Brush stroke on textured background poster with Black Frame

Brush stroke on textured background poster

Attractive poster design for a unique and interesting wall art. The subtle colors will surely make any wall look remarkable. The brush stroke pattern also will add texture to the walls. A cool and fantastic poster art to display in any room for a trendy and contemporary room appeal.

The Impressionism

Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies poster

Impressionism was a movement that started in the late 1800s. It was mainly focused on painters of Paris and rebelled against classical subject matter and embraced modernity. The artworks usually feature how light could define a moment in time, with color providing definition instead of the usual black lines. As such, painters of the movement practiced painting outside. This style has long been embraced as one of the most popular and influential art styles in Western history. 

The origin of Impressionism

The movement was formed in the 1860s when a group of painters including Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir pursued painting outside together. These artists discovered that they shared an interest in painting landscape and contemporary life rather than historical or mythological scenes. They often used countryside scenes as their subject in their artworks. 

One of the key personalities of Impressionism was Edouard Manet. He is known for his early influence on and close friendships with the members of the movement. The movement adopted many of the techniques of Manet especially his embrace of modernity as subject matter and the spontaneity of his brushstrokes, together with the use of color and lighting. 

The movement was formally announced in 1874 in a show that was hosted by the Paris photography studio of Felix Nadar. The name Impressionist was based on one of the paintings of Claude Monet, Impression, Sunrise. 

Claude Monet

Claude Monet was the leader of the Impressionist movement. His works were known for their brief brush strokes and fragmented color application. These made their way into the works of others. Monet was very much interested in the passage of time in his portrayal of light. These are seen in his series of paintings capturing Rouen Cathedral at different times of the day and year. His knowledge and skills in Impressionism were further enhanced with his series of paintings of the waterlily pond. 

Pierre-August Renoir

Renoir was regarded as one of the leaders of the Impressionist movement. He likewise shared the interests of Claude Monet but mostly preferred to capture artificial light in places like dance halls and directed his studies of the effects of light on figures, especially the female form. Renoir also preferred “everyday life” as his subject matter. 

Final Thoughts

Impressionism is one of the most important movements in the history of modern painting. Artists of the movement tried to put on canvas the impression of how a landscape, thing, or person appeared to them at a certain moment in time. This meant that artists used lighter and looser brushwork than traditional painters. These styles pushed the emergence of modern art as well as the philosophy of the avant-garde.

Claude Monet – The French Impressionist

The Four Trees poster

Claude Monet is a famous French painter and was also known for the birth of the art movement Impressionism. This is due to his works that have captured light and natural forms. He was born in 1840 in France and studied in Academie Suisse. He suffered from depression, poverty, and illness. Monet died in 1926. 

Early life

Claude Monet was one of the most famous painters in the history of art. He was also known to be the key person in the development of the Impressionist movement. He spent most of his childhood in Normandy where his family moved when he was only five years old. He then developed his passion for art where he started with caricature. He was then encouraged by his father to do painting, which he enrolled in Academie Suisse. After several years of experimenting with different art forms, he met with the Swiss painter, Charles Gleyre and worked with Alfred Sisley, Auguste Renoir, and Frederic Basille. 

Life as an artist

It was known that Claude Monet loved to work outdoors and often with the company of Sisley, Renoir, and Basille. He was also accepted at the Salon of 1865, which was an annual juried art show in Paris. Two of his world were chosen for this event. However, even with the spotlight on him, he still experienced financial struggles. 

Just like many artists, Claude Monet sometimes was not satisfied with his works and has destroyed a number of his paintings. One of his notable works, “Impression, Sunrise” (1873), featured Le Havre’s harbor in the morning fog. The goal of his works was to capture the essence of the natural world with the use of strong colors and bold, short brushstrokes. He also adopted some elements of industry into his landscapes making his works look more contemporary. With this signature in his works, he started to exhibit with the other Impressionists until the 1880s. 

Claude Monet’s personal life

Even his personal life was filled with struggles. During the second pregnancy of his wife, Camille, she succumbed to a deteriorating illness. Claude Monet even painted a portrait of her on her death bed. After the death of Camille, Claude Monet painted a set of paintings, the Ice Drift series. Claude then became romantically involved with Alice Hoschede and got married in 1892 after the death of her husband.

