Tag Archives: abstract

Color Trends: Going Green

featuring “Easy Street” by BethAnn Lawson

Are you looking for a way to freshen up your space? Incorporating shades of green can do just that and add a natural element to your interior.  Bringing the outdoors in has become a popular design trend, and adding some green is one of the easiest ways to infuse vitality into your room.  Cool green tones can be relaxing and nourishing, while warm tones can add personality and energy to a space, and they don’t always have to come in botanical form.  Having green hues in your furniture, accent pieces, and on your walls can be resting or energizing, and with such a wide range of green tones to use, it is easy to find the perfect one for your space.  Since there are endless possibilities, we are highlighting different ways to incorporate this versatile color trend into your decor and design to help you go green!

Greens as Neutrals

Cool, muted greens that take on more of a gray or brown tone, such as sage, are great for acting like neutrals in a space.  Paler greens that verge on the point of gray are a great way to keep a space light and serene, but they can pair easily with sharp, bright colors.  Khaki, mossy, and olivey greens can give a design an earthy feel, especially when paired with warm tones and natural textures. It’s easy to switch out your wall décor in these soothing, neutral green tones because of their versatility and ability to work with what you already have!

Rich & Saturated

Bold, saturated green tones, such as jade and emerald green, add a rich and regal element to any interior. Whether paired with other dark accents to create a moody space or offset with neutrals and metallic accents, deep green tones can add personality and elegance. These dark, nature-inspired colors are great in furniture, accent pieces, or on your walls!

Light & Bright

Light and bright green tones help to soothe and enliven rooms. Soft, pale greens colors with blue undertones, such as mint and sea-glass green, can brighten up a space in a calming way. Yellow-greens are fresh and inviting and more reminiscent of botanical hues. Using more lively and vibrant green colors, such as a shade of lime green, is great for social spaces because they can energize a room. If you go bold with bright green on your wall, balancing it out with neutral tones and light accents can keep it from feeling overwhelming. Decorating with light & bright greens in décor accessories and upholstery is a great way to add some calming and natural elements in smaller doses.

With a wide variety of shades and undertones, green hues can seamlessly complement other colors and unique textures, and find a home in any design style. From traditional styles to modern elements, green tones freshen up a space and bring the natural healing of the outdoors in. Whether it’s the focal point of a room or an accent color, pops of this nature-inspired color can create a chic and relaxing space!

The images featured here are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

Decor Trend: Urban Photography

featured photograph by Aaron Matheson

As fine art photography continues to grow in wall decor, images of city life are decorating walls!  From cityscapes to urban abstract photography, city scenes are finding a home in interior design.  Because of its rise in popularity, we wanted to highlight a few ways to include street photography in your space!

Cityscapes

Cityscapes are great for adding contemporary accents to your design.  They also pair well with other pieces of art and can help complete a gallery-styled wall.  Whether it is a photograph of a city that is special to you or an image that inspires you, different cityscapes can bring some new and exciting energy to your wall!

Abstract Photography

Abstract artwork is a major wall decor trend, so it is only fitting that abstract photography would be popular!  We love how urban abstract photographs provide unique patterns and perspectives of everyday subjects.  And for a more classic take on this trend, try hanging an abstract photograph in black & white (always a timeless color combination).  Abstract imagery of urban scenes can add a modern touch to your space, no matter your design style!

Urban Details

Fine art photographs of urban details capture a one-of-a-kind perspective of daily life that might otherwise be easily missed and turn it into a work of art.  Whether it’s a unique door, cool street art, or intricate architectural details,  street photography is a great way to add a contemporary design element to your interiors!

The images featured above are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

Sharp Design: Decorating with Geometrics

featuring “Land Schematics II” by Michael Lawrence

Crisp lines, bold patterns, and vibrant colors; what’s not to love about geometrics?! Bold, shape-based décor can create bright and modern interiors, particularly in commercial design spaces. Geometric imagery can instantly add visual interest to a wall and printing it on alternative substrates such as acrylic or metal will add unique texture. Geometry can help balance and harmonize a space, making simple shaped patterns and prints perfect for a wallcovering.  Want to add a pop of color?  Geometric wall art with clean lines is an easy way to make it happen or help keep your space cohesive and monochrome.  Whether you are designing an office space or a living space, geometrics are the perfect modern trend for a chic design!

From an eye-catching focal point to subtle and sleek accents, there is lots of ways to incorporate geometric shapes into your design!

