Tag: original art

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Art Interviews Shopping Styling

Greenhouse Interiors’ autumn/winter ’21 collection a triumph of Australian art

Greenhouse Interiors‘ autumn/winter ’21 art collection campaign landed this week and boy is it a beauty. Brimming with the brand’s trademark colour, the meticulously styled imagery not only celebrates the artist stable’s latest output, but it provides plenty of interiors inspo too. “Our vibe is always colourful, regardless of the season. Our artists all have their own distinct style, but the common thread is always a celebration of colour despite the varying compositions,” says Greenhouse Interiors’ Julia Green. 

Greenhouse Interiors newcomer Amanda Ketterer’s gorgeous work can be seen on the left.

And while longtime Greenhouse Interiors artists are featured (think Georgie Wilson, Kate Mayes and Anna Cole), there are plenty of talented new artists represented too. “We have a swag of new clever creatives. Deborah Moss resides over the ditch in New Zealand and is inspired by her natural surroundings, especially trees! Lucy Cashmore is a new Melbourne artist, who painstakingly spends hours and hours creating graphic bold colourful works that are then framed in coloured perspex to great effect,” says Julia.

Lucy Cashmore
This gorgeous perspex framed artwork is by newcomer Lucy Cashmore
Artwork by Deborah Moss
One of newcomer Deborah Moss’ moody, abstract pieces

Recently joined Amanda Ketterer produces fluid-like abstract compositions while newbie Rishelle Kent’s magical paintings of the countryside sell before Julia has a chance to even promote them. “Madeline Jovicic’s style is playful and whimsical with references to food street carts, sardines and gelato stands amongst other fun subject matter!” says Julia.

Madeline Jovicic's works will transport you to Italy
Brittany Ferns’ mermaids are featured on the left while Madeline Jovicic’s works (right) will transport you to Italy

Other recent recruits include Nadia Dusselberg who paints joyful childlike subject matter in a sophisticated way, while Tegan Frank’s aerial beach scapes really evoke the Australian summer. “Her works already have a long wait list and have been super popular,” says Julia.

Tegan Franks
It’s easy to see why the works of Tegan Franks are super popular

And as always, the styling takes centre stage; an approach that Julia believes is key to helping clients visualise how artwork translates inside real homes. “Visualisation is not an easy thing for some, so seeing the work in context can be really helpful. We would like to think the imagery is aspirational but achievable,” says Julia who creates two styled art campaigns every year.

Work by Anna Cole
Anna Cole’s ‘Green Pastures’ is a striking, graphic piece

And for those looking to add to an existing collection, or start from scratch, Julia cites several artists who create pieces at affordable price points but says that Britt Ferns is a current favourite. “You cannot go past Britt Ferns if starting out or wanting to add a textured, considered work to a gallery wall.”

'Lovers Loop' by Laura Horrocks Lovers Loop by artist Laura Horrocks is a soft pink hued abstract
‘Lovers Loop’ by Laura Horrocks Lovers Loop by artist Laura Horrocks is a soft pink hued abstract

But if large and eye-catching is more your jam, the works of Georgie Wilson, Kate Pittas, Jen Sievers, Lou Martin, Kate Mayes, Morgan Jamieson and Katie Wyatt pack a fabulous visual punch. “Their works make for beautiful statement pieces for a home. Despite their differences, they all are eye catching, and all of these artists are very comfortable and accomplished at painting in large scale to great effect.”

Morgan Jamieson's 'Look up and see the palm trees'
Morgan Jamieson’s ‘Look up and see the palm trees’ is a gorgeous statement piece

Photography: Armelle Habib | Styling: Julia Green for Greenhouse Interiors, assisted by Aisha Chaudhry, Kate Moss and Jessica Retallack 

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Artist Jasmine Mansbridge pours raw and real story into beautiful new work

Jasmine Mansbridge‘s latest stunning exhibition, Painting A Perfect World, is an optimistic one, but it came from a place of deep contemplation. In this frank interview, the artist reveals how…
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Art

Drought relief: Buy Aussie art to help our farmers

A piece by James Lai
An artwork by James Lai

The Art For Bales charity art event is back this weekend (Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October), with all proceeds going to the Aussie drought-relief organisation, Rural Aid.

200 Australian artists, from across the country, are donating original artworks to be sold via Instagram in what is a win-win for everyone. Buyers will procure a beautiful piece of original art, while helping out our rural communities, who are currently living through one of the worst droughts in Aussie history.

