Blog | ThirdAndWall

From the Camera Lens of Aaron Matheson

Aaron Matheson fills a dual role at Third & Wall Art Group. He’s a versatile fine art photographer who recently signed on as a Third & Wall artist and has been very well-received by our customers; AND he is also a Third & Wall Production Specialist who applies his keen eye for color and amazing technical skills to creating final product for our Print-On-Demand, Photography and Poster programs. Aaron’s work shows his deep affinity for nature, travel and the outdoors, although he has proven himself to be a city-lover as well with his bold urban photography.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning? First thing in the morning I usually peruse social media with a heavy emphasis on Instagram. I love looking at other imagery, generally doing my own critique, creatively feeding off great images and getting new ideas. I then check my email and strap in for hours of Photoshop.

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How many images do you work on at a time? When I get back to my studio from a shoot I download all images taken during the shoot, then narrow them down to either the best images or the images specified by the client. The amount of images to edit can range from my top 10 to my top 1,000 depending on the how many were shot. I batch process as many as I can, then edit the best one by one.

nature photography rocks cliffs rockclimbing

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Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on? There are multiple locations I would love to visit, but I am a rock climber at heart, so my dream project would be traveling, climbing and shooting images for an extended 6 month trip starting in Western Europe, traveling through China and ending in Australia.

photography black and white mountains landscape

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If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be? I have always admired the work of Richard Avedon and his ability to capture raw emotion and tell a person’s story with a single portrait. I’d be crazy not to mention Ansel Adams as well. He probably did more for photography than any other single person in history. His ability to see light and understand the limitations of the camera, film and printing was incredible. Without Ansel Adam’s knowledge and talent I truly believe that photography wouldn’t be where it is today.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration? I am always looking at social media. There are so many incredible photographers out there constantly putting out new works, it’s really hard to not be inspired to get off the couch and do something. A lot of times I will see a photo or piece of art and I will push myself to try to do something similar only better.

photography coastal tropical island sunset palm trees

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How has your photography evolved over time? I started shooting black and white film and really shot to learn, not so much for art. Eventually I started shooting more people and some fashion. I went down the road of shooting everything in HDR digitally then moved away from that method, but am now re-approaching it using different processes and editing styles. My preference was always to capture the entire scene before me, but recently I’ve started shooting more close-ups and doing more macro photography to explore small details that are often overlooked.

What do you like most about your work? I love that I can go anywhere with my camera and shoot photos. I also love that I can constantly learn and develop new styles and techniques to make me a better and more well-rounded photographer.

What is one word that best describes your style? Colorful.

Is there an idea you would like to explore? I’m always open to new ideas, but currently I have an idea for a floral series that I hope to start working on later this summer or early fall.

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What is your favorite time of day to shoot? I love getting out and being set up an hour before sunrise and sunset. The light in the mornings and evenings is always great.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do? I definitely get stuck from time to time. I generally get stuck when I have a very particular idea and I can’t make it happen for any number of reasons – location, atmosphere, lighting, equipment, etc.

What is up next on your photo shoot roster? I don’t really know. I have a few trips planned for this year and I plan on going into the mountains as much as possible in between. Only time will tell what comes up next…

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Aaron Matheson’s image collection can be viewed in the Photography section of our website. 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.

Watery Blues – Summer’s Hot Color

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According to Houzz, “watery blue” is one of summer’s hottest interior decor colors. These soft greenish-blues evoke a sense of calm, peace and relaxation, which make them especially popular in spas, bedrooms and bathrooms.

Contemporary abstracts demonstrate the variety of ways artists can employ light blue and aqua tones, whether they’re woven amongst stronger colors or dancing translucently across the canvas in a lovely watercolor.

: “Mixed Signals” by Jill Martin

: “Entice” by Jill Martin

: “Rustic City” by Pablo Rojero

: OHIB-537_ALT_V1

Sea and sky embody those watery blue hues in a myriad of beautiful atmospheric ways.

: “Aqua Marine” by KC Haxton

: “Via Dolce III” by Sarah Stockstill

: “Serene Scape V” by Lisa Ridgers

: “Del Mar, California” by Pablo Rojero

: “Afternoon Sail” by Lisa Ridgers

: “Sea Spray” by Liz Jardine

Delicate blues can even evoke serenity in these harmonious transitional florals, skyscapes and equine images.

