Tag Archives: seattle art gallery

Hospitality and Healthcare Design Trends

Over the last couple of years, hospitality interiors have had to adjust their accommodations to meet new and growing needs in the industry, so it’s no surprise that designing for flexibility is one of the biggest trends in hospitality spaces. Similarly, healthcare interiors have had to adapt to new expectations and demands in the field. From creating cozy and inviting spaces outside of the home to tailoring rooms to fit unique needs, bringing comfort and wellness to hospitality and healthcare interiors has become a priority. With the importance of design and decor being recognized in these spaces, design trends are blending more than ever to bring personality and warmth to these interiors.

Having experienced a shift in how and where we work, live, and vacation, hotel spaces have had to provide accommodations for guests that want it all. The lines between home and hospitality are blurring, and hotel design has become even more focused on creating a home-away-from-home. Function meets comfort in hotel design, as spaces are made to feel cozy and less formal but also adapt to the needs of their guests. Multi-use spaces that can be transformed from a conference room to an intimate lounge are becoming necessities, empowering guests to use spaces as they choose. With design features such as spa-like bathrooms, thematic restaurants, local art, and plant decor, hotels are creating unique and memorable experiences for guests. Emphasizing wellness, comfort, and creating a joyful atmosphere, hospitality design trends focus on decorating in earth tones, warm woods and natural materials, blending the indoors and outdoors, and going bold with their decor. Making a lasting impression, both in design and experience, is key in hotel design.

In healthcare design, creating spaces that improve the lives of patients and staff is at the top of mind. Fostering an inviting and serene environment is so important when choosing the decor for spaces like hospitals and senior living centers. For this reason, trends that include soothing blues and greens, botanical decor, and fun abstract art are often used. But more than just creating a look or feel of a space, these designs need to consider the care of patients and the function of the space. In decor for senior living centers, fostering an inviting and serene environment is so important. Although there is no one-size fits-all in healthcare design, choosing the right wall decor can provide a calming atmosphere and support overwhelmed patients, providers, and caretakers. Soft tones, transitional artwork, natural light, and personal touches are creating more comforting healthcare spaces, proving that design can help heal.

Designing meaningful and comfortable spaces that people can enjoy outside of the home has never felt so important, especially in hospitality and healthcare interiors. Decorating in soothing color palettes, adding organic and bespoke details, and incorporating a connection to the outdoors lends itself to warmth and character in a space. Hospitality and healthcare design is rising to meet the unique needs of those using the spaces, and bringing a connection to wellness that we can all use.

What To Read Next…

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 Ruth Fromstein

Meet one of Third & Wall’s newest artists, Ruth Fromstein!  While currently residing in San Diego, Ruth has had a close relationship with art since picking up a brush and canvas while a child in small-town Wisconsin.  Creating has been the only constant in Ruth’s life and an important form of self-expression.

While her Bachelors degree is in Vocal Rehabilitation, it was the various art classes that inspired her.  She experimented with drawing, design, art, metals, and weaving.  Her art took inspiration from her love of dancing, hiking, backpacking, and nature, imbuing her work with movement, life, and a palate as varied as an expansive field of wildflowers gracing the horizon.  Ruth is constantly experimenting with new materials and techniques striving to embody in her work the beauty and excitement of the world she sees around and within herself.  Creating images that dance and play in the viewer’s imagination, her abstract paintings have been described as anything from tranquil and relaxing to thrilling and startling.  She embraces her brush as her dance partner, and, with it, swings across the canvas in a chorus of control and spontaneity.  While Ruth paints with a goal, she is always excited to stumble into new territory as the materials she experiments with lead her in unexpected directions!

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

“Red Poppies II”

 I take a deep breath and evaluate what I had done the previous day, looking at my work with fresh eyes.

How many paintings do you work on at a time? 

I like to work on multiple paintings at one time, usually at least 4.

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

It would be cool to paint a mural.

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

Oh my goodness… who to choose?  A master like Monet or Angus Wilson, or a painter I would like to take a class with?  How about my incredibly talented friend from high school, Leslie Stewart?  I choose them all!

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

“Satin & Silk”

I frequently get inspired when I go hiking.  I am influenced by my surroundings as well as my own thoughts and feelings.

How has your art evolved over time?

