Cow Art and More June e-news

While we're busy setting up the Cow Art and More art booth at the National Holstein convention, we invite you to take a moment to read our monthly e-news. We always try to share useful tips and information with readers, including how to make the most of your art purchase. Click here to read the Cow Art and More new art, decorating tips, and DIY art project.

Selecting frames and mats

For me, as an artist, the cost of framing a piece of work can be daunting and overwhelming for a top-notch job. It was important for me to remind myself (as a poor graduate student at the time), that I was preserving these works of art for a lifetime. A one time cost for long term enjoyment and preservation. You aren’t going to frame things lots of times, so it is important to do things right the first time and not skimp. Frame selection and mat selection are also important, and some of that is personal preference (I don’t claim to be an expert here!).

Tip contributed by drawing artist Laurie Winkelman.

Friday's art article: How to Mount a Watercolor Painting on Board

This video by Annie Strack (@anniestrack) shows how to mount a watercolor painting on paper to cradled art board.The resulting artwork can be displayed without frames, mats or glass!

Friday's art related article: How To Add Hanging Wire to a Picture Frame

This short video (less than two minutes) details the proper way to add a hanging wire to the back of your framed piece of art.


How to Add Hanging Wire to Photo Frame -- powered by eHow.com

Friday's art related article: How To Select Art for your Home

Today's art themed article helps readers Select Art for your Home. Purchasing art can be an intimidating experience. What if I choose the wrong thing? What if I'm overpaying? What if it doesn't look right in my home? This article helps to put readers at ease by telling them a few key points to consider before making an art purchase.

Friday's art related article: How To Choose the Right Frame For a Picture

A quick video that sums up just how to pick the right frame and mat for a piece of art.

How to Choose the Right Picture Frame For Your Art

Choosing the right picture frame is a big deal for many people. When you have a special photo or painting, the right frame can enhance and draw attention to it.

There are many different types of picture frames on the market today. Big ones, small ones, humorous and elegant, antique or modern; wood, metal ceramic or plastic, choosing the right frame for your photo or painting is very important.

Before you go shopping for frames, look at the picture. Determining what type the picture is will assist you in deciding what type of frame to purchase. If the photo is a professional portrait then you may want to consider a wood or etched frame, something that is somber or elegant. It is also important that you set a limit on how much you want to spend on your frame. Picture frames can range in price for just a few dollars up to hundreds of dollars.

Another consideration is where you will be displaying the frame. Consider the décor of the room and the color scheme. If you are thinking of a colored frame, choose a color that will not only draw attention to the photo, but also blend in with the colors of the room. Many people opt for a natural wood because it not only blends well into any décor, it can also be painted or stained should you change your décor.

The room where you will be placing the picture or painting is a major factor in deciding on which type of frame to use. Choosing a frame for a nursery is very different than choosing one for a living room. A ceramic frame with pink and blue balloons may be perfect for a baby's room, however it does not go well in a living room. It is important that you take into consideration where the frame will be placed.

Choosing the right size frame is critical to any décor. If you have small frames already, choosing a large frame for your photo or painting may seem like it is out of place. Taking the photo with you and placing it in different frames will assist narrowing your choices.

Another factor you want to consider is whether or not you want a border around your photo. A border can enhance a photo, especially if you match it to subtle colors of the photo.

Photos that are lighthearted or humorous are always incredible reminders of a family vacation or special events, and displaying them in frames that match the personality of the photo can give it a more special meaning. This is not always the easiest task, however you will find the right frame.

Choosing a frame for a painting can be a little more tedious, especially if the painting has sentimental value. Paintings of landscapes are beautiful, and you want to display them in a frame that will only enhance the beauty. Elegant frames such as etched wood are the perfect frame for paintings that have a natural beauty all their own.

Choosing the right frame for your photo or painting does not have to be difficult if you decide before hand what you want, the most important factor is finding the perfect frame. If you are having a difficult time in deciding, ask the assist of friends or relatives for their assistance.

Photos come in all sizes, as do picture frames. It can take a while to find the right frame, however when you do, you will proudly display it where everyone can see.

Peter Geisheker is the CEO of The Geisheker Group marketing firm. One of Peter's clients is GNP Frames, a manufacturer of high quality picture frames for photographers and artists.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Geisheker

Friday's art themed article: 5 steps to art appreciation

I still remember when I was first invited to an art gallery by my friends and my instinctive reaction was a feeling of apprehension. It was a strange feeling as I have always loved art especially paintings, so why the anxiety. It dawned on me that I was not worried about experiencing the paintings but how to react to them, what to say and how to converse about them so as to not look like a complete moron to my friends.

