Tag Archives: original art

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!

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.

Creating a Gallery Wall

With the new autumn season approaching, we decided to embrace some change and rehang the original art pieces in our art gallery. There’s something about transitioning to fall that invites fresh and new beginnings, and changing up your interior spaces is a great way to embrace this season. So as design styles and home decor change with the leaves, deciding exactly how you want to rearrange or redecorate can be tricky. Sometimes reorganizing wall decor you already have, finding new ways to display items in your home, or switching out different pieces can instantly refresh your room and get you ready for crisp weather & cozy days inside.

A gallery wall–although it can sound daunting–is a great way to display your wall decor pieces, fill a blank wall, and personalize your space. If you already have a gallery-styled wall, switching out pieces, adding new ones, or reorganizing them can help re-energize your space. So whether you are attempting your first gallery wall or rehanging what you already have, we wanted to share some helpful tips and tricks that we learned when switching up our own art gallery walls recently.

Style

The first thing to decide on is how the style of your gallery wall; what “theme” or aesthetic are you going for? Classic and traditional? Or a more eclectic vibe? Since there are so many ways to create a gallery wall, pinpointing your style that will help when picking out the specific pieces to use and organizing them. For our art gallery, we decided to rehang each wall by color palette and used pieces in similar tones. Color is a key component of making any gallery wall cohesive. Whether the pieces are all black and white, all in the same color scheme, or an intentional mix of colors, it’s important think about how the colors in your pieces will look together on your wall and in your space.

Finding the pieces

Once you have an overall idea of the style you want for your gallery wall, it’s time to pick your pieces. An easy way to start is to choose some main pieces–they tend to be the larger ones–that you want to be the focal points of your wall, and then you can build around them. No matter if you are rehanging pieces you already have or finding new pieces, this can help give you a specific direction and a better idea of how to organize the space you have available. Once you have the main pieces, you can find others to go with them and start creating a collection of possible images and works for your gallery. At this point in our gallery, we started gathering the pieces that worked with the color palette of our wall and pairing them up based on aesthetic–not worrying about sizes quite yet. This is the fun part, so use your unique eye and style to find the perfect pieces to fit your vision!

Lay It Out

After you have the pieces that you want to include in your gallery wall, begin planning out how you want to organize them. Figure out how much wall space you want/have to work, measure out the sizes of the pieces (it can be helpful to start with the larger ones) and start mapping our how you want to place them. Consider which sized pieces work best together, spacing out like-images so similar items aren’t clumped together, and the amount of space you want to leave between each piece. Make it as clean & gridded or as intentionally disordered as you would like, but laying it out and having a game plan will really help before grabbing the nails and hammer. For our art gallery, we kept a consistent bottom line for our art pieces and worked up, making sure pieces were centered with the ones below and evenly spaced. Don’t be afraid to try different things and experiment with various lay outs before finding what works best for your space!

One big tip about creating a gallery wall–no matter how you go about curating and hanging it–is to stay flexible and don’t be afraid to adapt if things aren’t going exactly how you envisioned. Whether you are creating a new gallery wall and on the hunt for the perfect pieces or reimagining your space with pieces you already have, enjoy getting creative with it! The hard work, creativity, and personal touches will be really rewarding once you stand back and admire your work!

All of these original pieces (and more!) are available on our website!

Art Highlight: Encaustic Painting

You have probably seen encaustic artwork, but how much do you know about the painting medium?

The use of hot wax and damar resin (crystalized tree sap) gives encaustic painting its vibrant layers. Artists use a wide variety of techniques to create a range of styles in this medium, and on substrates such as wood. The hot wax is brushed on the substrate and can be layered for a more opaque effect, combined with pigment for color or collage materials, or scraped for different finishing textures. The endless creative possibilities of the encaustic process can be especially fulfilling for the artist, and the works of art they produce can really resonate with the viewer. Our artists Laura Van Horne and Corrie LaVelle create gorgeous encaustic paintings, and we wanted to share their experiences with painting in this medium.

In a personal statement, Laura Van Horne shares what draws her to encaustic work, “I find encaustic wax paintings very satisfying to work on as they are multi-sensory. The smell of the wax, the texture, the sound of the hotplate cracking as it heats up or cools down, the vibrancy of colors, and the sheen of the cooled wax entice me”. These encaustic paintings by Laura Van Horne (below) exemplify the vibrancy and texture in her encaustic painting that we love! With so many different colors and styles, you can easily find encaustic artwork that will make a gorgeous statement on your wall.

We love how beautifully Corrie LaVelle describes her personal experience as an artist and why creating encaustic art is so meaningful to her, “Encaustic art is necessary to my life. It is where I spell out my personal journey into every piece. To have the ability to share that experience, and allow the viewer to choose their interpretation of and apply it to their own personal path is a joy”. Corrie LaVelle’s beautiful encaustic work (below) has a distinct style and makes a stunning statement with its fluidity and layers of colors!