My work continues to evolve as I experiment with new techniques, colors, and tools.  I enjoy learning from other artists who introduce me to new processes then I like to take the information and apply it to my paintings in interesting ways.

What do you like most about your work?

I like that my paintings pull the viewer in and take them on a journey.  I enjoy looking at my paintings, and every time I do, I see something different.

I like the variety of work that I create.  I am attracted to color, texture and movement.

featuring “Retreating Within”

What is one word that best describes your style?

Only ONE? Contemporary

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

My head is exploding with ideas, however, I need to see if these concepts will successfully translate onto my canvas.  Follow along and see what emerges!

What is your favorite time of day to paint? 

“Big Bloom VI”

My mind is fresh in the morning, and I like the natural light that shines through my windows.

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

Oh, yes!  Sometimes I need to tuck a painting away and pull it out another day, or rotate the orientation.  Other times, it is best to simply “paint over”.

What is next up on your easel?

I have one of those “tucked away” paintings waiting for fresh inspiration, as well as an abstract landscape and floral.

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 Stacey Pollard

Meet our new artist, Stacey Pollard!  Her paintings usually involve landscape, either as a study of shapes and compositions or of structures in the landscape.  Since moving to Seattle, Stacey has been drawn to the varied architecture and light of the Pacific Northwest.  Her paintings start with photographs as reference, and she quickly edits the composition, adding layers and materials. Building up the textures and glazes is an exciting process for her every time!  Stacey likes to walk the line between an accurate depiction of what she saw and a more emotional reading of the scene.

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

I stop on the way and get my coffee–have to have it in my hand even if I don’t drink it.  Then I turn up the heat and get my playlist going.

“Evening Reflection”

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I usually have two or three going at once, all at different stages.

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

Not really–I’m having fun with what I’m doing now.

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

I would have to go back in time to hang out in Richard Diebenkorn’s studio–I’ve always admired his work.

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

I take photos when I’m out and about–whatever scene catches my eye.  Then I take them back to the studio to find the shapes and compositions–different ideas appeal to me at different times.  Once I get a painting started, I put the photo away and just refer to the painting itself–that’s when the really exciting stuff happens.

How has your art evolved over time?

I started out as a painter and printmaker–I think my paintings are similar to the collagraph plates I used to make.  I still like to layer on the textures and colors.  The subject matter has changed a bit, but they still start with something representational, and then I abstract them.

“Intrepid”

What do you like most about your work?  

I like that they are interesting to look at up close and interesting to see from far away.  The texture is fun to create, and the layers of glazes and brushwork also seem to hold up.

What is one word that best describes your style? 

Abstract landscape–not one word but that is the best I can do!

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I’m always looking for the next great composition–one that really resonates when I see it.  Those are the unforgettable images or scenes I know I have to paint.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

“Egress”

I like to paint in the afternoon.

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

Of course!  When I can see it starting to happen, I have to set it aside and let it simmer for a while.  Sometimes I just have to give up and start over, but then again some of my best pieces were saved at the last minute!

What is up next on your easel?

I’m working on three pieces at the moment–I’ve been experimenting with underpainting and some different textures.  It’s hard to take my time on these–I’ve got so many ideas I want to try!

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.

Color Trends: Deep Blue Hues

featured artwork is “Endless Muse” by K. Nari

As a new year begins, we always look forward to the predictions of new décor and design trends.  In forecasted color trends, Pantone announced their Color of the Year 2020: Classic Blue, and we are excited for this “timeless and enduring blue hue”! Blues are known to be calming and comforting, and the deep shade that Pantone has chosen for this new year reflects just that.  Sherwin Williams also selected a moodier navy blue, Naval, as their color for 2020.  Looks like having the blues isn’t such a bad thing after all!

Changing out your artwork is an easy way to refresh your space and try out these new colors and interior trends.  Because of their versatility, rich dark blues are taking on the role of a neutral this coming year, so don’t be afraid to decorate with them in bolder ways.  These striking navy hues have relaxing and tranquil qualities, and they easily pair with any materials or colors you might already have in your space.  From a luxe look to a cozy interior, these trending shades of blue can transform any design style!

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.

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 LeonardKippi’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?

Solitude Storm

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.

“Untitled”

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

“Digging In”

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.

“Moody Desert”

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.