A piece by artist Joan Blond
This artwork, by Joan Blond, is one of the pieces up for grabs

“The whole concept has snowballed fantastically in a year, from co-founder Kate Pittas and I donating the sale price of a painting to buy a bale, to it becoming this collective effort that’s gone viral in the online art world,” says Art For Bales co-founder Andrea Hamann who launched the inaugural event last year which raised an impressive $77,000.

A piece by James Lai
This artwork, by James Lai, will be available for purchase

“With Art For Bales, our goal is threefold: raising the funds, raising awareness of just how badly the drought is affecting people outside the cities, and – from a mental health perspective – letting affected communities know that we haven’t forgotten about them,” says Andrea.

Artwork by Kate Pittas
This artwork, by Art for Bales co-founder Kate Pittas, will be for sale

Prices for the works start at a very affordable $30 and go right up to $4,500 for the more serious collector. Participating artists include Sulman Prize finalist and Hawkesbury Art Prize winner Ben Tankard, Paddington Art Prize winner Kiata Mason, along with Alexandra Plim, James Lai, Joan Blond, Thomas Bucich, Maggi McDonald, Tracy Dickason and Ana Young.

Artwork by co-founder Andrea Hamann
This artwork, by Art for Bales co-founder Andrea Hamann, will be for sale too

“From droughts to fires, the thought of having to deal with one natural disaster after another is difficult to contemplate but that’s what these farmers go through,” says Rural Aid chief executive officer, Charles Alder of the charity that supports our farmers in many ways, providing everything from bales of hay to mental health services. “The demand for mental health support is unprecedented right now,” says Charles.

A work by Alexandra Plim
This Alexandra Plim artwork will be up for grabs

How to participate:

  1. Head ​here and browse the page to see the artworks available for purchase.
  2. From 12:00am AEDT on Saturday 19 October, once you’ve decided which artwork you’d like to purchase, visit the Instagram page of the artist and comment ‘SOLD’ on their post. The first to comment ‘SOLD’ buys the artwork.
  3. Organise payment, receipt and shipping with the artist directly.
  4. The artist will then send Art For Bales a receipt of their donation to Rural Aid, to the amount of the sale.
  5. Share your artwork and spread awareness using the tags ​#artforbales2019​ and #artforbales​.

For more on Art for Bales | Contemporary Indigenous Australian artist Natalie Jade

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Art Expert Tips

How to: Buy original art as an investment

While it’s a luxury to be able to afford original art for the home, it’s even better if it increases in value. Most home items depreciate, but original art is one area in which you can see a return on investment, provided you carry out the appropriate research.

With a Bachelor of Visual Arts and two Masters degrees (Hons) from the University of Sydney and an extensive career in art education and the management of Australia’s leading investment art galleries and art and antique auction houses, Kerry-Anne Blanket of KAB Gallery is one of the country’s premium art consultants. We looked her up recently to get the inside skinny on how to buy original art that not only brings joy, but appreciates in value too.

Sam Michelle’s ‘Coral Peonies & Vessels’ Oil on Canvas (50x40cm) $895

“Investing in art can be daunting, and like all investments, there is risk. If only I had a crystal ball! Most investment markets experience rises and falls, and art is no different. However, I love investing in art because it is a beautiful and tangible investment. Like real estate, it will remain even when markets are low. It is an artefact that can be enjoyed until markets rise again, and for many generations,” says Kerry-Anne.

She also believes it’s vital to love the art you are buying. “That’s the best part about investing in a good art collection – you can enjoy the beauty of your investment every day. While you must of course approach the purchase of an investment dispassionately to enable you to properly weight up the pros and cons, at the end of the day, art is a creative medium designed to provoke emotion. When the time comes to sell, you will be hoping to tap into that same emotion in potential buyers to realise a return,” says Kerry-Anne.

Andy Collis’ ‘The Pathway to the Clearing’ Mixed Media on Canvas (75x100cm) $1,050

“When buying an artwork in the hope that you will receive an investment return it’s really important to consider a few simple points. You are looking for quality, versatility, broad appeal and a good sales history,” says Kerry-Anne, who explains that you should also get to know the local market before investing.

Proven sales history
“The most important golden rule is to always invest in a professional artist with a proven sales history. As part of your due diligence investigations, my advice is to consider how the artist’s popularity has grown over time, and whether this is reflected in their prices and demand. While many art investors have struck it lucky by investing in an emerging artist who goes on to become famous, the majority have not been so lucky.”