It was in the late 1880s and 1890s that Monet gained financial success as his paintings became well-known. While in Giverny, he loved to paint in the gardens that he helped create. A series of paintings about water lilies in the pond were some of his notable works. The Japanese-style bridge over the pond became the subject of several works as well. 

Claude Monet traveled to find more inspiration. Once, he rented a room across the Rouen Cathedral in northern France and painted a series of paintings of the building. These works clearly showed his interest in the different effects of light. 

He helped in changing the world of art by introducing new things in the field and doing away with the traditional. He was also the key person in influencing later artists such as Jackson Pollack, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning. 

Later years

Unfortunately, Claude Monet suffered depression in his later years. He felt that his life was a failure and that he intends to destroy his paintings before he disappears. Still, he continued to paint until his last days. He died on December 5, 1926, in Giverny. 

The 80s Design – Going Back In Style

Orange Color abstract shapes poster

The 1980s interior design can be described as complex as it consists of metallic accents, prominent angles, and curves. The good thing about it is it can easily be integrated into other design styles. From bright colors to flat designs and numerous geometric figures, the 1980’s design can boost modern interior.

The modern appearance of the 80s reflected the “less is more” approach together with the minimalist spaces that highlight the clean-lined furniture. The surfaces characterized to be reflective was achieved with the use of mirror, chrome, and glass. These were used to visually enlarge the room. Gray was usually seen on the walls wherein other colors such as white could easily be combined. White was likewise popular during the decade together with contemporary lighting fixtures.

The events in the 80s

The decade was marked by socioeconomic change due to advances in technology. It is also a period of moving away from the planned economy and gearing towards laissez-faire capitalism. Many believed that this change in the global economy is attributed to the “Reagan Boom” in which there was a drastic increase in job employment and economic expansion in the United States.

Multinational manufacturing companies relocated to various countries such as Thailand, Mexico, South Korea, China, and Japan, providing these countries with economic growth and a decrease in the unemployment rate. 

This is also the decade of the end of the Cold War between the United States and the USSR that almost escalated to the use of nuclear weapons in both countries. The collapse of Soviet communism also happened during the decade, wherein the United Kingdom and the United States started a trend in international trade that would eventually be used in the succeeding decades. 

With these developments in the developed countries, the developing countries on the other hand are having financial crises and an increase of debt from the International Bank and the World Bank is evidently observed. 

The AIDS epidemic was recognized during the decade as well as global warming which has started to become a problem. 

Designing your home the 80s way

Designs that were popular in the 80s are making their come back these days and it is not difficult to integrate them into other designs. Try to adopt these ideas and create a comfortable and nostalgic vibe in your home. 

  • Chintz – a printed multicolored cotton fabric with a glazed finish, used as curtains and upholstery.
  • Pastel colors – soft pastels were commonly used in the 80’s interior decoration. The application of white in generous amounts could intensity the soft colors of the pastel.
  • Country style – the design refers to the aesthetic that represents rural farmhouse-like design. This has gained popularity due to the simplicity it projects. Pastel and bright colors will blend well with the country-style design. Materials used in this style include rocks, wood, and other natural elements.
  • Verdigris – blue-green tarnish on certain metals after they were left outdoors for a long period of time. Metals such as bronze, copper, and brass get verdigris due to exposure to moisture and air. 
  • Memphis-inspired Design – this design was made popular by Memphis Milano in which includes bright looks and bold geometric patterns. 
  • Open kitchens – the purpose of the open kitchen is to avoid the isolation of the person who is using the kitchen from the actions simultaneously happening in the other rooms such as the living room and the dining area.
  • Shabby chic design – white and antique in appearance coupled with sofas covered with quilted comforters and simple grommets. 
  • Japanese Zen – Zen is known for its simplicity and spiritual appearance with the use of elements such as pebbles arranged neatly in certain areas. 

 

Traditional Or Transitional Interior Design Style – Your Choice

Vintage light blue car poster in interior

Over the years, various interior design styles have been used by homeowners and designers to make their homes look perfect. Traditional and Transitional interior design styles are two of the favorites of many homeowners and designers. Both may have many similarities, but there are elements that make them special from each other. The first thing to do is to study the two styles and choose which one best fits your taste. When you do some comparing, you will notice that there are obvious differences that make each style extraordinary. Read on to learn more about the two interesting design styles. 