Trend Inspiration From New York Fashion Week

featuring “An Open Heart” by Liz Jardine alt v 1

New York Fashion Week 2019 wrapped up in September and there were some runway trends for the upcoming year that caught our eye.  It’s no surprise that the relationship between fashion and interiors is a close one, so these fashion trends can easily be applied to create unique spaces.  We wanted to highlight a few of our favorite runway styles and how they can find a home in your wall decor!

BOLD: Prints & Patterns

Bold patterns are trending on the runways and on our walls!  From polka dots to rose prints to black & white graphic prints, we are drawing from this high-fashion inspiration and predicting bold patterns to be big in wall decor this coming year.  Bold printed wallpaper and wallcovering have become very popular, and it looks to be an interior trend that will continue to grow in 2020.

BRIGHT: Citrus-Inspired Colors

Citrus-inspired colors are brightening up wardrobes and interiors!  Refreshing colors such as lime green, tangy tangerine, and not-so-mellow yellow made a statement on the catwalks and are sure to make a splash in decor for a bright and colorful 2020.  Decorating with these trendy highlighter hues can be as easy as hanging the perfect eye-catching artwork on your walls!

CLASSIC: All White Suit

The all-white suit continues to be a chic fashion staple and this past New York Fashion Week, designers were taking it to the next level with sultry cutouts and unique silhouettes.   This clean, classic, and structured runway trend took a more relaxed, stylized vibe this year and it can easily transition to interior design and decor.  Whether you want an all-white space or just some neutral decor, wall art in this pared-down color palette can be the stylized, unique accent piece you need!

The fashion and design industries are continually influencing each other and we love looking to the fashion world for inspiration!

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.

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.

Decor Trend: Moody Photography

featured photograph by Keith Morgan

Fine art photography can be just what your walls need, and one decor trend that has caught our eye is large statement ‘moody’ photography.  High-contrast photographs of landscapes, vistas, and still-life subjects are adding extra drama and sophistication to spaces.  Typically in muted tones or black and white, moody photography can act as a neutral piece in your space, despite being so striking.  We love how the vivid contrast in soft neutrals makes these images both bold and understated.

Black and white photographs are a classic wall decor trend that can make an impact in any design style and space.  The moody style of large-scale photographs can add a contemporary element to your interiors and complete your design.  Whether you are designing with a monochromatic look or want an eye-catching neutral art piece in a colorful room, moody photography can add a stunning statement 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.

Art Highlight: Giclée Canvas Embellishment

So you’ve found the perfect image for your wall and determined it will be printed on canvas, but you just wish it had a little more texture or metallic shine like an original painting.  Well, you’re in luck!  At Third and Wall, we have the ability to add hand embellishment to your giclée canvas print.  We offer several different embellishment options, which does mean that you will have one more decision to make. But, not to worry, we are breaking down the different types of embellishment to help!  From gel brushstrokes for added texture to metallic leafing for extra shimmer (or both!), we want to help make your art work for you and your unique style!

Brushstroke Embellishment

With a clear gel medium, we are able to hand-apply brushstrokes that follow the image of your print.  This embellishment option will give your printed piece texture that can mimic an original piece without compromising the image.  From fluid lines to geometric shapes and from thick gel to thin, the gel embellishment can highlight the movement of any piece.

Pigment Embellishment

We can also hand-paint canvas prints with pigment, including metallic and pearlescent colors, to add extra color and texture!  Combined with the gel embellishment, added pigment can help the colors of your image truly pop.  We use different paintbrushes and palette knives to apply the right color pigment and match the artistic style of the image, making the giclée come to life.  We can use gold, silver, or bronze metallic and pearlescent paint, which adds a light shimmer to highlight the metallic shine that an original might have.  The hand-painted texture and added color is a perfect way to elevate your giclée and really make it pop!

Metallic Leafing

For a bold metallic pop on your canvas print, we can hand-apply silver, copper, or gold metallic leafing.  The leafing can also be combined with the traditional gel embellishment to add that painterly texture with the burst of shimmer.  No matter how much of the image you decide to add the metallic leaf to, it is sure to pack a golden or silvery punch!

No matter what you decide, having a canvas giclée embellished is a great way to customize an art print and create a truly unique art piece that is perfect for your wall!

