUCH COUPLE

The Internet provides great freedom of access to creative works. Please consider, each original artwork has a creator, and the creator is the owner.

 

“But then why have it on the Internet,” you ask? On the Internet, you can see it, you can make a copy of it in an instant, and surely everything on there is free for the taking? Well… actually… no! The creator of an original artwork may wish to promote and share their work, that’s why it’s on the Internet. And while the Internet does provide unprecedented freedom of access to creative works: please consider, each original artwork has a creator, and the creator is the owner.

Just as you intuitively know a handbag seen in a café has an owner…

Now apply the same thought process to imagery and creative you see on the Internet.

Generally speaking, when an original artwork is produced, the creator owns that work, and the right to reproduce an artwork is owned exclusively by the creator. In essence – that is what Copyright is all about. Copyright is a law to protect the rights and ownership of people who create original works.

The words of a qualified legal professional and expert in the field of Intellectual Property law can assist with understanding. Sharon Givoni wrote:

 

  • Copyright – is the right not to be copied.

 

  • Copyright law is intended to benefit creators.

 

  • Copyright law can provide a protection mechanism, with the intent to provide incentive for creatives to create and invest in ideas with confidence.

 

  • Copyright may be a complex area of law, but the underlying message is quite simple: don’t copy!

 

Extract from: ‘Owning It: A Creative’s Guide to Copyright, Contracts and the Law’.

 

This blog article is presented with the intent to increase understanding of copyright. While my explanation is dreadfully simple, of course, a professional in the area of copyright law would expand upon the vast complexities involved when interpreting and defending this area of law. But that is not really the point of the article.

The intent is to present in basic terms, the principle of a creative practitioner having the right to own their work output – along with the notion of a person taking that creative without consent or payment, is equivalent to stealing.

It is something to ponder.

 

VR Blog COPYRIGHT research for artwork inspiration VISUAL RESOURCE

Visual Resource ABSTRACT Gallery landing page. A wealth of creative inspiration at your fingertips. All works are created by VR and are subject to Copyright.

 

Jul 31
0

“Honey – It’s Cold Outside”

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Art Glass - Projects, VR Blog | No Comments

The lure of a warm shower during the depths of winter is hard to beat.

And why not linger longer under the warm spray when you have a treat for the eyes to feast upon as well?

The Port Melbourne apartment enjoys a bathroom boasting a wall sized VR Art Glass feature. Not a tile or grout line in sight! Instead, the sleek and seamless finish of VR Art Glass.

The bathroom design by Sam Robinson was always destined to be fresh and stylishly appointed. The decision to incorporate a wall sized VR Art Glass piece spanning from shower to vanity delivers a statement, as well as a stamp of individuality for homeowners.

The couple selected an image of Brooklyn Bridge for its personal relevance, along with its dramatic architectural stature. The result: the bathroom is beautifully designed, visually engaging and is one of a kind!

Jul 20
0

Wall Art – reflecting the comfort of home

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Artwork - Projects, VR Blog | No Comments

The selection of artwork for the bedroom of this Elwood, Beach Road apartment reflects a playful juxtaposition of two worlds.

One: the heady pace of a busy professional working and living in the city.

Versus the calm, restorative effect a natural, rural landscape gives.

 

Born and raised in the country, the contrasting effect the artwork provides for the homeowner is both aesthetically and mentally pleasing.

 

Wall Art by Visual Resource - photo art by Michael Collins - Hanging Rock 2 reflection

VR Artwork – ‘Hanging Rock # 2’

 

The artwork featured in the character filled Elwood bedroom is VR Artwork ‘Hanging Rock # 2’ from the Classic Gallery. Finished using the ‘Urban Presentation’, which delivers optimum photographic detail and clarity. It is our most premium print finish.

 

The URBAN PRESENTATION consists of:

  • High-gloss chromogenic photographic print
  • Adhered to a perfectly smooth metal substrate
  • High-gloss protective clear laminate to print surface

 

The finish is sleek and efficient in presentation while delivering the highest photographic image quality possible.

It is stunning!

 

VR Artwork - Photographic art by Michael Collins for Visual Resource - Juxtaposition Quote

The selection of artwork for the bedroom of this Elwood, Beach Road apartment reflects a playful juxtaposition of two worlds.

 

 

 

 

Jul 08
0

Crisp white kitchen renovation = elegance personified

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Art Glass - Projects, VR Blog | No Comments

The owner of this sharply renovated Sydney residence had a clear vision for her kitchen…

“The artwork from Visual Resource compliments and reflects the garden that surrounds.
I look at the splashback as a beautiful piece of art hanging in my kitchen.”

 

The kitchen of the Sydney north shore home confidently greets with effortless sophistication.

The finishes: each element carefully selected and few of them, demonstrating minimalist restraint.

