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.
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.
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 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.)
Cafe featuring various photo artworks from the Modern Gallery & Melbourne Collections. Finish: traditional black & white silver gelatin photographic prints.
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!
‘The Boxers’ photo artwork from the Kings Cross – Sydney Collection. While graphic and bold in visual content, the tones complement the decor.
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