Contemporary Coastal Decor

featuring “Toward Shore I” and “Toward Shore II” by Lisa Ridgers

As we get ready for the long sunny days of summer, it can be a great time to refresh your space with new colors and furnishings.  One popular design trend that can help keep you cool and relaxed during the warm months is the modern coastal theme. Light & neutral hues, shore-inspired imagery, and natural textures & materials can add sophisticated beachy vibes for a serene styled space.  Incorporating the coastal theme doesn’t mean you have to completely transform your room.  Adding some contemporary beachside inspiration to your space can be as easy as decorating with some neutral and blue accent colors or switching out your wall art.  Abstracted seascapes, contemporary boat imagery, and coastal photography are great pieces that will add a modern seaside touch to your walls!

The contemporary coastal trend is perfect for creating a calming atmosphere, no matter how close you are to the shore.  And for more coastal inspiration, check out this previous blog post!

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.

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?

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.

Choosing The Best Substrate For Your Art Print

Choosing the right image for your wall is just the first step in making the perfect art print work for your space.  Here at Third & Wall, we have more than 15,000 contemporary artworks to choose from–and we are continually adding more–for your custom Print-On-Demand project! Once you find your image, determining the print size you need for your wall and the substrate you want it printed on are the next steps.  Each substrate offers a unique look and style, whether it’s a paper piece to frame, a canvas piece to stretch, or an alternative substrate like wood, metal, or acrylic.  We wanted to share the differences of each to help you find the best material for your artwork!

featuring “Golden Bliss” by K. Nari

Paper

Picturing a framed glass image on your wall?  Then a paper print is for you!  With a few different options to choose from, you can find the best type of paper for your image.  Semi-matte paper is coated and reflects colors and details vividly without being too glossy.  Enhanced Matte paper is a lighter uncoated paper ideal for images that do not require gloss, but prints saturated images with excellent highlight and shadow detail.  And Fine Art Paper is uncoated, toothy and heavy for a luxurious fine art look (similar to high-quality watercolor paper), helping the matte finish show detail beautifully.

embellished canvas print of “White Peony” by Liz Jardine with metallic paint

Canvas

A canvas giclée print is great for large-scale images and most closely resembles an original art piece on a painter’s canvas.  Canvas pieces can be stretched and framed to elevate your giclée print, and hand embellishment with gel, pigment, pearlescent color, or metallic leafing can be added for extra texture, shimmer and shine.

framed “High Style III” and “High Style IV” by Liz Jardine on wallcovering image by Corrie LaVelle

Wallcovering

With bold walls making a comeback, adding wallcovering to your space is a great way to make a statement!  Depending on the image you are using to cover your wall(s) and the feeling you want to create, we can help you find the best type of wallcovering for your interiors.  Matte wallcovering is ideal for crisp prints such as photography or detailed designs, while canvas wallcovering adds more texture to your walls, like a painter’s canvas.  Suede wallcovering brings elegance & warmth with a similar texture to suede fabric and reduces glare, whereas Terralon wallcovering has a very smooth surface and is made from 31% post-consumer recycled materials!

“Proximity” by Jill Martin on acrylic

Alternative Substrates

Want to create a truly unique look with your imagery?  Try an alternative substrate such as wood, metal, or acrylic!  Images can be printed on honey-colored birch or apple Europly wood for a rustic finish, and you can choose between a solid image or to have the woodgrain show through.  For a modern, sleek, and elegant feel, try printing on metal—this process is called DiBond and is formed by two thin metal sheets sandwiching a sheet of black sintra–with a brushed aluminum surface.  While printing your image on clear acrylic can give your art print depth and add a polished touch to your walls!

outdoor piece is “Canyon Vista” by Scott Brems

Although all of these options can seem overwhelming, we want to help make choosing the best substrate for your art easy! Have you thought of another cool substrate for your art print?  We will try and source it and create it for you!

For more details about all of the different substrate options we offer, check out our Products page.

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.

Finding The Best Pieces For Your Entryway

A stylish and functional entryway can create the perfect warm-welcome the minute you step through the door!  Whether it is the lobby of a communal building or the foyer of your home, the design of this space can set the tone for the rest of the interior. Even if it isn’t large–or technically it’s own room–your entryway can still make a dramatic impact.  No matter how much space you have, we wanted to share some tips for finding the best pieces for making a show-stopping first impression!

featuring “Expedite” by Corrie LaVelle

Make A Statement

Your entryway can be one of the best places to make a big statement, which is why we love the idea of a bold wallcovering–on just one wall or all of them–to define this space.  If you aren’t quite ready to cover your whole wall, finding large art pieces to fill your blank wall is another great way to add drama to your entryway and make a small space feel larger.  If you have a rug in your foyer, finding wall decor to complement it will help keep the space cohesive without feeling too busy.