The result: the homeowner adores her kitchen, ‘I would not change a thing’, Carol said.

Printed kitchen splashback - VR Art Glass - photographic art NATURES SHAPE 17 by Michael Collins for VISUAL RESOURCE

VR Artwork ‘Natures Shape # 17’, within the Abstract Gallery. The splashback features within the sharply renovated Sydney north shore residence.

 

A kitchen teeming with natural light, adorned by the lush, vivid green garden – it is simply a triumph.

Enough about what we think… the homeowner shared her kitchen joy with VR when she recently wrote:

Hi Toni,

We are very happy with the image that we chose for the splashback and we have had so many compliments.

I look at the splashback as a beautiful piece of art hanging in my kitchen.

You have been a pleasure to work with and we have recommended your company to so many people. When we renovate our next house we would love to work with you again.

Kind regards,

Carol

 

Jun 25
1
VR Artwork - Patterns Neutral # 17 - Photo Art by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

WALL ART – Be Inspired

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Artwork - Projects, VR Blog | No Comments

Do you have blank walls in need of some attention?

Look about… are there any bare walls around you? Maybe today’s the day – that wall has been blank for far too long.

The addition of art in your space is a chance to play and ‘accessorise’.   Accessories bring the finishing touches to a room; they make a space liveable, fun and provide the key to individuality.

Here are a few thought starters to help unleash your inner art buyer…

 

HOW DO I FIND THE ‘RIGHT’ ARTWORK STYLE FOR THE SPACE?

Forget ‘right or wrong’, ‘good or bad’ art. These judgments and criteria are not only completely subjective; thoughts along those lines will stifle and be unhelpful. Here is an alternative…

Your taste in art is entirely personal. Choose something you love!

Art bought with your heart will never disappoint.

 

OPTIONS WHEN SELECTING AN ARTWORK:

Go bold and create a focal point.

  •  Your new artwork does not need to match the paint colour or furniture in your room.
  • If you have mostly neutral furnishings this provides a ‘blank canvas’ if you like… where you can be guided by the artwork that moves you, regardless of its style, shape or colour palette.
  • You may like to make a splash with an abstract photo art (for example): rich in colour along with a sense of movement in the design – adding interest and excitement.
  • Then… you can draw inspiration from the artwork, for items like cushions or vases to reflect some colours from your art. These ‘accents’ will serve to tie the room together.
  • Repeating colours within the artwork (accents), increases the artworks impact in the room.
Wall Art by Visual Resource - PAINTERLY No 12

Art = accessorising = the key to individuality. Abstract photo artwork – Painterly # 12. Creative & bold – the perfect focal point.

 

Or, choose subtle tones to complement your existing décor.

  • An alternative approach when selecting an artwork is to select a piece that blends with your interior – combining colours, shapes, forms and styles that are completely in unison with your interior. This gives harmony where the artwork is a team player, rather than the star.
  • Imagine photo art of a cityscape or landscape for example, finished in black & white or a sepia tone.
Photographic Artwork Mono by Visual Resource - Wall Art

Photo artwork ‘Landscape Mono 03’. The artwork blends with the tones and compliments the natural texture of the interior finishes.

 

THOUGHTS ABOUT ARTWORK SIZE

The scale of the artwork in relation to the area it will be placed is worthy of some thought. Respected interior designer and stylist Shannon Fricke in her book ‘How to decorate’ counsels:

“An oversized canvas hung on a small wall does not make for a harmonious space, and nor does a tiny canvas on a large wall. When the scale is wrong, it doesn’t matter how beautiful the artwork is, the result won’t feel right.”        

 

Tips to help with the consideration of artwork size include:

  • A small piece of art may not work above a large piece of furniture. Use a bigger artwork!
  • The goal is to create balance.
  • If you have a huge wall running the length of your living area, avoid one small artwork. (It may give the impression of a postage stamp on your wall.)

 

The home pictured next is a prime example of a grand scale space, begging for a grand scale artwork.

VR Art Glass Printed Glass Wall Feature Melbourne Skyline Photo Art

VR Art Glass printed glass mural wall – ‘Melbourne Skyline # 7’ – Photo art by Michael Collins for Visual Resource.

 

TIP: a practical way to visualise and decide the right artwork size.

  • Make a template from paper to see how the size looks, within the space.
  • Cut out (brown) paper to the size you are thinking for the artwork. Stick this to the wall with masking tape.
  • Add more (brown) paper to increase the size (if needed), or cut away brown paper to reduce the size (if needed.)
  • Keep experimenting until you feel sure the size (of brown paper representing your artwork size) will suit the space.
  • It’s all about scale!
  • Measure the size of the (brown paper) template. Let VR know the size and VR can prepare a quote for you.

 

How can Visual Resource help?