David Boyd’s ‘The Promise Hand’ coloured etching (29cm x 19cm) $1355

Broad appeal & versatility
“You should also consider who you would expect to invest in the artwork when you decide to realise your return by selling in the future. For example, if you are investing in a quirky, on-trend piece, you need to ask yourself how this will be received in another one, five or even 50 years’ time? Who would be interested in buying it then? If sold it at auction, would there be lots of bidders fighting it out? Is the style of work still going to be fashionable when you go to sell? Is the work an awkward size for transport or finding a space to hang, potentially reducing your resale market substantially?” says Kerry-Anne.

Sally West’s ‘Copacabana Surf Study 2’ oil on canvas (25cm x 25cm) $440

Get to know the local market
“There are so many facets of the Australian art market which means it’s a full time job keeping up-to-date. I believe it’s important to follow what you love and look for positive market patterns. Look at important art prizes and consider both the judged winner and the people’s choice. This will give you clues to popular trends as well as technical proficiency. Also, when looking for investment purposes, try to concentrate on a handful of artists so you can become as familiar as possible with the market for their work,” says Kerry-Anne.

Sam Michelle’s ‘Grevillea Flannel & Magnolia’ Oil on Canvas (90x70cm) $1,995

Quality
“Above all else, it’s vital to ensure that your investment artwork is an original piece of art – leave the digital prints for sale in the two dollar shop! Even if the gallery is presenting you with a high quality giclée print that is identical to the original image, it’s important to remember that it is only a copy. At the end of the day it is the rarity and originality of an artwork which contributes substantially to its resale value,” says Kerry-Anne.

Shop KAB Gallery online

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Art Interviews

Meet Sherren Comensoli: The interiors obsessed abstract artist

It was after a 15-year career in visual merchandising (across fashion and homewares), and becoming a mother, that Victorian abstract artist Sherren Comensoli started painting seriously, and it’s since become her full-time job.

‘New Sensation’ original painting

“When I had my first child nine years ago, I was basically at home full time, so to pass my time I needed a creative fix. I found myself painting a lot. When I filled up every wall in my house, I then started selling my paintings to friends, then friends of friends, then a few galleries and retailers and now I find myself having to paint daily to keep up with the demand,” says Sherren, who has a three-month waiting list for her commissions. “It’s an amazing space to be in. I’m lucky that I love my job! It’s never a chore and I enjoy every single brush stroke,” says Sherren who sells an affordable canvas print range too.

Sherren at work in her studio

Growing up in rural Victoria, nature plays a key role in Sherren’s work. “I often go back to nature when I’m choosing my subjects. Trees, rocks, rivers, fields, mountains have all been inspiration for many of my paintings,” says Sherren who describes herself as a contemporary abstract artist who has two streams of work. “The first is my nature abstracts which I call my ‘botanical series.’ The second stream is more about abstract shapes and creating beautiful and harmonious colour palettes. The latter is my focus for 2017,” says Sherren.

‘Steal my sunshine’ original painting

“For me, abstract art is a way of taking what I feel, or see in my mind and my imagination, and putting it onto a surface for others to get a glimpse of. My abstracts normally have a visual reference such as a shape derived from nature (like a rock or mountain scape). The great thing about abstract art is that many people will see different things as their imagination takes them to other places,” says Sherren.

Sherren’s fabulous home studio

With a keen interest in interior design and styling, Sherren is careful to consider how her pieces will look in situ too. “I go about many of my paintings with a vision of how it will look in an interior setting. I’m very focused on interior design and styling and I make sure my paintings sit harmoniously in beautiful interior spaces. I also think that art should be versatile and able to be moved around to a few different rooms in a home,” says Sherren.

Various works in Sherren’s studio

“I often help my commission clients with styling a room, or a whole house, in addition to doing a painting for them. With my painting acting as the focal point.  I’m all about living like you are about to put your house on the market today and the photographers are just about to pop over for a photo shoot. I call this type of living ‘styled to stay’ as opposed to ‘styled to go.’ I know this seems a bit ridiculous but I actually find it relaxing,” says Sherren.

‘The Wishing Tree’ original painting

Working out of a gorgeous converted tool shed in her new Glen Iris home, Sherren struggles with her perfectionist tendencies. “The hardest decision for most artists is knowing when it’s finished. However, over time you learn to listen to your own inner voice and be your own positive critic. So basically, when I feel 100 per cent comfortable with all parts of the painting, then it’s done!” says Sherren.