The images featured above are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

Decorating With Blue Hues

featuring “The Perfect Place” by Kippi Leonard

Blue is a classic color trend that is always in style, and one that we love! With so many shades to choose from, it can be easy to incorporate some blue hues in any design style. Light and pale shades are perfect for a neutral space or coastal design, and deeper blue hues can add some dramatic flair to your space. A cool blue will encourage rest and activate your zen, which makes it great to use in a bedroom or any space you want to relax.

Light & Neutral

Using pale blue tones, especially in a neutral room, can create calming, coastal vibes. Soft and lighter tones can ignite comfort and are perfect for a space where you want to unwind and unplug. Painting your wall(s) a pale blue will help keep your space light and fresh, while still infusing it with some color and personality. Adding blue décor pieces can bring cool, serene elements to a neutral room. Blue shades can pair easily with cool gray spaces or warm accents, it’s just a matter of finding the right shade of blue to work in your room!

Deep Hues & Bold Prints

Because blue is such a classic color, it is perfect for a statement print or pattern. Try a chic geometric pattern on your walls, some floral prints on your upholstery, or stripes on a rug. Adding darker blue hues to your space can create a striking statement, and it doesn’t have to require any paint. A bold sapphire couch or a large-scale navy art piece can create a dramatic focal point in your room. And with the timeless color combination of blue and white, using a deep blue can provide the perfect stylized contrast in your space. Don’t be afraid to go big and bold with your blue!

featuring “Territory” by Julie Devine

The Best Rooms for Blue

Being such a soothing color, shades of blue are often used in living rooms, bedrooms, or spaces you want to create a zen atmosphere. Cooler blue shades, such as ice blue and cobalt, will help encourage rest, which is why bedrooms are one of the most popular spaces to design with blue in your color palette. Blues with warmer red undertones, like denim blue or slate blue, create a cozy, inviting space and are great for more social spaces such as living rooms or kitchens.

Blue’s versatility makes it an easy one to incorporate in your color palette, in any design style or room. Whether you cover your walls in a blue hue or decorate with blue accent pieces, this color trend will always look fresh and timeless.  And with summer on the way, a cool blue can be the perfect addition to any room!

The images featured above are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

Decorating with Landscapes

featuring “Sunny Desert Floor” by Liz Jardine

Do you want to have a beautiful view in your space but don’t have a picturesque scene outside your window? Landscape artwork can be the perfect addition to the design of any space to bring the serenity of the outdoors in. From coastal to desert to forest landscapes, it is easy to add the right art piece to your wall in many different artistic styles!

Hanging landscape paintings can create a “window with a view” for your interior, no matter where you live.  Beachy landscapes can add “ocean views” to complete a coastal-inspired space, and imagery of a beautiful green pasture can bring countryside living to urban spaces.

photograph by Nancy Crowell

Landscape photography is also a great way to add a touch of nature to your interiors and liven up your walls.  Photographs in black and white can give your space a chic, classic touch and are also great for adding landscapes to a monochromatic look. We love how landscape imagery can bring calming energy and natural inspiration to your space and transport you to a far-away destination!

From transitional landscapes to abstract or representational, you are sure to find the best piece to fit your design style!

The images featured above are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

From The Studio of Nancy Ngo

We would like to introduce you to our newest artist at Third and Wall, Nancy Ngo!  Born in Chicago but transplanted to Arizona as a young child, Nancy grew up learning an appreciation for contrasting landscapes. She developed an eye for the difference in the way light reflects on different terrains in the country.  Nancy returned to Chicago after high school and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis on Painting and Art History from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.  And once again, she moved back to Arizona where she currently resides with her culinary artist husband and their three daughters.

Nancy’s awareness of the play of light and shadow and its effect on color plays an important role in her work today.  The dichotomy of the natural desert landscape of Arizona versus the urban downtown environment of Chicago led her to a certain “no rules” style of painting.  Her paintings are highly textured and raw, sometimes with an unfinished quality in which the work holds a kind of potential energy and freedom.  Nancy continues to explore new avenues in her work, even with new materials.  She is fascinated by the discoveries made while creating each new piece of art, allowing her style to change often in order to keep her painterly freedom.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

“Leap”

It depends on the day of the week… ship day, prep day, planning day or painting day.  Obviously, my favorite days are when all the canvases are prepped, then I get started painting right away!  If nothing is prepped, I like to take care of regular business stuff, checking emails and updating my planner and goals for the day or week, and then I can get to work.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

Too many!  If I have an order, I will work on a painting start to finish with no interruptions.  More often though, I have so many ideas, sometimes I prep too many at once and have them sprawled out all over the studio.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

Anything extremely large scale.  I love to work BIG.

featuring “Light Into Shadow II”

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Oh my gosh, alive or dead?  I’m inspired by artists of all genres… Kandinski, Egon Schiele, Michiko Itatani, Judith Godwin, Agnes Martin, David Hockney, Christine Tarkowski, Mike Kelley, Susanna Coffey, Bruce Nauman, Wolfgang Laib, James Turrell, Bill Viola… I could go on and on and on.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

If I am away from painting (on vacation) for a while, I usually come home and paint in a frenzy.  I also like to look at magazines of all kinds.