Keep It Functional

A main priority when designing and decorating your entryway is its functionality and space.  Utilizing your square footage is important, whether airy and spacious or just a hallway, and you want to be sure that it serves the purpose(s) you need.  Make sure to account for any seating or a console table you might need in this area, and try hanging some art above a bench or displaying pieces in a vignette to bring pops of color and interest to the space.

Keep It Cohesive

As the first impression of your space, you want your foyer to set the right tone for the rest of your interior.  Keeping it with the color scheme and thematic design of the other rooms can help keep them unified as a whole.  To find the best style for your entryway, think about the mood you want to create once you walk in.  From light and neutral to eclectic and bold, there so many ways to create your perfect warm welcome!

A beautiful and organized entryway can make your space even more inviting, so finding the right decor is key to creating your perfect grand entrance!

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.

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!

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.

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

A recent wallcovering install

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!

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!

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.

Art Highlight: Impressionist Art

“Impression, Sunrise” by Claude Monet 1872

Even after 150 years, we continue to be inspired by Claude Monet, Camille Pissaro, Renoir, and other founding Impressionist artists!  When the Impressionist movement emerged in late 19th-century France, some artists began breaking away from fine finish and detail of the traditional paintings of the time, and instead, capturing momentary glimpses of an everyday scene with thick paint and quick brushstrokes. This major shift moved artists outside of the studio to depict their impressions of the world around them, focusing on the effects of different light and colors on landscapes, buildings, and common subject matters.

“Jalais Hill, Pontoise” by Camille Pissarro 1867

19th-century Impressionist artist Camille Pissarro said of Impressionism, “Work at the same time on sky, water, branches, ground, keeping everything going on an equal basis… Don’t be afraid of putting on color… Paint generously and unhesitatingly, for it is best not to lose the first impression.”

This movement has had a profound impact on the art world since it began in the late 1800s and is often regarded as a catalyst of modern art. Its style and technique continues to influence many artists, including some of our artists at Third & Wall.  Julie Devine’s work “communicates a spirited appreciation for the outdoors and for the tradition of painting, in particular the impressionist, post-impressionist, and abstract expressionist styles.”

Today’s artists are interpreting and showcasing Impressionism in new ways, painting in the thick, bold strokes and capturing the moment, light, and color around them as they see it.  Third and wall artist Brooke Borcherding “took her easel outdoors for the first time in 2009, observing and learning from both nature and her plein air painting peers.”  This direction was fueled by her need “to express what is real and everyday, and embrace the often overlooked beauty that is right in front of us.”

The Impressionist movement represented a groundbreaking shift in art history, allowing artists the freedom to explore new ideas, technology, and painting techniques.  Born in Barcelona, Third and Wall artist Adolf Llovera visited many Barcelona art galleries that formed his earliest art influences, leaving him particularly enamored of the works of the French Impressionist painters.  Llovera said,

To me, observation is inspiration. Details of everyday life, everything that surrounds us provides a motive for inspiration.”

The subjectivity of artwork shaped by Impressionism evokes a visceral reaction from the viewer and depicts the beauty of everyday moments. As each artist in the late 1800s began to hone their own style with more artistic freedom, the Impressionist movement itself dissipated but paved the way for future art movements.  It continues to inspire artists today and their own contemporary interpretations of Impressionism.

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.

Finding The Best Pieces for Your Dining Room

With the holidays right around the corner, tis the season for lots of celebrating and entertaining guests. No matter how big the guest list, hosting takes a lot of work and can require a long to-do list.  While there is a lot to remember, one way to elevate your hosting game is with your décor.  As the dining room takes center stage during the holiday season, wall art and décor can help set the perfect ambiance for socializing and indulging in a delicious feast.  We wanted to share some tips and tricks for finding the perfect pieces for your dining space, any time of year!