Sherren outside her studio

“Many artists will tell you, that painting is highly addictive. I live and breathe my art and think about it all the time, it’s never far from my thoughts. I often wake in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep because I have created a whole new exhibition in my head and I must get up and sketch it all down before I can go back to sleep. Creativity never sleeps!” says Sherren.

‘Karma Chameleon’ original painting

Shop online | Follow Sherren on Instagram

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Art Designers Interviews

The Colour English: creating beautiful one-of-a-kind wool art

Being introduced by a mutual friend it only took a meal and a glass of wine for Georgia English and Rachel Osborne-Walker to know that they wanted to go into business together. What that business would be, however, was less clear.

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Georgia and Rachel

“We were from similar backgrounds and both craving a new project but had no firm idea of how we were going to combine our talents and skills,” explains Georgia. “But we hit it off and knew we could work wonders together. We were both at a stage with the age of our children where we needed something for us and something to express our creativity again.”

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[contextly_sidebar id=”4eSnSJT2OXcat8Jh5Hn7RJJ1LFYD3bCB”]With Georgia coming from a background in media and fashion and Rachel a career in publishing, they both shared an obsession with creating things. So when Georgia picked up a part-time job in their local wool and craft shop on the Mornington Peninsula, inspiration struck. “We met in the wool shop on Georgia’s lunch break one day and decided to buy five balls of wool each,” says Rachel. “The soft texture of beautiful wool is such an alluring medium to work with, so we then spent an evening experimenting with our new yarns and our first wool art was formed!” From there, in late 2014, their business The Colour English was born.

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Creating one-of-a-kind wool art, each piece has its own unique personality. “We give them a name when they are finished and describe what they mean to us and how they have evolved on an individual label that is placed on the back of each piece,” explains Rachel. “Some pieces we work together on. Other pieces we work on individually.”

Inspired by colour, they create their art with no set plan but rather discuss what kind of mood they want the colours to give off. “We let the wool and colours happen freely,” says Georgia. “The soft textures of beautiful wool is such an alluring medium to work with. We are inspired by the gentle texture and the huge range of amazing yarns now available.”

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Whilst wool is definitely their medium of choice, they are both interested in pursuing other crafts in the coming months. “Georgia has dabbled in painting with acrylics in the past and has been commissioned on a few occasions,” says Rachel. “Going forward we aim to build our brand with the introduction of original painted artworks, prints and another project that we are calling fabric art. Our framed fabric art will be created using vintage fabrics and trims.” Watch this space!

Styling by Mardi Mason | Photography by Lisa Atkinson

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Art Homewares

Olivia’s Fab Four Insta-Finds 08.07.15

Olivias-Fab-Four-1

Olivia’s Fab Four is a weekly post that features my favourite finds on Instagram for the past week. To be in the running, all you have to do is hashtag your product photos #oliviasfabfour and tag them with my handle: @oliviashead.

olivias fab four 60 interiors addict

Here are this week’s beautiful products (clockwise from top left)

1. anco pure vanda circular resin art, $245, from Olivia Collins. @oliviacollinsartist

2. PINK HALF MOON, $700, from The Artwork Stylist. @theartworkstylist

3. ART PRINTS, $50, from Stampel. @stampelstudio

4. Never Lose Your Sparkle Geometric Wall Art, $20, from MossyJojo. @mossyjojo

 I’ll be back with more next week! Olivia x

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Art

Original and affordable art from Temple & Webster

If you love original, high quality and affordable art (and really who doesn’t?!) you’ll love Temple & Webster’s Australian Art Series, launched this week.

20150203-TW-EmilyBesser23191-PR
Emily Besser

Responding to the ever-growing demands, Temple & Webster have pulled together a program of limited time sale events featuring works from a diverse range of Australian artists. With the first sale launched earlier this week, featuring Sydney-based painter Emily Besser, the likes of Belynda Henry, Lisa Madigan and Lindsay Blamey will follow suit in the coming months.

Emily Besser interiors addict

With the sale events featuring a carefully curated blend of mediums including original paintings, limited edition prints, photography and assemblages, all art will be offered at a range of price points.

Emily Besser interiors addict 1

Accompanying each sale will be a unique insight into each artist’s story, the development of their work, their inspiration, their technique and how they bring their works to life, all told through Temple & Webster’s blog.

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Art

5 places to buy affordable original art online for under $500

Arcylic on canvas by Jessica Gordon, $196

There’s nothing wrong with owning prints but there’s also nothing like hanging a piece of original, one-off art on your wall at home. And guess what? It doesn’t have to break the bank. We tracked down five entry level places for you to find an original online for under $500. We find we can never win when we write about art so we’ll also point out (before someone jumps in) that you can’t beat seeing art in the flesh before you purchase, so consider visiting exhibitions by local artists starting out.