Traditional style – what it really is?

The traditional interior design style is characterized by ornate interiors that are inspired by a 17th or 18th-century European countryside home. The appearance is often warm, inviting, elegant, and luxurious. The interior usually features furnishings and decors that have curves and elegant designs. The traditional interior design style is also marked by elegant furniture pieces, intricate woodworks, heavy drapery, and different patterns. This design style will surely bring the past to the modern world. 

Characteristics of Traditional design style

The traditional design style is influenced by 19th-century European decor. It is a timeless design that evokes comfort and elegance. The presence of and antiques and classic art pieces complete the appearance of your home. 

It is also important to have dark and rich colors especially with the materials used. Examples of colors that are commonly seen are red, brown, and green tones. Floral prints and plaids are likewise common. When it comes to furniture pieces, they are often large and elegant. These include china cabinets, chandeliers, decorative pillows, mirrors, vases, and candleholders.

The beauty of the Transitional design style

The transitional interior design style blends well with contemporary and traditional styles. It is a combination of both classic and modern furniture and finishes. The appearance of the interior is less uptight and more relaxed. The addition of textiles, wood tones, and other decorative textures gives depth to the rooms. If you love the combination of classic and modern looks against a neutral backdrop, then this design style is the right one for you.

Characteristics of Transitional design style

Sometimes it is confusing to know the differences between traditional and transitional interior design styles. However, knowing the principles and significance of the characteristics will give you an idea of which style works best for you. Here are some of the common characteristics o the design style that you will surely adore.

The combination of classic curves and modern lines in a neutral setting brings the best to your home. It is also common to see comfortable furnishings and soft lines. The color palette is usually kept minimum. In addition to these, the motif is usually elegant and timeless. These characteristics create a more modern appeal. 

Which works best for you?

Now that you already have some idea about traditional and transitional interior design styles, you will be able to decide which style to use in your homes. The two styles may have many similarities, yet they both have the respective traits that make them even more extraordinary. 

A Brief History Of Posters As An Art

Art wall 150

Poster art is one of the most common forms of art and probably the most straightforward when it comes to sending messages and information. Posters use graphical and textual elements and are designed to attract attention. It also aims to give information as brief yet accurate as possible. However, popular posters are, they are still underestimated by many people. Many do not accept it as a form of art since posters are now mass-produced. Read on to learn why posters are still considered art. Hopefully, at the end of this article, you will have a different perspective about posters and be able to fully appreciate them.

The ancient times

Modern posters or the posters that we know these days emerged between the 1840s and 1850s. However, if you are going to study it further, poster as a medium dates back to the prehistoric period. Cave paintings from the Ancient Middle East and Egypt are the earliest examples of what we call posters. 

Production of posters then was limited due to the availability of technology. It was in the 1860s when Jules Cheret developed a new lithographic process. The three-stone lithography was more affordable yet with richer and more expressive colors. This was also influenced by Ukiyo-e woodblock prints in Japan. With these developments in poster technology, he was known as “The Father of the Fine Art Poster.”

Pioneers of Posters

Jules Cheret was not the only one who developed poster printing. The golden age of the poster saw the spread of poster art beyond Paris and throughout Europe. Posters were used in circuses, sporting events, cabarets, and others. Name like Theophile Steinlen’s advertisements for the Parisian cabaret Le Chat Noir is one of the iconic poster art from the Golden Age movement. The end of the 19th century marked the growth of posters as art. This period is what they call the Belle Epoque.

Many art movements can be traced and influenced by other periods such as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Modern Contemporary Art Movement. Among the names that are associated with the development of modern posters are T. Privat-Livemont, Dudley hardy, Eugene Grasset, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Jules Cheret. In the United States, posters were used in advertisements such as Ringing Bros. 

Posters in the United States were more subtle and realistic. They had subdued colors and simpler compositions. It was Edward Penfield who started these kinds of posters and they were even welcomed warmly in Europe. 