The encaustic pieces featured in this post–and lots more!–are available in our Print-On-Demand collection and Poster collection. We also have some original encaustic paintings available on our website, with the unique texture and depth that an original encaustic piece offers.

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.

What do you love about encaustic artwork?

A Seattle visit from artist Lisa Ridgers!

Penny Alspeth, Lisa Ridgers and Aimee Clarke in the 3&W showroom

Penny Alspaugh, Lisa Ridgers and Aimee Clarke in the 3&W showroom

Recently we had the pleasure of hosting one of our most sought-after and prolific artists, Lisa Ridgers, along with her longtime partner and business manager Penny Alspaugh.

Lisa has been a Third & Wall artist for almost 10 years, but her home is in England, so this was the first opportunity she’s had to visit our showroom in the Emerald City. Since Lisa’s stateside visit was such a rare and beautiful thing for us, we made the most of it!

Lisa Ridgers

Although technically she was on vacation, we talked her into touching up some canvases. She was more than happy to jump in with her paintbrush and paints!

Lisa, Penny and Aimee reviewed all of the fantastic new Ridgers art that recently arrived from the UK. Lisa’s newest works are large and vibrant, with a range of inspiring color palettes that satisfy and transcend the wide and ever-changing range of interior decor trends. They include delicate figuratives, bright modern abstracts, and even traditional and transitional landscapes.

: “Retro Fit” by Lisa Ridgers

: Country Setting I

: Seaside

: Remembering You

: Geometrics by Lisa Ridgers

: Dreaming in Blue

: Rhythm & Flow (16)

PennyLisaAimeeBrad

Lisa’s agent Brad Huff joined in on the fun as they toured the Third & Wall showroom and artwork.

And then it was time for everyone to relax at a fun and casual lunch around our conference table. Those of the 3&W team that hadn’t met Lisa and Penny yet had a great time getting to know them.

Lisa Ridgers with some of the 3&W team

A BIG thank you to Lisa and Penny for crossing the pond to come visit us and meet the team!

Here’s to Green for St. Paddy’s Day

pantone-210-new-color-families-greens St. Patrick’s Day is upon us. Everyone from schoolchildren to our coworkers will be wearing green on the 17th in order to avoid the dreaded pinch. If your wardrobe is short on green we can’t save you from a pinching incident, but we do have plenty of green for your walls to wear!

According to Pantone, the Mothership of color, “The human eye literally sees more green than any other color. The hue of foliage, grass, and growing plants; bountiful trees, lush meadows and clinging vines; the shade of forests and jungles; elves and leprechauns; the product of the Irish patriot and St. Patrick’s Day; with a multitude of greens so plentiful in the surrounding world, there are many moods the green family can convey.”

The color experts at Pantone go on to explain that green is a restful color, influencing our nervous system, slowing and deepening our breath, and relaxing our heart by slowing the production of stress hormones.

: “The Moon” by Laura Van Horne

: UHIB-260_ALT_V1 by Randy Hibberd

: “Marfa II” by Sarah Stockstill

: “Sage Cascade” by Jeff Iorillo

: “Crossing The Lines” by Sarah Stockstill

Whether in airy meadows, urban parks or macro-views of nature’s hidden areas, the use of green can promote a sense of balance, harmony and reassurance.

: “A Familiar Vista” by Brooke Borcherding

: “Summer Shade” by Theo Beck

: “Urban Escape” by Liz Jardine

: “Rainforest Hues” by Liz Jardine

: “River Currents” by Liz Jardine

There, don’t you feel calmer already? Get some green!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

“Party” by KC Haxton

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

: “The Grass is Greener” by Stacy D’Aguiar

: Stacy D’Aguiar

: “Neptune’s Province” by 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

: “Come Sail Away” by Michele Gort

: “Space In Between” by Michele Gort

: Michele Gort

: “Kaleidoscope Blue 2” by 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

: “Eloquent Flow III” by Michael Lawrence

: Michael Lawrence

: “Eloquent Flow II” by Michael Lawrence

: “Color Confections 2” by 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.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Third & Wall!

aaron matheson, photography, washington, fall, autumn, seasons

Photography by Aaron Matheson

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday of the year. It’s interesting that Lincoln declared it an official holiday in the midst of the Civil War when finding something to be thankful for was probably challenging. Yet, the holiday has endured, for it represents something so genuine and innocent.

transitional landscape, autumn, fall, painting, seattle art, jill martin

“Tradition” by Jill Martin

I love Thanksgiving for what it is not. It is not full of gifts and over-the-top decorations. Thanksgiving is, however, a time to share with friends and family. I love that it is a kickstart to the holiday season and when I can officially start ordering my eggnog lattes. I love that it is a day filled with wonderful foods such as garlic mashed potatoes with dressing, turkey, cranberry relish and stuffing with Jimmy John’s sausage and rosemary (stick to this and skip the oyster stuffing), and so much more.

