Tag Archives: color

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.

From The Studio of Kippi Leonard

Meet our artist, Kippi Leonard! Kippi’s vibrant aqueous surfaces are the results of pouring inks that have been custom mixed onto canvas, panel, and linen. The pouring process is her way of largely abandoning compositional control and remaining open to spontaneous occurrences with her work. Through color, luminosity and light reflection, her work provokes calm and, simultaneously, deep introspection. Inversely, her mixed media work is structural and largely black and white with expressive mark making and an occasional allusion of color. Both methods of creating reflect her veracious essence. After an extensive career in interior design, Kippi continues the exploration of materials through her experimental and abstract work in oil, encaustic, collage and watercolor.

A Pacific Northwest native, she now resides in Palm Desert, California a place that nurtures her comprehensive approach to creating art.

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

The first thing I do when I arrive at my studio each day is to turn on music, something that will influence the tone, composition, and mood of my current series of paintings.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I typically work on 2-4 paintings at a time, with several in ink and a large acrylic mixed media.

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

My current dream project has been opening my own studio/gallery/workshop space in Palm Desert where I live. There is a street revitalization program currently in construction where my studio is located which is being built to provide the community with an art scene, community events, music festivals, dining, and gathering. Its going to be amazing and I’d like to be involved in its vision and implementation.

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

I would have to go back in time. I just read the book “Ninth Street Women” by author Mary Gabriel. I could see myself painting for a day with Joan Mitchel or Grace Hartigan. Mostly, I’d like to be a part of their unapologetic gusty innovation in the post-war modern art world. Truly inspiring!

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

When my creative tank is nearing empty, a good adventure clears my mind and, being an amateur photographer, I always return with photo inspiration. Travel, hiking, visiting new out-of-the-way places of interest feeds my soul. Museum, gallery, and art shows always excite my brain and fuel me to start new pieces. Occasionally, a color I see somewhere in a crowd takes hold and a new idea begins to form.

How has your art evolved over time?

I experimented in so many mediums when I first started to learn about art and its creation. I found my voice in my ink work and in my mixed media work, and I’ve realized I cannot do everything but I can challenge myself within a few favorites. I am always trailblazing ways to use the inks. For me, it’s always being willing to risk. I love overcoming impossibility within my work.

What do you like most about your work?

I like how it evokes emotion in the viewers. I’m often being told stories of what a person sees within my work. A mother holding a child, a sunrise in the mountains, a female silhouette; that it resonates in their heart and mind; that they don’t want to look away. My story becomes part of their story when they bring my art into their home. I want to connect with people and this is the way I do that.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Modern-Neutral

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I have lots of ideas to explore. My current idea is blending contemporary elements with historical figures using my inks, collage, and acrylic in an abstract way.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

It depends on what I’m painting. I work with inks early in the morning when I’m energized, as they require complete attention with music that is upbeat and I can dance in place a bit while waiting for the inks to dry. I work on my abstract mixed media pieces in the late afternoon and evenings, usually with soft jazz music playing.

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

I do get stuck and with those pieces I either push too far or they go in my “closet of unloved art” until a fresh idea hits me. Then I begin again and they evolve into some of my most favorite pieces. Occasionally, I have my husband look at a piece and give me his “feel”. It re-inspires me to go in a new direction or validates I’m on the right track and I just needed to push through.

What is up next on your easel?

Currently a 48 x 72″ ink piece for a commission is on the table and a new collage mixed media is on the easel waiting for the first brush stroke.

Contemporary Figurative Art

**featuring “Remembering You” by Lisa Ridgers**

Are you looking to make an impact with your wall art? One popular décor trend that can do just that is contemporary figurative art. In a variety of artistic styles, figurative artwork can add whimsical flair or a modern touch to any interior. While it doesn’t always mean artwork of people, figurative art often takes human form. With its representational approach, figurative imagery can be simple line sketches or bold abstracted figures. We love how contemporary figurative art decor can add fresh takes on classic subjects that feel familiar!

Figurative art can elevate a space and a female figure can add a feminine touch. One room that is a perfect spot for artwork of figures, and even nude art, is the bathroom. This classic art theme, whether realistic or impressionistic, can complement any 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.