Propaganda posters

Posters became popular as a medium for rallying cry and calling to arms. The most iconic poster during the propaganda era was Lord Kitchener Want You by Alfred Leete. It practically captured the true essence of the poster as a medium that speaks directly to its viewers. Post World War I, the Art Noveau was considered to be old-fashioned and obsolete. The rise of Art Deco and the modern art movements in Europe caused the resurgence in the popularity of posters. It showcased new aesthetics but still, posters never became prevalent as compared during the Golden Age. 

Posters in the present day

Today, poster art is becoming popular, They are ubiquitous in homes and many public areas. Typography posters with inspirational and personalized text are used to motivate people while graphic posters were influenced by past and contemporary art movements. Posters also had new purposes such as reproducing popular paintings and advertising. 

Pop Art And How It All Began

Monroe Lines Iconic poster

Pop Art or popular art started in Britain and the United States in the mid-1950s. It was actually a movement that challenged the traditions of fine art that includes images from advertising and news. The term Pop Art was first used during the discussions among artists, known as the Independent Group. The movement embraced popular culture or what is also called the “material culture”. The artists during that period responded to the need for clever advertising and building more forms of mass communication. 

The movement

The movement was established by the British art critic, Lawrence Alloway in an article, “The Arts and Mass Media”, that was published in 1958. Some textbooks also point to the collage of Richard Hamilton, “Just What Is It Makes Today’s Home So Different and So Appealing?” in 1956 signaled the arrival of Pop Art. The collage was shown in the show, This Is Tomorrow at Whitechapel Art Gallery in 1956. This marks the official beginning of the movement. 

Pop Art completed the Modernism movement in the early 1970s. I also ended the said movement with its investment in anything contemporary. 

Characteristics of Pop Art

Here are the key characteristics of Pop Art that you will find in many arts these days:

  • Familiar images and many are drawn from popular media and products.
  • Images have very bright colors
  • Flat imagery is influenced by comic books and newspaper photographs.
  • The presence of images of celebrities or fictional characters in comic books, advertisements, and fan magazines.
  • The innovative use of media in sculptures. 

The development

Long before the establishment of the movement, there already has been an integration between fine art and popular culture. In 1855, French realist painter Gustave Courbet symbolically pandered to popular taste by including a pose taken from the print series, Imagerie d’Epinal. It featured brightly painted scenes that were invented by Jean Charles Pellerin, a French illustrator. This strategy was also employed by the Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso. 

Marcel Duchamp, the pioneer of Dada pushed Picasso’s consumerism by introducing the actual mass-produced object into the exhibition. These were the bottle rack, a snow shovel, an upside-down urinal, and these were called the Ready-Mades. 

The American Pop Art

One of the key personalities in American Pop Art was Andy Warhol. He understood shopping as well as the allure of celebrity. Along with Post-World War 2 obsessions drove the economy of the country. He has captured the authentic beauty of America and is known as one of the best-known artists associated with the movement. Some of his popular works were the images of Mick Jagger, Marilyn Monroe, and Campbell’s Soup cans. These images have been popular household images and they were reprinted on shirts, posters, and mugs. 

American Pop Art evolved to try reversing the elitist and abstract trend. This was achieved with the introduction of images as a structural device in painting. Some of the popular names in American Pop Art are Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Robert Indiana, George Brecht, Billy al Bengston, John Wesley, Jess Collins, and Richard Pettibone. 

Decorating Your Walls With Wall Accessories

Art wall 87

Having your own place is one of the most exciting things that can happen to your life. Having your own apartment is a package deal that requires your attention. It includes cleaning and disinfecting the space, buying new things such as furniture and appliances, and of course decorating it. 

After cleaning and placing the furniture pieces in their respective places, you noticed that the room still appears bland and boring due to those blank walls. Blank walls can be an eyesore, especially if you do not have the resources, such as time and money. However, it does not have to be that way. There are affordable ways to decorate them and make the room look more appealing. This can be done with wall accessories

Stunning wall accessories

Here are some decorative wall accessories that will make your wall look remarkable. Try them on and tell your walls who’s the boss:

Color Swatch Gallery Wall

Print any color of your choice on a piece of paper then frame them in a grid. The size of the color should be large enough to be seen from afar. This is best when placed in the kids’ room or in the craft room.

Oversized photo

Blow up your own photo, preferably in black and white to have that classic and elegant appearance. Hang it on a wall to create a meaningful yet affordable piece of art.