But I love Thanksgiving most because it is a day where we step back and reflect on what we are thankful for. Third & Wall Art Group is no different. The year is winding down, year-to-year comparisons are being made, current year budgets are being reviewed and the rush to complete annual goals is in full swing. But through all of this I still wish to step back and acknowledge all that I am thankful for at Third & Wall.

transitional florals, nature art, trees, liz jardine, fall, autumn, seasons

“When Autumn Leaves Start to Fall” by Liz Jardine

I (we) am thankful for the incredible and talented artists that we get to work with. Each day we receive the gift of entering an office filled with beautiful artwork. I am thankful for a wonderful and loyal group of employees that strive to make every one of our customers happy. I am thankful for our vendors who have been true partners and have shown us patience and support. I am thankful for our customers. I am thankful that with all the options available to them for wall décor, they come to us. I am thankful that they have placed their trust in our abilities to meet their needs. I am thankful that they allow us to open our doors everyday ensuring that we can continue to represent the interests of our artists and to keep the business of art alive.

Every year has its challenges, yet every year also has its rewards. Today, I am thankful for all those rewards. ~ Brian Henn, President

transitional landscapes, lisa ridgers, abstract landscapes, contemporary seattle art

“Rust & Water” by Lisa Ridgers

I’m thankful to work with a group of artists who, through their work, make even the darkest days bright. And for coworkers who are more than just people I work with, but who are also wonderful, supportive friends.~ Melissa

I’m thankful for my family and friends, my two dimpled daughters and the songs they sing, my awesome co-workers, and hot coffee on a cold morning. ~ Kay

I’m thankful that I get to work with a team that’s committed not only to each other, but to doing the best we can everyday for our clients. Also that I get to do something every day that brings joy into people’s lives and homes. ~ Melody

I’m thankful that Third & Wall provides me the flexibility to fulfill a creative and artistic working role while also empowering me to achieve my own personal artistic dreams. And I’m thankful for the best co-workers a girl could ever have. ~ Patti

randy hibberd, nature art, branches, fall, autumn, seasons, transitional

“Tranquility II” by Randy Hibberd

I am thankful for all of the opportunities that have been put in front of me this past year. And I am even more thankful that I could take those opportunities and turn them into something great. ~ Kali

I have a lot to be thankful for – my family, friends, good health, my home and a great job. ~ Debbie

I’m thankful for all the incredible individuals I connect with every day. Not only are they talented and creative but also kind, generous, lovely people. . .artists, clients, co-workers and vendors. ~ Aimee

Impressionist art, simon addyman, fall, autumn, seasons, nature

“Red Leaves” by Simon Addyman

I’m thankful for a loving and supportive family and rockstar friends! ~ Katherine

I am thankful for all the awesome coworkers I have, because without them the days would be far less interesting, less funny and way more stressful. ~ Aaron

I’m thankful for my amazing friends in Seattle! I moved here 6 years ago without knowing anyone and have accumulated a group of friends who are compassionate, inspiring, and weird. ~ Maddie

And last but not least…

I’m thankful to work alongside so many generous and talented people. I’m thankful I still have all ten fingers. I’m thankful this country celebrates Thanksgiving! ~ Peter

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!

From The Studio of Randy Hibberd

Randy Hibberd is a genius at creating timelessly elegant, upscale contemporary artwork that integrates boldly and seamlessly into all types of commercial and residential interiors.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?
Coffee coffee coffee . . . and change into my painting clothes like Mr. Rogers.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?
I usually have 3-6 paintings going on at all times. You never know what mood you’ll be in when entering the studio walls; it’s fun to have options.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?
Solo show at the Guggenheim.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?
I love to paint with my beautiful daughters Riley and Rachel . . . I could paint with them everyday!

Is there an idea you would like to explore?
I’m always fired up to explore new ideas , that’s the rush of painting – when you’re inspired and can’t wait to get to the studio.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?
2-6 pm. The coffee has fully kicked in, goofing off has subsided and the pressure is on to get something done for the day.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?
Getting “stuck” is normal practice in my abstract world . Sometimes it flows, sometimes it’s junk. Most times I battle through until I find a solution . . . just keep painting. But on rare occasions I just walk away and come back fresh the next day. This always yields a new perspective and a solution reveals itself .

What is up next on your easel?
Magazine pages. Tons of ever-evolving magazine photos.

: “Scattered Stones 2”

: “Vigor”

: “Even Flow”

: “Burnt Orange”

: “Happy Home Flowers I”

: “OHIB-518-ALT”

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

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.