Multiple Images

Install of two Liz Jardine pieces

If you have a large wall to cover, adding multiple images is a great way to utilize the space.  Diptychs and triptychs make it easy to
hang multiple images and keep the wall cohesive, or you can break up one image in multiple pieces.  Gallery walls are also a great option for showcasing artwork, family photos, and decor items all on one wall.  Large pieces of art can help expand a small space, especially one without windows, so don’t be afraid to go big!

Make A Statement

Go bold in your dining space and make an impact!  Adding a wallcovering of a print or pattern to your wall(s) is a great way to make a statement.  Create depth in your space with contrasting colors and textures, and mixing in wood or metal accents can add natural elements to your space. When deciding your dining room colors and design, think about how it can complement your entertaining style.  Rich and warm reds can activate your space (and appetites) while incorporating gold or silver can add drama and elegance.

Work With What You’ve Got

Each dining space is unique, so work with what you’ve got!  Find wall decor that fits within your windows and enhances any architectural details.  If you have shelves or a mantle, you can use them to display art and decor without any hanging. You can also use your tableware and the details of the room to help guide your art selection. If you change your décor to get into the holiday spirit, switching out your artwork can be a great way to help make the room feel festively cohesive. For Thanksgiving, adding autumnal themed paintings and photographs can get you and your guests ready for a turkey feast.  As winter approaches and you break out your Christmas decorations, try switching out your wall art for winter-themed images to match the season!

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 In Black And White

Black and white is a timeless color combination that will keep your space feeling both classic and modern. The contrasting tones can add sophistication and drama to any room, not matter your design style. From bold stripes to matte black walls, there are a lot of great ways to decorate with this chic color trend. Whether you go for a complete monochromatic look or just want to add some black and white accessories, hanging black and white artwork on your walls will help complete your stylish look!

If your room is light or white, adding black accents can create a stunning contrast that will never go out of style.  Painting a wall black, even if it may seem scary, can help your room feel more cozy and intimate, with crisp white accents and warm woods creating a perfect balance. 

featuring “Subtle Glam” by K. Nari

If you want to start with smaller doses, incorporating the striking color combo in your trim, patterned upholstery, or artwork can elevate a space and emphasize different aspects of the design.  And hanging black and white photography on your walls is always a classic way to bring these timeless tones in to your space.

Guaranteed to create a sophisticated and classic aesthetic, this color combination has proven time and time again that it is here to stay. And did you know that we are able to customize and recolor our imagery to fit your design needs? If you see an image you’d love in black and white, we can help!

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.

Modern Farmhouse Style

An interior design trend that feels quintessentially fall appropriate is the modern farmhouse style. This simplistically chic trend is all about
light and neutral colors, wood accents, as well as a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Pinterest boards are filled with design and décor ideas for achieving the country-living inspired aesthetic, whether you style your space full of character or keep it more modern and refined.  After spending a weekend at the Pinology Market in Seattle, “an indoor pop-up market bringing Pinterest to life”, we are even more inspired by the rustic charm of the farmhouse style.

Even if you don’t live in the rural countryside, there are many ways to bring the polished comfort of the farmhouse style to your space. Using warm and cool neutral colors, like shades of gray, cream, brown, and sage, will keep your space light and bright. Finding the right décor is key to mastering the perfect modern rustic farmhouse look by balancing the sleek with the salvaged and incorporating natural elements. We’ve gathered some artwork and photographs that we think would pair perfectly with exposed wood details and flea market décor finds!                    

Images of lovable farm animals are a fun and easy way to bring the sweet country charm to your walls!

Paintings of the rolling countryside or a quaint barn can be the perfect addition to your farmhouse styled space. Pair them with industrial accents and a neutral color palette to complete your rustic and chic style!

Country-living inspired photography can strike the right balance of pastoral and refined while adding some rustic sophistication to your space!

And of course, the elegance of horses makes incorporating photographs and paintings of them a fantastic addition to your modern farmhouse style, especially in neutral tones!

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 Leah Rei

Meet our artist Leah Rei!  Leah has been creating from a young age which led her to study Fine Arts with an emphasis in Painting at Arizona State University.  She finds a great deal of inspiration in nature, and is often drawn to creating works that honor this. When in need of a muse, Leah takes to the trails, hiking to clear her mind and refocus. Working mostly in fluid acrylics, her art is an exploration of color, light and texture with the desire to represent all that inspires her with a sophisticated and thoughtful touch.