All VR artworks are prepared to your custom requirements, including the finish and size. We will ask you, ‘what size would you like your finished artwork to be?’ The custom nature of VR artworks gives you great flexibility and the perfect art for your space.

 

HEIGHT FOR HANGING THE ART

  • One tip is to position your artwork so that the centre of the piece is at eye level.
  • 152cm off the floor level is an indication.

 

AND WHAT ABOUT THE PRICE?

Yes it is true, an original photographic artwork from VR does cost more than a poster print from Ikea. But you are getting so much more for your money.

While it is a reality, we all have financial constraints and budgets to work within. Remember, if you find the perfect artwork – it is an investment. (Try to think long term, the price will be long forgotten while you enjoy looking at the artwork for years to come.)

 

Melbourne Wall Art - Photography by Michael Collins for Visual Resource

Cafe featuring various photo artworks from the Modern Gallery & Melbourne Collections. Finish: traditional black & white silver gelatin photographic prints.

Wall Art - Photography by Michael Collins for Visual Resource - Seasons Autumn No 18

VR artwork ‘Seasons Autumn # 18’, seen in the Classic Gallery

 

Try not to be restricted and restrained by your overall decorating scheme when choosing artwork. Instead – go for what you love. Vibrant, dynamic artwork can add interest and pop in an otherwise sedate interior scheme.

Relax and trust your instincts. If it helps… consider that the stakes are not as high as selecting a floor finish or the kitchen design. So be brave and save a blank wall today!

Photo Artwork by Visual Resource THE BOXERS Kings Cross Sydney

‘The Boxers’ photo artwork from the Kings Cross – Sydney Collection. While graphic and bold in visual content, the tones complement the decor.

 

Jun 12
0

Why opt for an original artwork splashback?

Posted by Toni Collins | Q & A, VR Blog | No Comments

You don’t want your home to be just like everyone else’s, and you know individuality lies in the detail. That’s why you’re after a bespoke splashback, because focal points such as this set a home apart and give it a sense of your style and personality.

These days a splashback can be a veritable work of art right in the very heart of your home. This is particularly true if you consider using original photographic artwork as the source of your splashback creative.

Discerning home owners come to Visual Resource because they appreciate that we are first and foremost providers of the highest quality, most stunning bespoke photographic artwork produced by professional photographer Michael Collins. Over the years we have become incredibly skilled in printing these images onto the most spectacular mediums; splashbacks having become one of the most popular choices of ‘canvas’.

WHY OPT FOR AN ORIGINAL ARTWORK SPLASHBACK?

Imagine your next dinner party. Guests come over early in the evening and drinks are poured, nibbles are enjoyed, and conversation flows whilst a meal is prepared. For many of us, it is the kitchen that is the soul of a home and it’s here much of the socialising is done until meals are served.

And it’s moments like this when your original artwork splashback really comes into its own.

Such a splashback is an incredible backdrop – it can deliver the interior anchor for the entire space and be a regular talking point. It can be that coveted feature everyone else envies yet is unlikely to ever have, given its carefully managed limited release.

ALL ORIGINAL ARTWORK REQUIRES DUE DILIGENCE

If you are considering original artwork for your splashback, then it is imperative you research beforehand so that you are assured a bespoke piece. It would be heartbreaking to invest in a supposed original, only to later discover that ‘your’ image is in fact available en-masse, and has been used generically by companies on brochures or merchandise, therefore compromising the integrity of your interior. Removing a splashback is not as easy – nor as cost effective – as simply taking down a framed photograph from a wall…

Dubova WHITE FLOWERS image for a ktichen splashback

The splashback impression is for example only and based on ‘WHITE FLOWERS’, an image created by Dubova – available from Shutterstock. ‘White Flowers’ is not an original artwork created by VR, or offered within VR Collections.

Tshirt mug - could your splashback art end up here

It would be heartbreaking to invest in a supposed original, only to discover that ‘your’ image is in fact available en-masse, used generically by companies on brochures or merchandise. Imagine seeing your splashback image on a T-shirt!

 

WHY VISUAL RESOURCE?

We know this is more than just a splashback – this is a feature in the home you are so carefully creating.

We understand that it is the calibre of the artwork that is of upmost and enduring importance; the glazing and print solution must adhere to this high standard. Approaching this process the other way around – selecting a generic image after the glazing and printing solution – can lead to long-lasting disappointment if not managed by knowledgeable professionals.

Our consultants have extensive experience in this and every other stage of the creative process – we help you select the ultimate artwork for your home, and we work fastidiously to ensure the finished piece is seamless, remarkable, and precisely what you always had in mind.

This is not merely a splashback – this is a work of art in your home.

May 28
1

Wake Up Your Walls: VR Art Glass featuring ‘Melbourne Skyline #7’

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Artwork - Projects, VR Blog | No Comments

Selecting a good artwork can become a major focal point for the room.