How has your art evolved over time?

My work is ever changing.  It’s often reflective of, or in response to, what’s going on in my life.  I think it’s definitely become more complex.  I’m trying to simplify it again.

What do you like most about your work?

“First Flight I”

The layers and heavy textures.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Dynamic

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I’ve been wanting to explore figurative work, but it doesn’t come to me as easily as painting abstracts.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Any time I can get in the studio.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

Yes!  If I think a painting becomes overworked, I paint over nearly the whole thing with white and leave only my favorite moments.

What is up next on your easel?

A few abstracts and a portrait… maybe.

The images featured here are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

Around the World: Global Artwork

With so much of the world to see, traveling the globe sounds ideal!  And even if we can’t explore every international city or remote spot around the world, we love how art and photography can capture a faraway place and instantly transport you there.  Images of cityscapes can bring a piece of your favorite city to your walls, and adding global-inspired artwork to your space is perfect to inspire wanderlust.  We have gathered some great images that will take you on a trip around the world!

“Go, Do, Be” by Kelsey Hochstatter

Cityscapes can bring the exciting energy of city living to your space.  And with cityscapes in many different styles, from abstract cities to detailed skyscrapers and outlined skylines, it is easy to find the perfect one to fit your design style!

Global-inspired art is a great way to bring scenes from around the world to your walls, no plane ticket required.  You will instantly feel transported to a Parisian cafe, a Tuscan village, a lotus garden, or wherever your art takes you!

And photography can share the beauty of the world in one captured moment.  So whether you want to be reminded of a special place you have traveled to or be inspired to trot around the globe, cityscapes and global art decor can take you there!

The images featured here are available in our Print-On-Demand collection and some are available as originals.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

From The Studio of Scott Brems

We are excited to introduce one of our newest artists, Scott Brems!  Scott studied painting at Arizona State University and Scottsdale Artists’ School, and he works in acrylic and mixed media painting in his Arizona studio.  His work explores the deeper emanations of the natural world, breathing new life into traditional landscape.   Enriched by a lifelong relationship with the American West, Scott’s naturalistic reimaginings reach beyond the visual experience to evoke the visceral.  We love the bold brushstrokes and colorful shapes in his work, which encompasses a diverse range of styles.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

I usually turn on music and evaluate the current paintings to get my direction for the day.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I like to have several paintings, 5 or 6, going at once.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

Passages

One dream project is a painting expedition involving a mobile studio and outdoor adventure. It would be the painting studio meets Desert Solitaire.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be? 

Edward Abbey

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

My favorite inspiration and ideas often come to me during hypnagogia–the transitional state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep.

How has your art evolved over time?

I started with a traditional background and education, which I still draw from when creating contemporary abstract work.

The Chant

What do you like most about your work?

I like the fusion between traditional and contemporary elements.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Eclectic best describes the variety of work I create.

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I have some ideas incubating that involve using new mediums and materials.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Discipline is healthy.  I try to keep a regular 9-5 schedule in the studio.

Guardian

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece?  If so, what do you do?

This is why I like having several pieces going at once; I can move on to another painting.  However, I do take a break when needed and get out of the studio, and then I come back with fresh eyes.

What is up next on your easel?

On deck is a series of contemporary figures.

All of these images by Scott Brems are available in our Print-On-Demand collection, and stay tuned for new images on our site.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

Design Trend – Polygons

From graphic design to jewelry to home décor and even clothing and food, polygons are having a moment right now. By definition, a polygon is a two-dimensional figure with at least three sides, but when incorporated into design, polygons become something more. Whether they’re found in a wallpaper pattern or an end table taking the geometric shape of one, polygons have an undeniable minimalist beauty.

Geometric WallpaperUttermost table

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The trend may owe its roots to the seemingly unrelated digital world of 3D animation which uses triangles in order to render images faster. In the hands of graphic artists, polygons found their way into the mainstream and then picked up steam with the rise in popularity of modern design and décor.