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

Turn on the music!  Nothing gets me into the “zone” faster than finding just the right station to paint to.  Painting in the “zone” feels almost like a runner’s high.  Everything is working in harmony: your body, your mind, the paint.  The gratification of finding that place of creativity is indescribable.  I hunt for the “zone” every day.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

As many as possible!  I find myself needing to have multiple pieces going so I don’t get too attached to any particular one.  This is not to say that I don’t put great amounts of care into my works, but rather that when I become too attached, I lose the ability to see the piece clearly, to make changes, and, more so, to be surprised by where the piece is taking me.  Creating each piece is like going on a journey, the best sights to see are the ones you didn’t know were there.

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

“Drifter”

Hmmm… tough question.  I love working large.  If I had a dream project, it would be something big, site specific, and where a lot of people can enjoy it.  By site specific, I mean creating a piece for a specific location, wall, building, etc.  It can be a lot of fun drawing inspiration from your surroundings and creating a special piece with this in mind.

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

Helen Frankenthaler.  I am drawn to her confidence, large works, and need to express what she saw and experienced.  Mrs. Frankenthaler once said about her own works, “my pictures are full of climates, abstract climates.  They’re not nature per se, but a feeling.”  I feel similarly about my own pieces, as they are an expression of nature not necessarily a direct depiction.

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

Getting outside, fresh air, and nature.  My strongest ideas come when I make room for them.  A lot of times this is about slowing down and getting in a good hike.

How has your art evolved over time?

I have always had a need to create in me.  I started taking art more seriously in high school before deciding to study it in college.  Because art has been so prevalent in my life and education, my early works were more technical and somewhat realistic.  Over the years, my work has become more and more of an expression of what I see and feel.  I am grateful to have such a foundation and technical background but what good is having rules if you can’t break them.

What do you like most about your work?

“Meandering”

That I get to be the one to make it.  I feel incredibly lucky every day that this is my career.

What is one word that best describes your style?

I am not sure one word is enough but if I had to choose probably fluid.

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I have been thinking a lot recently about how creating is a balancing act.  There is a duality that I find fascinating.  Art and creating at its best is found in the space between intention and intuition, calculated and spontaneous, vulnerable and strong, knowing and discovering.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

“Whistful”

Early in the morning or late afternoon/evening.  The light is amazing.

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

Absolutely!  Sometimes I just have to put that piece away and get some distance.  Looking at it, studying it, hemming and hawing does not get me any closer to completing a piece.  Pieces that I am stuck on go in a different room, out of sight, out of mind.  I then get to find them later and be surprised by what they have to offer.

What is next up on your easel?

Lots and lots!  I have been thinking about a series of landscapes that work with the idea of duality, made up of marks both spontaneous and intentional.  Additionally, some more abstract pieces that are light, bright, and airy.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Art Highlight: Encaustic Painting

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

“Redscape” by Laura Van Horne

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.

“Chatoyer” by Corrie LaVelle

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?

Coastal Style

“Long View” by KC Haxton

As we get into the dog days of summer (hello August!), relaxing in a beautiful beach house sounds just about perfect. The serenity and simplicity of the neutral color palette, clean lines, and oceanside vibes are enough to lull you into a summer trance. Coastal interiors are perfect for curing any of your summer blues, no matter the season. And whether you live by the shore or thousands of miles away, we are sharing some of the best images to help you create that same soothing seaside energy in your own space!

There are lots of ways to make the coastal design trend your own, and it doesn’t have to mean a kitschy style with seaside trinkets galore. It can transform your room into a simplistically elegant oasis with a natural color palette, different textures, and modern accents.

“Hope” by Dina D’Argo

For a calming, coastal-chic space, start with a neutral base for a color palette, with muted and pastel tones like tans, off-whites, and soft grays & blues.  Taking a minimalist approach with furniture & decor and mixing some traditional pieces with modern accents can give you the perfect balance of a relaxing, sleek space.  And incorporating imagery of sand, sea, and sky is an easy way to elevate your space to make it contemporary and inviting.  We love how a beautiful shore painting transports you to the peaceful waves!

But a coastal style doesn’t always have to mean complete tranquility.  Fun and beachy vibes can be perfect for a kid’s room, bathroom, or any space you want to bring some more energy to.  By adding brighter and bigger pops of coastal-inspired color, such as aqua, coral, or deeper blues, to a mostly-neutral space, you can liven up a room while keeping the coastal inspiration.  Hanging imagery of cute sea creatures, shells, and beach life will bring the fun of the beach to your space without tracking in any of the sand!