Bikes on the wall

Who says bikes are only for riding. Contemporary wood mounts are hip and can hold your amazing bikes when not in use. A unique style of decorating your walls with unusual accessories.

What’s the date today?

Look for an oversized calendar from shops and hang them on the wall. This is ideal in the office or family kitchen.

Green chalkboards

Chalkboards are not for teaching only. This can provide a classic vibe that cannot be provided by other decorative wall accessories. Write something on it or draw a picture, this item can be versatile as you can change what’s written every time you feel like it.

Go green with planters

This is an affordable way to spice up your walls. Use low-maintenance succulents in wall-mounted planters to enjoy the benefits of indoor plants.

Living wall

A full-scale wall-mounted garden that brings life into your home. Just remember to choose a wall where they can be recognized and appreciated immediately.

Modern tapestries

Remember the tapestries found in castles during the Medieval Age? The same principle, however, with a twist. You may use a beaded wall hanging with an attractive design to accentuate the furniture pieces and other decorative items.

Wooden ledge

A functional design of the wall. The wooden ledge can be used to display different items such as framed photos, souvenirs, keepsakes, vases, and other decorative items. This is a good choice especially if you are the person who wants to change the appearance of your house from time to time. 

Mirror mirror on the wall

Hanging mirrors never goes out of style. Depending on the size of the room, you may hang a mirror in your room to give you a stylish appearance. In addition to that, the mirror can also reflect natural light and can create an illusion of having a larger room. 

Lisbon Typo poster

Lisbon Typo poster

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and is known for a contemporary culture that represents today’s Europe. It is one of the fantastic cities that enchants travelers with fantastic views. Marvel with the unique and amazing architecture and different tourist destinations. Personalize your poster by sending your own quotes or sayings. Try it now!

Blending The Wall Design With White Furniture

Manila typo poster in interior

White furniture gives you endless possibilities to decorate the entire room. Blending the furniture with the wall design may be challenging for some. With a little imagination and creativity, you will be able to create a harmonious and compelling room that you will surely adore.

The color white and interior design

Many people consider white as a dull and boring color. While others may find the color interesting as it symbolizes many things. Over the years, white has been associated with cleanliness, purity, innocence, and goodness. Having white in the interior has a number of advantages. It is just how you perceive the use of color. 

White is never a boring color. Practically, you can blend almost anything with the color. You can experiment with different styles or designs that would best fit your taste. White can likewise be cozy as it can reflect natural light inside the room.

Wall decorating with white furniture

There are endless possibilities when styling the wall if you have white furniture pieces. Here are some tips on how to have that wall transformation to make it look more captivating and inspiring. 

White furniture enhances the light inside the room

With access to light, the room will look brighter than usual and appear cleaner. In order to highlight this effect, you may hang mirrors of different sizes on the wall. Aside from the effect that the mirrors could five your room, you are also adding life to the wall by creating a gallery of mirrors.

Decorating the room with black and white exclusively

If you already have the said furniture pieces, you can add an accent to your room by adding items that are colored black. For instance, black curtains, decorative items, pillow covers, and others. However, it is still stylish to keep the wall color as white so that you will have a contemporary room yet retaining the elegance of it because of the colors.

White furniture has this characteristic of being versatile

It will suit the existing design or color of the wall. It doesn’t matter what color or design of the wall you have, but white furniture will blend well with them. Furniture such as antique white bedroom furniture, white cottage bedroom furniture, white French bedroom furniture, white wicker bedroom furniture, will go well with anything. 

Dark walls will go well with a room with white furniture

The dark wall will contrast with the color of the furniture. You can also add patterns on the walls to add an accent and to make the wall more lively.

Artwork pieces

Hang a piece of artwork on the wall that would likewise show your personality and style in the interior.  The artwork that you will hang can likewise be the focal point of the room. Hang it on the wall painted with white color and it will be a head-turner.

Final thoughts

These quick tips will give you the WOW factor when you are decorating the wall when you have the furniture pieces. You may find it awesome to know how comfortable white furniture pieces are with the interiors. The reason for this is that of all colors, white can be the most refreshing among the colors in the spectrum. Along with other colors, it can enhance the sophistication and confidence of similar projects.