: “Blue Roses” by Jill Martin

: UHAX-123_ALT_V1 by KC Haxton

: OHIB-548_ALT_V1 by Randy Hibberd

: “Refreshed” by Jill Martin

: “Horses” by Randy Hibberd

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. [contact-form subject='[Third %26amp; Wall news | inspiration’][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Website’ type=’url’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

The Beauty of Summer

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Here in Seattle, where boats rule and gardening is a big deal after a long cold Pacific Northwest winter, summertime is probably the most highly anticipated season. Seattleites crawl out of their buildings, turn their faces to the sun, and begin dreaming of beaches, boating, vacations, and sipping iced tea in abundant flower gardens.

: “Beach Path” by Liz Jardine

: “Caprice” by Jill Martin

: “Boat” by Randy Hibberd

Coastal imagery tends toward the dreamy tones of blues, aquas and warm golds and creams, encouraging relaxation and serenity. The joyous bright palettes of summer florals promise life and vitality. We think that both Coastals and Florals perfectly encapsulate the essence of Summer. Leave a reply below and let us know what you think about Summer!

: “Morning Boats” By Brooke Borcherding

: “Rip Curl” by Liz Jardine

: “Via Dolce III” by Sarah Stockstill

: “Coda” by Jill Martin

Introducing new artist Brooke Borcherding!

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We are thrilled to announce the addition of unique Seattle talent Brooke Borcherding to our exceptional family of artists. Brooke is an up-and-coming young artist who creates fascinating deconstructed scapes that are both familiar and mystifying. Her mesmerizing contemporary works are conversation-starters and wonderful focal points for all kinds of interiors.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning? I organize my work area to give myself mental space to get me into work mode. Sometimes this is half a day’s work, other times I get ready the night before work so I can get right in there.

UBOR-102, seattle, seattle art, Brooke Borcherding, transitional landscape

“Madison to Pike”

How many paintings do you work on at a time? I currently have 13 unfinished paintings in the studio! I’ve learned to have a bunch of canvases to choose from to match my mood. I think paintings and life have a lot of overlap, so in those moments when I’m energized I may start 3 new pieces. If I feel grounded and calm, I may focus more on detailing and finishing so I can check one off my list.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on? My dream project sounds exhausting so it’s kept as a dream, but it would be really cool to collaborate with an installation artist and a computer programmer to make one of my paintings into a 3-D walkable place. I envision slabs of colored paper hung on strings across a sidewalk that would emulate the blocks of colors I have in my pieces, going down the street so that at the end of the street you look down and see a cohesive scene. I play with idea of perception and space in my paintings and would love to see it come to life.

“Morning Boats”

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be? I’ve never considered this possibility because I find studio painting to be such an introverted activity – everyone has their own way of doing things. But I suppose I would watch some of the masters who come out of San Francisco’s Academy of Fine Arts.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration? There’s too much inspiration so I make lists to limit myself. I travel to natural and urban places, paint on site, and take photos. Once I start writing stuff down I can see that there’s obviously too much to chomp on. But sometimes I abandon the list and just throw some paint up on a canvas anyhow and add it to the pile of works in progress; that way I can’t abandon that idea.

How has your art evolved over time? I’m a cyclical person and see that sort of cyclical pattern in my work. I originally started painting with blocks of color as an experiment in college. Then I went the other direction and took the traditional approach to painting by studying from nature with my easel outdoors. Last year I got back into the studio and started to play with the blocks again. This year I’ve been tweaking this new style.

Brooke Borcherding, seattle art, seattle, transitional landscape, cityscape, urban

“Remember the Eve”

As a young artist I’m super curious to know how what I’m doing now will affect my future work, or what it will look like.

What do you like most about your work? I like that I’m doing something unique – the people who walk into the gallery are drawn to my work because it’s something they haven’t seen before. I think by not taking any workshops and being fully self-driven, my independence has enabled me to have work that is truly my own, something that is unteachable.

Brooke Borcheding, seattle art, seattle, urban, transitional landscape, cityscape

“Morning Red on Madison”

What is one word that best describes your style? Deconstructive.

Is there an idea you would like to explore? I’m already doing it.

What is your favorite time of day to paint? Late at night (or early in the morning depending on how you look at it). I love when the city is asleep because I finally feel the freedom to do whatever I want and truly focus with no distractions.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do? Just walk away and let it sit. If you don’t have a definitive idea of where to take it, just put the brush down. Come back to it later with fresh eyes.

What is up next on your easel? A Canyon scene of Eastern Washington– it’s a challenge and experiment after working on so many recent urban scenes.

Brooke’s image collection can be viewed in the Print-On-Demand section of our website. 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.