Flower Power: Big & Bold Florals

We are firm believers that floral decor is always in season! There are many different ways to add florals to your design, and one of our favorites is hanging big, bold floral prints on your wall. Floral and botanical artwork reflects the uniqueness of each flower, making it an easy way to bring color, joy, and the beauty of nature indoors to any design style. Since it is such a timeless décor trend, we wanted to share some floral imagery that will add some flower power to your space!

From traditional to contemporary styles, big and bold florals can breathe life into your design!

Celebrate Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! Today we want to celebrate this incredible planet and its breathtaking landscapes. From majestic mountains and relaxing coastlines to sandy deserts and rolling hills, there is so much natural beauty to behold. We love how photography can capture a moment of Earth’s stunning views, so we are sharing some photographs of scenery from all over the world to celebrate Earth Day!

How are you celebrating Earth Day?

Adding Abstract Art To Your Walls

***featuring “Back Pocket I & II” by Kippi Leonard***

Finding the right art for your wall can add the perfect finishing touches to your design. But with so many art styles and imagery to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming. Abstract artwork is a popular décor trend that encompasses a wide range of imagery and styles. And although it seems like they would work best in a contemporary styled space, abstracts can add interest, color, and invigorating energy to any design. So whether you have a totally modern space, a traditionally furnished room, or somewhere in between, abstracts can find a way on your wall!

Modern Design

Abstract art can give a contemporary and eclectic space some bold and dramatic flair. A large-scale piece will create a beautiful statement in your room and draw your eyes to your wall. Abstract imagery is also a great way to add a pop of color, and it can complement different textures and patterns to complete a maximalist design style.

Traditional Design

**featuring cropped alt of “Rising Veil” by Scott Brems**

Opposites attract with modern abstract art and traditional furnishings! If you have a neutral and traditional space, a colorful abstract painting can create an eye-catching focal point or a neutral abstract can add interest to a monochromatic look. No matter the size, abstract artwork can help tie in the different colors of your room as “classic” meets “contemporary. Even just changing out the artwork on your wall can freshen up your space, and contemporary artwork can enhance your existing traditional furnishings.

Transitional Design

**featuring “Annual Journey” by Ruth Fromstein and “Attraction I &II” by Kippi Leonard**

As more spaces blend modern and timeless elements, these popular transitional styles can reflect individuality and personal touches in the design! Whether you gravitate towards minimalist and neutral spaces or maximalist and bold design, hanging abstract artwork can be the perfect way to complete your transitional space. From encaustic art to acrylic paint on canvas, and from abstract photography to mixed media pieces, you are sure to find the perfect abstract for your wall!

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!

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!

Finding The Best Pieces For Your Living Room

Designing a stylish and functional living room can create the perfect gathering space! Whether you are entertaining guests or relaxing with family, finding the right décor can help set the tone for your room. We are excited to share some tips on finding the best pieces for creating an inviting living room.

Furniture is arguably the most important piece of a living room, so finding wall décor that complements your couches and comfy chairs is important. Hanging wall art in the same color scheme as your furniture will keep your space cohesive, whether it’s bright hues or warm neutrals. If your furniture has contemporary curves, try hanging a piece with rounded details to help soften the space. Boldly patterned wall art will pair well with printed pillows, rugs, and detailed fabrics in your living space.

A mantel can be the focal point of a living room so adding eye-catching decor will really help make it the center of the room. You can hang and center wall art above your mantel to draw the eye upward and fill more vertical space. You can also add art to your mantle, no hammer necessary, by propping it against the wall and layering it with other décor pieces to add more character. Depending on your wall space, you can also hang art on either side of the fireplace to help frame it.

**featuring “Boundless I and Boundless II” by Brent Foreman**

If you are looking to fill some large wall space, adding multiple pieces can help break up an empty wall. Adding a diptych or gallery wall are great options for adding multiple images to one wall, or don’t be afraid to go bold by hanging one large piece to really make a statement!

No matter your style, finding the right art and décor will bring your design together. Add personal touches and find pieces that reflect you to make your living room a cozy and welcoming space!

Some of the images featured in the interiors 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.

