ART & CRAFT NEWS

"Of all the arts, abstract painting is the most difficult. It demands that you know how to draw well, that you have a heightened sensitivity for composition and for colors, and that you be a true poet. This last is essential." -- Wassily Kandinsky. In its purest form in Western art, an abstract art is one without a recognizable subject, one which doesn't relate to anything external or try to "look like" something. Instead, the color and form (and often the materials and support) are the subject of the abstract painting. It's completely non-objective or non-representational. A further distinction tends...

Many of us use art or framed portraits to decorate the walls in our homes. While these conventional techniques work well, they can lack the visual punch we're seeking. The next time a blank wall in your space is asking for attention, think out of the box and go for a more eye-catching approach. Instead of framing a piece of art, why not create some art on the wall itself? You can hire a mural artist, or create your own geometric design using a custom stencil or painters tape and metallic paint. People have been using plates as wall art...

This Ideabook is for art lovers. Artists get into a real tizzy about the subject of people looking for art-to-match-the-sofa. Coming from a background as an artist, I always encourage my interior design clients to select art first if they don’t have any so they feel free to buy what they love and not worry about what it goes with. And then we can plan the decor around the art. I’m sure I’ll get an irate artist or two commenting here. I’ve spoken with some artists who feel the art completely stands on its own and should have nothing to...

Finding a dining room rug that is both practical and stylish is no easy feat. Fluffy pile can permanently trap every crumb from the table. Too-small rugs can trip up chairs. But a good rug can bring color, texture, warmth and style to the dining room — making the hunt well worth the effort. Read on for 10 tips for choosing the just-right rug for this hardworking room. 1. Err on the side of too big. A dining room rug should have at least 24 inches of extra room on all sides of the dining table to allow enough space...

Does your kitchen lack a feel-good vibe? Maybe too many high-tech materials come off a bit austere. Or perhaps the colors or furnishings lack warmth and hospitality. Don’t worry. Here are seven easy, low-impact ways you can help bring serenity, enjoyment and even a bit of humor into your kitchen. 1. Include natural finishes and textures for emotional warmth. Sleek finishes are alluring because they’re easy to clean. But too much metal and high sheen can be overpowering, and can make your kitchen feel unwelcoming, harsh and cold. Consider including natural materials to add warmth. A wood table and chairs,...