Art Pharmacy: As one of Australia’s biggest online dispensaries of visual art, you’re bound to find something for all tastes. Spanning paintings to mixed media and everything in-between, there are more than 600 original works by emerging Australian artists. And prices start from as low as $80!

Painting by Cat Lee, $70
Painting by Cat Lee, $70

StateoftheART Gallery: Focusing on early career graduate artists, the online gallery features works that are contemporary, unique, of high quality, affordable (from $150-to-$900) and with the real potential for increasing in value.

Original drawing by Sally Arnold, $300
Original drawing by Sally Arnold, $300

Lisa Madigan: Lisa Madigan’s artworks are normally beyond the reach of the everyday Aussie, however her 12×12 inch nature-inspired oil on canvas beauties are $440 a pop. They are also the perfect first purchase for those wanting to enter the world of original art ownership. Lisa is a favourite local artist of Jen’s.

lisa madigan interiors addict

Bluethumb: With over 1,000 artists listed in their online art gallery, all Bluethumb’s art is original and comes with free shipping nationwide; they even have a 7-day money back guarantee if you decide your piece doesn’t look perfect in your home. Prices start from $55.

Arcylic on canvas by Jessica Gordon, $196
Arcylic on canvas by Jessica Gordon, $196

Brigitte May: These whimsical and original illustrations are a personal favourite of mine. Created with watercolour, ink and pencil, prices start from $100. Brigitte is also happy to take on special requests.

Original Sleepy Fox watercolour, $100
Original Sleepy Fox watercolour, $100

Where do you buy affordable art?

Check out our art section.

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Art Homewares

Olivia’s Fab Four Insta-Finds 14.01.15

Olivias-Fab-Four-1

Olivia’s Fab Four is a weekly post that features my favourite finds on Instagram for the past week. To be in the running, all you have to do is hashtag your product photos #oliviasfabfour and tag them with my handle: @oliviashead.

olivias fab four 35 interiors addict

Here are this week’s beautiful products (clockwise from top left)

1. The Spike Shape Artwork, $880, from Merci Perci. @merciperci_

2. Copper Boyd Pot (small), $125, from Pop & Scott. @popandscott

3. Carlos Cactus Pink, $64, from Say Hola. @say_hola

4. Pineapple Artwork, $250, from Mia Oatley. @miaoatley

 I’ll be back with more next week! Olivia x

 

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Art

Smaller works by Lisa Madigan could be your first step on the ladder to original art ownership

Ignite by L

If you love NSW artist Lisa Madigan’s work but haven’t been able to stretch the budget to buy one, her latest special release of small works on canvas could be your opportunity.

Ignite by L
Ignite by L

These nature-inspired oil on canvas beauties are 12×12 inches and $440 which, if you ask me, is a very reasonable price to pay for a piece of beautiful original art.

Sojurn by Lisa Madigan
Sojurn by Lisa Madigan

These are my favourites from the new release, called Vistas. Explaining the inspiration behind them, Lisa says: “Like gem-encrusted windows into worlds of delight, of nature turning,
of the celebration of the warmer months and the abundance that they bring.


Continue reading “Smaller works by Lisa Madigan could be your first step on the ladder to original art ownership”

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Art

Why original art in EVERY home is essential

By Lisa Madigan

There is such a rich vibrancy and diversity to the world of contemporary art. That may sound like a daunting and sometimes confronting realm to many, but once we whittle it back to basics, it’s a very raw and beautiful place, full of creatives in interesting spaces, pouring hours of themselves into creating works, ultimately for you to connect with and enjoy.

lisa madigan 1
Hang stunning statement pieces on their own, give them space to breathe. Original by Lisa Madigan.

It may be because I’m an artist, but I do feel that original art, in every home, is essential. Original art has a pulse, it has a soul and it will radiate day to day, bringing pleasure, conversation, delight and wonder. It will reward you, feed you, nurture you. It makes us feel and who doesn’t want to step into a space that uplifts the spirit and transcends the ordinary? Often it can be the key to making a room truly unite and pop. It can be as simple as framing your child’s latest masterpiece, purchasing investment works or anything in between. You can start small and work your way up or go for it by commissioning the piece you’ve always dreamt of.

Continue reading “Why original art in EVERY home is essential”