Making A Statement With Warm Neutrals

**featuring “Rocking The Trail” by Ruth Fromstein**

There’s a reason warm neutral colors are as popular as ever! The soft and subtle tones can brighten up any space, keeping it classic and elegant. Although decorating with neutrals can seem daunting, since an all-neutral space can sometimes sound stark and boring, it can be more visually rewarding than you’d think. Using a variety of light and dark neutrals with warm undertones will create depth in your space, and incorporating lots of texture will make your space anything but boring!

The simplicity of the tones makes them easy to pair with other colors, textures, and materials. Layering your neutral space with different textures and materials like wood, leather, and metallic accents will add dimension and warmth to your design. If you have neutral toned walls, try incorporating different bespoke textures to make your space even more inviting and eye-catching. And you can even create the illusion of texture with the right imagery in warm earth tones and embellished or metallic wall art!

With a pared-down palette, patterns and shapes can help create more interest in a soothing space. Decorating with neutral colors doesn’t mean you have to play it safe! Boldly patterned wallcoverings are great for making a statement, even with a minimalistic color foundation. Patterns and shapes on rugs, pillows, and wall art will keep your space engaging, while the neutral hues keep it light. For a cohesive and harmonized space, make sure all of your colors have the same neutral undertone, either with warm neutrals or cool neutrals. Whether you are decorating an all-neutral space or adding light earth-tone elements, we love the comfort and freshness these warm colors bring to any style!

Décor and Design Trends of 2019

Have you been wanting to try a new interior design style or change out your décor? The start of a new year can be the perfect time to refresh your space and redecorate. As 2019 begins, new design trends are forecasted and interiors are transformed with fresh colors, textures, and accent pieces. The prediction is that this new year will bring bold walls, bright hues, and lots of personal touches! For some revamping and redesign inspiration, here are some interior design trends that look like they will make a big splash in 2019.

Black and White

While always a timeless color combination, black and white furnishings are at the top of trending decor items you’ll want to incorporate into your design. The contrasting tones will keep your space balanced yet bold, especially when incorporating dramatic black elements. For more inspiration on decorating in black and white, check out this post!

Patterns & Prints

Large-scale prints and patterns will be making a big impact this year, especially in wallpapers and wallcoverings. Ornate walls in geometric patterns and floral prints are a great way to get a wow effect in your room. And check out this post for more ways to decorate with prints and patterns!

Warm Neutrals

Light and neutral spaces are still going to be popular, with warm earth tones such as sand, ochre, and terracotta keeping spaces fresh and cozy. Cool grays are being replaced with warmer hues in wall colors, furniture, wall art, and more!

“California Coast” by Brooke Borcherding

Figurative Imagery

In this new year, home furnishings and decor pieces will be straying away from the abstract and taking concrete and recognizable forms. Imagery of animals and figurative art are expected to become more popular to add as focal points or accents pieces, and can easily be incorporated in any design style.

Bright and Bold Hues

This year, color is in! We are welcoming 2019 with bright, bold, and saturated tones. Spaces with vibrant color, lots of texture, and maximalist design styles are expected to dominate interior trends and bring new energy. Don’t be afraid of deep-hued walls, jewel-toned furniture, and colorful decor, and check out this post for more jewel-tone inspiration!

Although trends rise and fade, the key to adopting new styles and ideas is to personalize your space, and don’t be afraid to make a statement! And however you decide to shake up your design, we hope you have a wonderful and successful year!

Pantone Color of the Year 2019: Living Coral

Last week Pantone announced their highly anticipated Color of the Year, and their pick for 2019 is Living Coral. In their description and explanation of the “vibrant, yet mellow” color, they acknowledge that this pick comes as a response to the influence of technology and social media in our daily lives. They explain, “Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression.” This vibrant color also recalls the “energizing aspects of color found in nature” and life under the sea.

There are lots of ways to include Living Coral in your space, whether you lead with this cheerful color or use it in accent pieces. If you are not ready make a big coral splash on a large scale, like painting your wall(s) or front door, try using this warm and playful color in your upholstery,tableware, and other home accessories. Balance out this happy coral color with neutrals and white for a light and fresh space, or complement it with deep blues and greens for a vibrant room. And finding the perfect wall art and decor can help tie in Living Coral with the rest of your design, keeping your room bright and cohesive!