: “Cutting Through”

: “Marina Memories”

Surtex 2015 Recap

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Brian Henn, 3&W President & Melody Minarcin, 3&W Acct. Mgr.

We recently returned from the 2015 Surtex licensing tradeshow in New York City. Aside from the fact that Manhattan is a great place to visit in the Spring, Surtex is a fun and fascinating business event – three full days of image overload!

Our in-house Production team furiously worked in collaboration with our artists to create new designs appropriate for textiles, wall coverings, stationery, and much more. It is so fun to be part of a team that can step outside the familiarity of wall décor and find new ways to create opportunities for our artists.

Escaping from the office to be part of a New York City event was fun and insightful. We saw a bounty of designs, colors, and concepts that will only inspire us to continue to introduce new artwork to grace your walls and products.We learned that there is never an end to creativity – beautiful artwork and design is a constant that continues to grow and evolve. Be prepared for so much more coming out of Third & Wall Art Group in 2015 and beyond!

~ Brian Henn, President

From the Studio of Terri Burris

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Artist Terri Burris Intertwines her love of nature, abstraction and design in each of her atmospheric pieces. She paints intuitively, creating her transitional abstracts, landscapes, florals and urban works from focused perspectives of the natural world. Her palettes emerge directly from her intimate observations of life’s minute details.

transitional floral, seattle art, terri burris

African Tulip

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning? The first thing I do when I go into my studio is put on music. Music is such a big part of my process. It depends what mood I’m in, but I love to listen to either jazz, classical, or alternative. Once my music is set, I enter into the zone and start painting for as long as I can.

What do you like most about your work? What I like most about my work is that I don’t plan anything before I start, I work very intuitively. I love the idea that something is working through me when I paint, surrendering to the process.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do? When I get stuck on a painting, I find I need to leave it alone for a while, detach from it physically and emotionally. At that point I usually start on a new canvas, painting fast and loose for a few minutes …then maybe clean my studio or pull weeds from my garden.

Santa Monica

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be? If I could paint with anyone, it would be one of the master painters from the Abstract Expressionist era. I am especially inspired by the work of Richard Diebenkorn, Helen Frankenthraler and Lee Krasner.

How many paintings do you work on at a time? I generally work on 3 paintings at a time in various stages of progress.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration? I generate a lot of inspiration and ideas from the many museums and galleries I’m fortunate enough to have in my Los Angeles neighborhood. Another major source of inspiration for me is just being in nature.

Polka-Dot Bikini

What is your favorite time of day to paint? My favorite time of day to paint is early in the morning with a gigantic cup of steaming hot coffee.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on? My dream project is any time I get to paint for a show or collaborate with a client one on one.

What is up next on your easel? Right now I’m exploring pouring paint and working with watercolor washes.

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Terri’s images can be viewed in the Posters, Print-On-Demand and Originals sections of our website. 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.

Spring Florals make us happy!

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Warm sun, green grass, blossoming trees, and buds exploding into gorgeous blooms …apparently Spring has arrived! (although some parts of the country are still getting some fickle weather). If you’re still getting snow or rain where you live or work, let us warm you up with some of our newest florals!

Liz Jardine continues to channel her passion for flowers into versatile, trend-forward imagery:

: “Powderpuff Floral” by LIz Jardine

: “From My Garden” by Liz Jardine

: “Snow Poppies” by Liz Jardine

Jill Martin‘s delicate florals evoke renewal, growth, and the joy of the warmer months:

: “Dance” by Jill Martin

: “Fragrant” by Jill Martin

Artists Randy Hibberd, Lisa Ridgers, Sarah Stockstill, Joseph Cates and KC Haxton are ushering us into Spring, each in their own unique ways:

: “Lily Garden” by Randy Hibberd

: “Floral Suggestion I” by Lisa Ridgers

: “Fresh Aire I” by Sarah Stockstill

: “Flower I” by Joseph Cates

: “Peony Study 5” by KC Haxton

Happy Birthday to the Amazing Liz Jardine!