This very unusual problem led me to explore and find a simple and down-to-earth approach to art appreciation. The idea is to demystify the process and make it easy to enjoy art. Here are some steps that I came up with to make it an easy learning experience

Tip No. 1 Make it a habit to observe and appreciate art

In order to understand your own specific interests and inclinations in art, develop a habit of observing seriously any art object that you come across be it a painting or a sculpture. We often overlook art objects sitting right in front of us. How many of us honestly take some of the free minutes in our office to look at the paintings on our office walls.

If we spend sometime in observing and appreciating art that we are exposed to in everyday life, we will learn a great deal about what things attract and appeal to us the most and also what are the things that you dislike. In a nutshell you will understand more clearly your likes and dislikes in art

Tip No. 2 Develop your own unique art sense

Once you have spent some time in examining your own preferences in art, you can move towards understanding the forms of visual art that connect with you most. For some it is the lifelike representations in sculpture and for others it is the ability of a painter to depict a memory in vivid colors. To many of us all art forms are a treat for the senses and a tribute to the efforts of the artist

As you organize your own reactions to different forms of art, you will learn to recognize small differences and minor variations of colors and shapes that make a painting likeable or not so appealing to you

Tip No. 3 Research the pieces that you like

Now that you have an understanding of the colors, shapes and styles that interest you the most you should research these further to see if they represent a specific art style or a particular form of art, for example in paintings it could be abstracts, figurative or a combination of colors and theme that represent a definite pattern and style of painting

As you progress further, this research will help you to find more and more distinctively the artists and the media that you like the most. Many a times the styles and colors that appeal to us have a special meaning for us and may originate from a specific region of the world or maybe an art form that we were exposed to early in life and has left a significant impression on us. Sometimes it is the art that you experienced on a great vacation that left great memories and gave you a strong liking for it for life, the reasons for liking some art form are endless some thought to it may give you some clues

Tip No. 4 Refine your art sense

You have already explored and created your own art personality and are equipped with the knowledge of the styles of art that appeal to you the most. Your research has provided you with enough information to feel confidant to give reactions to different styles and also decide what appeals to you in different paintings whether it is the artist's attempt to express his feelings or the emotions the painting evokes in you.

A very important tool that can help to refine your art sense is to keep an art journal. Before you get put off by this seemingly complex work let me quickly point out that it is the simplest form of keeping a dairy. It is a log of the art pieces that you see and your reactions to each piece, this log can be an important means in refining and enriching your unique art sense. Another important benefit of this art journal is that it can serve as a very effective way of relieving stress. No kidding...keeping an art journal is one of the key activities in art therapy which is a form of therapy that uses creativity and art in the healing process

Tip No. 5 Open up to new experiences in art

The last and most significant tip in the art appreciation process is to keep your mind open and receptive to new art experiences. One of the disadvantages of having developed a definite pattern of likes and dislikes in your art personality is to get trapped in this pattern. Do not cage yourself in this citadel of your own creation but remain open to new and totally different creations and art forms.

The whole purpose of art appreciation is to open your subconscious mind to be receptive to new experiences and creations. You will be amazed when you read your own art log as time passes to see your tastes change over time to different themes and styles. Always remember that the objective of art appreciation is to recognize and understand your own love of art and artistry.

For more info please email the author at anudarbha@paintandcraft.com

If you are an art lover please visit my art related websites http://www.artseden.com and http://www.paintandcraft.com for a unique art experience

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anu_Darbha

Friday's art themed article: PROTECTING ART FROM HEAT

Is it hot enough for you? Is it too hot for your artwork? Today's art themed article discusses measures people can take to protect their art from hot weather. A few simple steps can prevent irreversible damage to that beloved piece of artwork.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: SELECTING MATS FOR ART

Today's article of interest to art enthusiasts is on different considerations for selecting mats for an art purchase. While a frame is important to a piece of art, mats are just as important for helping to complement the piece. This article goes over some basic considerations in selecting the right mat for a piece.

Friday's art themed article: How to Hang and Properly Showcase Your Artwork

If the walls in your home seem a little too plain, try livening up your living space with some art. Framed photos or paintings are a great way to show your style and add personality to a home. Sadly, many wince at the tricky business of properly hanging art. Fortunately, you've come to the right place. These simple guidelines will help you get that artwork looking great and hanging level in no time.

To start, take your available wall space into consideration. Are you looking for a piece that will dominate the living room, or just something that will add interest to a small section of a hallway or staircase? There are frames and art for almost every situation, so be sure you know what you're looking for before you buy. You'll also want to make sure that the artwork doesn't clash with your existing furniture or color scheme. For instance, abstract works of art will generally fit better with IKEA furniture than a classic Victorian style, though of course the choice is up to you. Also, if you plan on being able to see the art, make sure the area you choose is well-lit.