How would you decorate with Living Coral?

And check out or Pinterest Board for more Living Coral Inspiration!

Decorating with Jewel Tones

**featured piece is “Peacock Blossom” by Liz Jardine**

Lately we’ve grown inspired by a rich and vibrant color trend that is shaking up the neutral color palettes: jewel tones. Using these deep colors in your space will give you the feeling of cozy luxury, especially when pairing them with velvety texture, bold pattern, and metallic accents. Each jewel tone can bring a different energy into your design, so we thought we’d share some of our favorite gem-inspired colors and ways to add them to your space.

Sapphire

Adding a sapphire hue can bring a soothing touch of glam to a space. Blue is great in rooms for rest and relaxation, such as a bedroom, and adding elements of sapphire is a bold way to activate your Zen. Paint your wall(s) this blue-gem color or add sapphire furniture and decor for a striking transformation.

Magenta

For a fresh burst of energy in your room, try magenta or a sweet, pink jewel-tone. Balance out the bright and vibrant hue of magenta by pairing it with other jewel tones, such as soft amethyst, cooling aquamarine, or rich ruby red.

Amethyst

Decorating with shades of amethyst will bring drama and elegance to your space. Mixing a deep, saturated jewel-tone with softer colors can help lighten up a space, and using a decadent purple in a room with a lot of sunlight can keep it from feeling too dark.

Emerald

Green brings a sense of healing to a space, and decorating with emerald tones can evoke calming and nature-inspired luxury. Even better, this dazzling green hue will pair perfectly with shimmery gold accents or deep blue colors.

Ruby

For a striking and warm color, go for a ruby red. Adding this rich jewel tone will instantly energize your space, and because red is such an activating color, using it in dining area or living room will make your space feel social and inviting.

Whether you choose one vivid gem color to set the mood of your room or mix them to transform your space into a beautiful jewel box, finding the perfect jewel-toned art piece will add a touch of elegance to your walls!

Get the Scoop: Ice Cream Colors

***Featured artwork is “Cotton Candy Dreams I” by Lisa Ridgers***

Today’s color trend is inspired by one of our favorite summer treats… ice cream! And with Sunday being National Ice Cream Day, we thought it would be the perfect time to talk about the bright, pastel ice cream colors we’ve been seeing in design. The interior design world has been bursting with delicious color this spring & summer, and adding brights & pastels are great way to refresh and lighten up your space, especially during the warm months.

**“Daydreaming” by Randy Hibberd (top left) and “Sea Coral II” by Patti Mann (bottom right)**

If you are wanting to add some lilac, bubble-gum pink, mint green, or apricot to your space, there are lots of ways to scoop this trend right up. You can go bold and paint your wall(s), decorate with perfect pastel-toned furniture, or start small with décor accent pieces.

And if you’d love to adopt this trend without completely renovating your space or are hesitant to go all out with these yummy colors, adding artwork with these pastel tones to your walls is a great solution. Sometimes the airy and lighter hues are easier to incorporate into your space and seem less daunting, but they still bring a fun and colorful energy with them. And with a variety of imagery in these dessert-inspired shades, from abstracts to florals to sunset photographs, you are bound to find a piece you will love!

The beauty of designing with color is that you can express yourself and personalize your space to reflect your style. So whether you go bold by mixing multiple bright pastels in your room, or start small by accessorizing with one softly toned ice-cream color, decorating with this scrumptious color trend can add just the right flavor.

All of these images are available in our Print-On-Demand collection on our site, and you can search by color scheme, such as Brights and Pale Tints to find just what you are looking for.

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.

Have a happy National Ice Cream Day and treat yourself!

From the Studio of Linda Stelling

We have another artist to share with you! Growing up in an artistically-rich family of painters, craftsmen, musicians, and floral colorists, Linda Stelling was bound for the art world. Her art career has taken her many different places, and now she is continuing the work she began as an abstract expressionist many years ago. She is fueled by her interest in color and the dream studies she has been exposed to for so long. Linda is in the studio every day, and when she’s not, she is planning and studying for the next artwork.

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

Stretch! I stand all day so it’s important to me to maintain flexibility.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

It depends. Sometimes I concentrate on only one, especially if it’s really big, but frequently I have several going at a time. If something stays in the studio unfinished too long, I tend to change it.