Like other popular patterns from the past – toile, paisley and damask, polygons can be found across different industries like fashion and home décor. However, unlike its predecessors, they can jump off the fabric or the wall and become three dimensional objects as well.

Take these geometric lighting examples for instance.

Faceted Lighting

Polygon lamps

 

 

 

 

 

 

More polygon lamps

Polygon Table Lamp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polygon Jewelry

Pink Hexagon Studs

Polygon pendant

Gold Pendant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delicious or nah?

Polygon popsicle

Krystall Chocolate Bar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polygon art and geometric patterns from Third and Wall Art Group:

White-on-White – The Hot Decor Trend for 2016

Moving towards simplicity and a clean, classic look, several major paint brands have declared  off-white to be the hot interior color for 2016.

There are hundreds of shades of white, and each shade morphs into something new with the shifting rays of natural and interior light. White is never just white as long as light is hitting it!

abstract, liz jardine, transitional, botanical, seattle art, white

“The Present Moment” by Liz Jardine. Interior photo © astragal

Whether warm or cool, or a combination of both, white invites serenity and reflection, and creates a fresh, uncomplicated space in which to accent textiles, furniture pieces or objets d’art.

white, abstract, seattle art, liz jardine, interiors, dining room

“Joie de Vivre” by LIz Jardine. Interior photo © Linus Ohman

If you’re thinking about creating a white-on-white interior, do a little homework – get some paint swatches and compare them in a variety of lighting situations and at different times of day.

Third & Wall offers exclusive contemporary and transitional imagery for wall decor and licensing, with a wide selection of Posters, Originals and Print-on-Demand/Licensing imagery.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

 

Introducing Third & Wall’s Newest Artists

We  are thrilled to introduce you to the newest artists at Third & Wall – Stacy D’Aguiar, Michele Gort and Michael Lawrence. All of their imagery is available to you on a variety of media for your home or business design projects through our Print-On-Demand program.

Stacy D’Aguiar paints a wide range of subject matter on canvas, metal and wood, from transitional landscapes to surrealism to abstract images. She enjoys collaborating with clients to create beautiful custom art for a range of corporate, hospitality and residential interiors.

“I’m honored to have my work in spaces where it brings joy, inspiration and healing to others.” ~ Stacy D’Aguiar


Michele Gort hails from Holland, Michigan. Her prior career as an interior designer infuses an extra level of insight, style and taste into the art she creates for a range of interiors.

“I paint not only to decorate environments, but to inspire people.” ~ Michele Gort


Michael Lawrence earned a BFA in Studio Arts with Painting Emphasis at the University of Colorado. Since then he has exhibited work in many important exhibition spaces worldwide, and continues to explore the breadth of contemporary art practice through abstract painting.

“A feeling of completeness and thoughtfulness in my work is very important to me.” ~ Michael Lawrence

If you are a member of the trade and would like information on becoming a Third & Wall member and accessing our online collections, please contact us or call us at 1-206-443-8425 or toll-free at 1-877-326-3925. Our fax number is 1-206-441-4299.

If you are not a member of the trade, please email us to find a retailer near you, or visit our showroom at 312 Ninth Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109. Our showroom is open to the public.

All images © the artists and Third & Wall Art Group.

 

 

Trends from the 2015 Las Vegas West Coast Art & Frame Show

We are all just getting back to work and resettled from the exciting West Coast Art & Frame Show in Las Vegas. It was a fabulous show, with terrific turn out! We all had a great time seeing many of our customers from around the world and meeting new clients.

While we were there we heard several recurring “wishlist” themes from show attendees. Keep reading for the Top 5 most-requested image categories being specified by our clients.

COASTAL – Although sailing continues to be a strong theme, clients are looking for a fresh take on this timeless seascape category.

FLORAL – With the approach of Spring, many people are looking for fresh florals, particularly with a watercolor feel.

LODGE – Rugged and Rustic are the buzz words for this earthy category.

METALLICS – While gold is making a big comeback, silver and bronze are also strong.

NEUTRALS  – After years of heavily-trending vibrant colors, neutrals are very strong.

All in all, we had a great tradeshow, and are already busy channeling all the valuable market info and customer requests into exciting and trend-forward new imagery and color palettes, so stay tuned!

If you are a member of the trade and would like information on becoming a Third & Wall member and accessing our online collections, please contact us or call us at 1-206-443-8425 or toll-free at 1-877-326-3925. Our fax number is 1-206-441-4299.