No matter how you choose to incorporate some coastal vibes into your design, we hope this artwork helps bring you a little closer to the shore!

All of these images and photographs (and lots more!) are available in our Print-On-Demand and photography 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 Dina D’Argo

Dina D’Argo

Let us introduce you to one of our newer artists, Dina D’Argo!  Originally from San Diego, Dina now lives near Nashville and enjoys life with her horses and dogs when she is not in the studio. With bold brush strokes, lush colors, and textural elements, Dina D’Argo captures the grace and beauty of her subjects. An animal lover and horsewoman, her focus is on celebrating the bond between ourselves and nature.  Dina works mainly in acrylic on canvas, with a refined yet dramatic blend of abstract and representational styles.

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

My studio is on the rural property where I live. I like to have my animals around me when I work, so I let the dogs in, get their beds situated near the windows where they like them, and I bring my 2 horses in from the pasture so I can easily see them grazing and relaxing in the yard.

How many paintings do you work on at a time? 

Coastline II

I use many layers of color and also a number or texture products. I usually have one piece that I am really concentrating on, but possibly 2 or three more either in “prep” or “finishing touches” stages.

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

Yes; My husband (who is a writer) and I are planning to collaborate at some point to create a book of equine stories and artwork inspired by mythology from different cultures.

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

I prefer to paint alone, but I would love to walk in the desert finding old bones and sticks with Georgia O’Keefe.

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

Connecting with nature; just looking at the sky or the relationships of color, shape, and light found on our beautiful planet.

How has your art evolved over time? 

Winter Birds and Branches

Over time, my work continues to become less defined and more intuitive. Simplification has become appealing to me, and I am compelled to “pare down” the subjects in my images yet still retain a sense of complexity in the overall composition.

What do you like most about your work?

To me, my paintings are simple on the surface, but have a strong sense of emotion to them.

I think I paint “feelings” more than images, and I love that people can connect in a powerful way and feel inspired or understood by one of my pieces.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Organic

Integrity

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I would like to explore simplifying the landscape down to just the bare minimum of color and line, while still capturing the essence of the subject and the emotional connection to it.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Afternoon into evening is my favorite time to paint, as I have a beautiful view of the sunset out over the horse pastures. But any unfettered studio time is precious.

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

This is a big challenge for me! I have found that rather than trying to force myself when “stuck”, the resolution will often come if I just relax and let it happen spontaneously. I am working on being more forgiving and flexible with myself, and allowing myself to put a piece aside if it isn’t flowing easily. But I haven’t gotten there yet 😉

Last Day of Summer

What is up next on your easel?

Two very different things are “in the works”: One is the second in a series of loose landscapes focusing on a brilliant sun, as in my “Last Day Of Summer” piece. The other is a figurative piece I was asked to create for our community on the Tennessee/Kentucky border to celebrate the solar eclipse.

 

All of these images by Dina, and more, 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.

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.

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

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-greensSt. 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.

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.

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

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

"Party" by KC Haxton

“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.

 

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.

 

How well do you know Third & Wall Art Group?

Do you think you know what Third & Wall is all about? You may know that we’re an art company providing beautiful contemporary imagery for residential, corporate, hospitality and healthcare interiors; that we represent a group of versatile and talented artists and we sell their original works; that we have an exceptional fine art poster collection; and that we offer Print-On-Demand from our exclusive pool of more than 7,000 images.

To satisfy the curious, we shot a short video to demonstrate the creative solutions we offer for all of your projects, as well as a look behind the scenes at our company, our art, our passion. Watch the video and let us know what you think in the comments below!

[vimeo 130488810 w=500 h=281]

Third & Wall – Introduction from Third & Wall Art Group on Vimeo.

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.

A Gorgeous Contemporary Art Installation in Seattle

We are excited to share great photographs of a recently completed art installation project in Seattle from one of our designers. We just love seeing our artwork put together in the beautifully designed interiors of our clients. These contemporary abstract images are by artist Randy Hibberd. Check out our website to view some of Randy’s newest creations.

If you don’t currently enjoy full access to our website, please contact us to learn how to qualify for access to our Originals and Print-On-Demand Collections.