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

Yes, to be given the opportunity to create for a really large space. I like my work to have ample room to breathe. A nice large, open museum would work.

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

Monet for sure. He and I have many of the same artistic principles and very much the same vision. We share a similar color palette, subject matter, philosophies and family values. He and I share a love of gardening and of a simple beautiful flower.

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

I am always looking and thinking how my internal experiences can meld with my external creativity and perceptions. I often take my dreams and use part or all of the memory to form the beginnings of an idea for a painting. I try to parley the connection of our mental health, to our creative selves; which I feel we all experience on some level.

How has your art evolved over time?

For many years, I painted on a commission basis, which proved to be an incredible training ground. I was able to work quickly and produce just about anything. When I stopped, I was temporarily lost. It was only when I began listening to myself and not caring what anyone else thought, that I began to be truly satisfied with my own work.

What do you like most about your work?

My work has so much energy and life. I am a colorist by nature and I enjoy making the color move to what has been described as a “Psychic Vibration.”

What is one word that best describes your style?

Expressive.

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

Anything curvilinear delights me!

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Morning and afternoon – until I lose the light.

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

Turn it upside down!

What is up next on your easel?

I’m developing an abstract series based on Monet and his gardens at Giverney.

Linda’s work is 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.

Digital Image Customization at Third & Wall

At Third & Wall Art Group we work with some of the most exceptional artists in the industry. They are market-savvy, prolific, and total pros at creating upscale contemporary artworks that reflect color and decor trends.

However, those trends tend to morph and shift as they cycle throughout the industry. The result is that sometimes a customer may love an image for their project, but its colors may not reflect the unique needs of their design project. As a member of the Production Department at 3&W, I and my fellow digital color specialists spend a lot of time immersed in Photoshop, digitally changing colors and customizing art to meet precise specifications.

Our customers are like snowflakes – each one is unique, with diverse ways of communicating their digital alteration needs. One customer may simply provide a general vision, like “I’d like the greens to be more sage green, not so Kermit the Frog green”; others may send us a JPEG they want us to match; some will specify Pantone numbers or commercial paint swatches; and others will send fabric swatches and ask us to change elements of the image to precisely match their décor schemes.

Sometimes a project requires a suite of three images, but only two images exist – so rather than wait several weeks for the busy artist to paint a third image, like pulling a rabbit out of a hat we digitally create a third image out of thin air (ta da!).

Other client requests have included altering nude figures to be more modest (I’ll leave that to your imagination); making figures less “frumpy”; removing road signs or telephone wires from landscape photographs; removing birds from tree branches; restoring damaged vintage photography; moving elements of paintings around to create different compositions; changing the height of horizon lines – the list goes on. And just when we think we’ve done it all, our customers are always coming up with intriguing new customizations to challenge our skills and Photoshop know-how!

In most cases, there’s almost nothing our fabulous Production Department can’t match or alter. However, there are a couple of things to remember when requesting image customization:

1) Customization Isn’t Free: Digital image customization is a highly-skilled and specialized service, so there is a nominal fee for digital work. For more information check with your 3&W Account Manager.

2) Avoid Extreme Light to Dark/Dark to Light Changes: It is very difficult to digitally change a very light or white image area to very dark or black; and vice versa.

3) Be Conscious of Original Size When Enlarging: Enlarging a small image (or a small piece of crop from an image) can result in fuzziness, unintentional gigantic brushstrokes or canvas texture, and even the dreaded pixelation – so be sure to check the original size of your image before asking for an enlargement. If the original is 12×12” and you want it to be 60×60”, odds are it’s not going to have the clarity you want, no matter how carefully it is enlarged. And always request a test strip if you are requesting a big enlargement.

4) All Monitors Show Color Differently: Remember that every computer monitor shows color differently – so if you are requesting us to match colors in a JPEG you sent us, we will match what OUR monitors show us, which is not necessarily what your monitors are showing you. If color is extremely important, please specify a pantone or commercial paint chip color, or send us a physical color reference.

And now…bring on the challenges! Let’s customize!

– Patti Mann, Digital Color Artist, Third & Wall Production Team