Once you've got your artwork, it's time to figure out your placing options. Most experts recommend hanging art so that the center of the piece rests at eye level, usually around 60 inches from the floor, although this will obviously not always be possible. Measure and plan carefully before installing hanging fixtures, as you don't want your wall to end up full of holes from botched attempts.

If you're hanging a series or set of pictures together, place the most important one in the middle position, since the eye will be naturally drawn to it. Differently sized pictures will look more level if aligned along their centers rather than their edges.

Now that you've got your artwork and your location, it's time for the hard part, actually hanging the picture. You'll want the picture to rest flush against the wall, and of course, hang levelly. Your own gallery hanging system should be easy to use, simple to install, and most importantly, sturdy and reliable. Avoid using a wire hanging system, as they tend to slide around and become crooked, however, if you must use a wire hanger, try using two hooks instead of one for added stability. Hooks with more acute angles will also hold a picture better and rest flusher with the wall. If possible, though, try solid fixtures such as D-rings or triangle loops instead, as these are much more reliable. Another excellent option are bracket cleats, which securely lock the artwork in place, and are very sturdy. Double-check the fixtures to make sure that they're level. If they're not, you'll have to adjust your wall-mounted fixtures to compensate.

Carefully mark where the fixtures will end up on the wall, and install the other end of your fixtures. Make sure to use a level before and after installation to make sure that you are completely straight. If hanging your art from drywall, make sure your fixtures are well anchored in a stud in order to prevent cracking or tearing.

If you've done everything correctly, you should now have an attractive piece of artwork that looks great, straight, and steady. Enjoy!

Many thanks to guest author Steven Rosen for this post.

Steven Rosen is a marketing consultant and content writer for AS Hanging Systems. He has an educational background in marketing and communications and is quite the handyman in terms of home improvements and decor.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAINTING FOR YOUR LIVING ROOM

The living room is generally the place people use the most. It makes a great area for family to congregate or to entertain guests when they visit. Choosing artwork to beautify the space can be an overwhelming decision. Today's article, "How to choose the right painting for your living room, " helps to simplify the points people need to consider when making such a decision.

Friday's article of interest to art enthusiasts: HOW TO START AN ART COLLECTION

Starting an art collection can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. The article, "Easy Steps to Start an Art Collection," is a great resource for any beginner. It gives advice on art education, selection and budgeting. Article author, Sylvia White, is an artist career consultant from California. She also has her own art gallery, also in southern California.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: FRAMING YOUR FINE ART

Who doesn't have questions when it comes to framing your fine art purchase? There are so many considerations: frame, mats, glass. The entire process can be overwhelming! Today's article to share with art enthusiasts is by Dr. Lori on Fine Art Framing. Dr. Lori is a nationally syndicated columnist and has a Ph.D. in art history. She has had multiple television appearances discussing art and its value. In this article, she discusses the different options and points everyone should consider when framing an art original or art print.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAINTING FOR YOUR SPACE

Not only is choosing art a very personal decision, it needs to be somewhat practical as well. The article, "Choosing the right painting for your space," gives readers a few points to consider when selecting artwork for a wall.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: THE ART AND ANTIQUES DEALERS LEAGUE OF AMERICA

Knowing that many of the readers of this blog enjoy antiques and heirloom art, today's website of interest is the Art and Antiques Dealers' League of America. The Art and Antique Dealers League of America, Inc. is the oldest and principal antiques and fine arts organization in America. This group assists buyers in finding, purchasing and appraising works of antique art.

As a nonprofit membership organization, it is devoted exclusively to the best interests of dealers and buyers of antiques and works of art, and to the encouragement of educational and cultural activities in the arts generally. Each dealer member must be well-established, with art objects of the highest quality. Each member subscribes to and strictly observes the league's code of ethics.

Friday's article of interest to art enthusiasts: HOW TO PACK ART FOR SHIPPING

Since we're moving into the holiday gift giving season, I wanted to share with blog readers an article on How to Pack Artwork for Shipping. Properly packing artwork is essential for it to arrive at its destination unharmed. This article discusses how to package and ship framed and unframed art prints.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: HOW TO BUY ART ONLINE

Today's art related article to share is How to Buy Art Online. Making an art purchase is tough, but buying it online can make it even tougher for those who are traditional about wanting to see art before making a purchase. This article details a few of the items people can consider before making an art purchase over the internet.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: HOW TO CHOOSE ART FOR A BEDROOM

Today's art themed article to share is "How to Choose Art for a Bedroom." The article details how the bedroom is generally not "on display" like other rooms in a home and deserves special attention.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: CREATING AN IN-HOME ART GALLERY

Today's art related article of interest is actually entitled, "How to Create a Gallery of Vacation and Travel Memories." It is actually more focused on helping people to prepare and hang art work surrounding vacations, trips and the associated family memories. I think it's a good article and can practically apply to anyone trying to hang a group of two-dimensional pieces of art in a room.