If you are not a member of the trade, please email us to find a retailer near you, or visit our showroom at 312 Ninth Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109. Our showroom is open to the public.

From The Studio of Jill Martin

jill martin studio_USEJill Martin’s ethereal imagery is bright and soft, glowing with clean hues and a dreamy appeal that few can resist.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

Check my email, read some news, then spend some time cleaning up my painting table which I always leave messy from the day before.

 How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I’ll prep several canvases at once, but I tend to focus on just one or two paintings at a time.

474018D8

Merriment II

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

To paint 5 or 6 large paintings of different types of couples.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Very hard to choose. I could learn so much from Alex Kanevsky, Julie Heffernan, and Kent Williams.

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

How to paint the figure not in an impressionistic or gestural way but like a blurry photograph. – early Gerhard Richter’s work.

jillmartin landscapeptg_USEWhat is your favorite time of day to paint?

I’ll paint whenever, but the light in the studio is usually best midday and afternoon.

 Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

Yes, I do get stuck sometimes and keep redoing areas over and over. At that point I have to not look at the painting for a few hours or a few days. Then when I go back to it I have a fresh perspective which hopefully makes it easier to see what needs to be done.

 What is up next on your easel?

A large abstracted landscape.

Jill Martin’s original works, posters, and print-on-demand imagery are available from Third & Wall Art Group. All images © Jill Martin and published/distributed by Third & Wall Art Group.

 

 

The Amazing Sarah Stockstill

SarahStockstillRAWMy love for Sarah Stockstill’s work began very shortly after I started to work for Third and Wall Art Group. I was still in training and had the opportunity to visit her in her studio as she was just starting a new piece. I had seen her work before in print form, which I really liked, but it wasn’t until I sat there in complete awe of her and her talent that I really did just fall in love.

She greeted me with a hug and a huge smile that just lit up the room. There is something so sweet and genuine about her, I felt at ease immediately. I had years of experience on the retail end dealing with published pieces, but I was a complete newbie when it came to the original art market. This was my first exposure to how an artist takes a blank canvas and starts to create.

OSTO-263

“Lyric in Gesture”

"Sonata II"

“Sonata II”

With fluid motions and various tools she combined colors in a way that to me seemed completely effortless. She layered and pulled paint over the canvas, then stepped back, tilted her head to both sides and continued. I was watching the colors she was using and thought “Mmmmm, that’s an interesting combination” – and just like that, the colors blended together, light variations of colors and the HUGE once-blank canvas evolved into a stunning abstract original.

OSTO-402

“Aquitaine II”

I couldn’t help but smile during the entire process that I was fortunate enough to witness first hand. I am not an artist by any means but I have been in the industry long enough to know when there is an artist who is truly remarkable and unique. To me, that is Sarah Stockstill.

20140315_171211

My very own Sarah Stockstill original!

Recently I fell in love with one of her pieces, an abstract figure, and am happy to say thanks to the gracious gesture of one of our other amazing artists, Liz Jardine, it is hanging in my living room and I get to smile now every day because of the piece, and Sarah’s incredible talent.

– Melissa Hesse, Third & Wall Account ManagerMelissa_bw

 

 

 

 

Featured Artist: Lisa Ridgers

Artist Lisa Ridgers

Artist Lisa Ridgers

We see the paintings and we know the artist’s name, but we don’t know anything else about the person who created the art, how she works, or how she is inspired. We recently caught up with Lisa Ridgers in her studio to find out from the top-selling artist herself – how does she create all those gorgeous paintings?

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

Usually I crank some tunes and jiggle around a little bit to get warmed up, inspired and loosen my muscles

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

It varies but normally two or three.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

Yes, I would LOOOOVE to work on a piece for P!NK. Sounds a bit weird, I know, but I really admire her talent and her authenticity, the lady rocks!

RidgersStudio2If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Well, if I had powers of resurrection, definitely JMW Turner. One more just to be greedy……I would also love to paint with Sarah Stockstill, her work has always inspired me.

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

Yes, I currently am intrigued by all the digital work that artists are now doing and would like to learn some new skills, incorporating something along those lines into my work.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Morning……my brain fritzes out in the afternoons.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?RidgersStudio

Yes, I sometimes used to fight pieces to the death but now I take a different approach. I turn them around and they face the wall until I am ready to work on that piece again…some sit for weeks at a time.

What is up next on your easel?

I am playing around with a new “urban” look but have to work out some kinks yet…should be a fun day 🙂

Lisa Ridger’s original works, posters and print-on-demand imagery are available from Third & Wall Art Group.