When it came to the vast, open plan design of this home…the grand scale artwork has become a focal point from first entry, to lounge, to dining and even from outside!

The wall the artwork occupies enjoys visibility from many vantage points – so it had to be worthy of its premium real estate. Homeowners selected an iconic image of Melbourne from the VR Melbourne Skyline Collection, captured by Photographer Michael Collins. Finished on glass, the VR Art Glass wall feature is every bit as impressive as its setting.

VR Art Glass Wall Feature Printed Glass Splashback

VR Art Glass: printed glass wall featuring iconic photographic artwork ‘Melbourne Skyline # 7’

The homeowners are convinced they found the perfect artwork and finish to compliment the home – both aesthetically and functionally. It’s ‘right’ for the home and people living in it, and they are simply delighted with the end result.

Sometimes a room needs a king hit of something…(especially a room visible from many vantage points within an open plan layout). Mural sized VR Art Glass certainly packs a punch, delivering the impressive and inspired feature the space was crying out for.

VR Art Glass by Visual Resource wall prior to installation

Engineers by profession – the homeowners purpose built the wall with a VR Art Glass feature in mind.

Can you imagine a modest sized canvas on this wall? The scale would be all-wrong and the art in danger of looking as relevant as a postage stamp. The grand scale of the wall called for a suitably grand scaled artwork, as much in visual content as in size.

The art you choose for your walls is one of the ways to make a space yours – the thing that ensures no two spaces will ever be alike – the thing that makes living in your home a pure joy!

VR Art Glass by Visual Resource Wall Art Installation In Action

While the end result may look effortless…these gentlemen would beg to differ! The hard work of installation. Check out the size of the panel !

May 20
0

New Original Photo Artwork Collection from Michael Collins: SEASONS – AUTUMN

Posted by Toni Collins | Collections, VR Blog | No Comments

As I write… I am home looking out the window at the trees preparing for winter. Just the remnants of autumn leaves remain, with bare branches starting to poke through.

I love autumn and would say it is my favourite Season. I think autumn is Mother Nature’s way of encouraging us to be braver with colour. She gives a living example of many colours working together, and they are vibrant, spirited colours too. (There is no ‘white on white’ in sight!)

Her motivation? I like to think Mother Nature is casually inviting us to draw inspiration from the multitude of joyful and vivacious colours autumn puts on display.    

Photographer Michael Collins recently captured the essence and beauty of autumn in a new Collection. A hint of the Collection is here for you to see. For more… please take a wander through the full Seasons – Autumn Collection of works, seen within the Classic Gallery. Enjoy!

02 Seasons-Autumn VR Photo Art by Michael Collins

New works by Photographer Michael Collins: 02 Seasons-Autumn

 

03 Seasons-Autumn VR Photo Art by Michael Collins

New works by Photographer Michael Collins: 03 Seasons-Autumn

11 Seasons-Autumn VR Photo Art by Michael Collins

New works by Photographer Michael Collins: 11 Seasons-Autumn

13 Seasons-Autumn VR Photo Art by Michael Collins

New works by Photographer Michael Collins: 13 Seasons-Autumn

 

May 14
1

VR Art Glass delivers above & beyond… wall art on a grand scale

Posted by Toni Collins | VR Art Glass - Projects, VR Artwork - Projects | No Comments

VR Art Glass: custom photo artwork printed on glass – commands attention while taking centre stage within a modern Rosebud home.

Often described as providing a feature within a kitchen, this home takes the potential of VR Art Glass to new heights.  The vast bulkhead delivered the perfect blank canvas to add an engaging, visually stunning piece of art.

The VR photo artwork ‘Centre Lane’ gives the feeling of a slightly gritty yet vibrant Melbourne.  The movement of the city together with the invitation to sample our café culture – all evocatively on display in the grand kitchen setting of this home.

The original photo artwork created by Michael Collins for Visual Resource was filled with colour.  The homeowner had a particular vision for her artwork, so working collaboratively with VR the artwork was converted to black & white, and then some gentle pops of colour were reintroduced.  With a keen eye for balance, our client guided the creative direction of this piece sensitively and with great success.

VR ArtGlass Printed Glass Melbourne Streetscapes by Photographer Michael Collins

Taking the potential of VR Art Glass to a whole new level. Wall Art within the kitchen – so much more than just a splashback.

VRArtGlass Wall Art Melbourne Centre Lane photo artwork by Michael Collins

‘Centre Lane’ photographic artwork by Michael Collins – customised to meet the creative brief of the homeowner.

 

Of greatest importance – what does the homeowner think of the end result?

She wrote, “I am gobsmacked! Thanks for working with us to achieve this wonderful result.”

VR Art Glass Printed Glass Melbourne Installation Street Art Photography

To put into perspective the scale of this art piece… panels are as tall as the installers.