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From The Studio of John Burrows

Meet our artist John Burrows! After becoming infatuated with the arts at an early age and studying at the Los Angeles Art Center College of Design, John worked at two architectural firms and started his own commercial interior design company in 1975. He enjoyed design so much it became his business while art became his passion. After 35 years, John closed his design office to pursue his art career full time and has never looked back.

John initially used acrylic paints but later switched to oil paints and, once again, he never looked back. He loves vibrant oils and the fact that the paint stays wet while being worked. He loves impasto painting with large brushes that enhance his impressionistic works. To be even more expressive, he started applying paint with large drywall knives, which he calls “blades.” This allowed his paintings to became even bolder with movement and texture. His paintings range from abstract expression to pure abstracts. He never gets tired of experimenting with new materials and techniques while also constantly engaging with and learning from other artists.

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

My studio is in my home so it is always there, calling me. Quite often I go to Starbucks for a latte before I start painting.

: “Guardian Angel”

: “Poolside 2”

: “Ocean Fence” by John Burrows

: “On the Beach”

: “My Secret Spot” by John Burrows

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I work on only one painting at a time.

“Fall at Soba Commone”

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

I love working large. A small painting for me is 30 x 30. Most of my paintings are over 1200 square inches. I’ve had a few commissions in the past that have required a very large canvas. One was over 7,000 square inches. I love going large.

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

Gerhard Ricter or Edgar Degas

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

Observing nature and touring galleries, appreciating other artists.

: “Invincible”

: “Emergence”

: “Every Which Way” by John Burrows

: “Coming Home”

: “Tribal”

: “When Harry Met Sally”

How has your art evolved over time?

My original focus was on architecture, then on ethnic figures and I was using large brushes. Now I focus on abstract impressionism using large blades in order to avoid detail.

What do you like most about your work?

“Boom Times II”

“Boom Times I”

The whimsy, the expressionism and the lack of detail.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Energetic

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

More minimalism

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

I usually start in the morning after a run to Starbucks.

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

Sometimes the idea I had in my head turns to mud in reality. I’ll spend all day trying to save it but once it goes south, it’s a waste of time. I will scrap off all the paint and use that canvas another day.

What is up next on your easel?

I have several ideas in my head but I usually wait for the whimsy to take over.

: “Dock Tight”

: “OK Finish Line”

: “Lady of the Lake”

: “Aerial”

: “Chutes Up” by John Burrows

: “Stealth”

: “The Big Reveal”

: “Bow Spray” by John Burrows

: “Jewel of the Sea”

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.

Modern Farmhouse Style

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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!

From The Studio of Leah Rei

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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.

: “Spring Air”

: “Summer Sunkissed”

: “Nexus III” by Leah Rei

: “Spring Blooms”

: “Blushed Bouquet”

: “Wild Flower Bouquet”

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.

: “Floral Notes”

: “Peaceful Views”

: “Traveler”

: “Cool Breeze”

: “Entwined” by Leah Rei

: “Seasons Come”

: “Blue Magnolia II”

: “Tipping Point” by Leah Rei

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.

: “Hydrangea”

: “First Blush”

: “Sterling Impressions”

: “Warm Waves” by Leah Rei

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.

: “Amarantine”

: “Lilacs”

: “Content”

: “Distant Light”

Decorating with Jewel Tones

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**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!

Creating a Gallery Wall

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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!