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“There really is no one else like her”, “She’s a keeper”, “It’s amazing how prolific she is”, “That CAN’T be her too?”, “WOW, does she ever stop painting?”…. just a few of the phrases used by our clients to describe the insane talent that is Liz Jardine. In celebration of her birthday month, (YES, she deserves an ENTIRE month to celebrate!) I wanted to try and convey what an extreme honor and pleasure it is to work with such a talented artist, and genuinely beautiful human being.

liz jardine, floral, contemporary art, seattle art, spring, flowers, still life

“Simple Gifts”

In our industry, ‘freshness’ and being ‘on trend’ is key. Liz brings that to Third & Wall like none other. To say that her style is constantly evolving is an absurd understatement. She doesn’t have ‘a look’…she has, for lack of one single word to describe it…she has pools of endless ideas that she is forever exploring. Sitting with her during creative meetings is one of the highlights of my position. Seeing her in action, ripping pages out of magazines for colors or subjects, watching her face light up when she finds something that strikes her, her looking to us for our thoughts and excitement, her quickly crumbling a page if she thinks we aren’t as excited about something as she might be because she knows by the time we are done, she will have a stack of ‘inspiration’ to pull from and we know that is when the magic will happen.

Liz’s studio has a thrilling vibe that hits you the minute you step through the doors. Canvases are on the easels, several at one time that she is working on. Stacks of magazines and books on the table, cut outs of ideas on the fridge, paint and tools at every turn. This is a working studio. I think one of the reasons why Liz is so prolific is because painting and creating is just who she IS. She is in the studio daily. I don’t mean just a few hours here and there…I mean all day….every day. I have a hard time even saying that it’s her “dedication” to her craft which makes her work ethic so profound. It’s so much more than that. If anyone has ever had the pleasure of meeting her, you will know what I mean when I say ‘It is just her’. She oozes creativity and is always striving for the next ‘winner’. That keeps everything so exciting when it comes to her work. You are constantly surprised.

Aside from being an insanely talented individual Liz is such a beautiful and generous spirit. When you call her she answers the phone ‘It’s a beautiful day in the studio’ or something equally cheerful. You can’t help but smile the minute you hear her voice. She wants to know how YOU are doing, always. That’s her first question. Then how the family is doing or anything else she knows that has been going on. That always comes before anything to do with work. When we are often so consumed with what’s next on our ‘to do’ lists it is so nice to stop for a moment and connect on that personal level with her. Don’t get me wrong, the questions to follow are about what projects we have going on, what she can be working on, what we are hearing from our clients. She always wants to know what she can be working on for us. Give her an idea or concept and next thing you know we are reviewing jpegs of the works in progress for our feedback. It’s amazing really how she can quickly turn a conversation into a tangible piece of art.

Generous. That word really doesn’t even come close to describing how giving Liz is as an artist or as a human being. She gives back to her community by donating artwork for various events, she conducts workshops for aspiring artists at her studio, she supports fellow artists by purchasing their artwork, or in my case, by giving me an original of hers that I completely fell in love with one day I visited her in the studio. When it came time for me to leave, she started taking it off the wall and I said ‘what are you doing’ to which she quickly replied ‘art needs to be loved, and I can tell you love this piece, so it is going home with you’. Just like that, there was no discussion about it. It now hangs on the wall in my living room and I think of her every time I pass it.

liz jardine, seattle art, transitional coastal, abstract, contemporary art

“Tide Pool”

Liz always thanks those she works with for allowing her the opportunity to do what she loves for a living. That has always struck me for some reason. I know I speak for all of us at Third and Wall when I say that we couldn’t do what we do as a company if it wasn’t for Liz, and we thank her every day for everything she does for us. We all wish her a very, VERY Happy Birthday!

– Melissa Hesse, Third & Wall Account Manager

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

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

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

All images © Liz Jardine and published/distributed by Third & Wall Art Group.

From the Studio of Kelsey Hochstatter

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From graceful abstracts to haunting figuratives, whimsical children’s images to transitional landscapes, Kelsey Hochstatter’s artwork claims both masculine and feminine appeal, making it ideal for (and very popular in) all interiors, whether corporate, residential, hospitality or healthcare. And her style is always uniquely Kelsey!

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

How many paintings do you work on at a time? Sometimes only one, sometimes a few. If I’m doing a series of panels, or small pieces that work as a group, I work on them together bouncing from one to another and progressing from sketching to painting to collage.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on? I would love to work on an extremely large-scale mixed-media piece. Something that takes at least a year to complete and requires scaffolding and my climbing gear to reach the top.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be? Amongst others, I would love to paint with, and glean from, Anselm Kiefer.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration? There are so many ways. One of my favorites is walking through a vintage flea market with my husband, digging through memories, realizing nostalgia in entirely new ways. I gain a lot from this. My neighbor recently gave me piles of vintage ephemera for my studio. Every single piece had meaning. Someone had saved each item for some reason meaningful to them. I love having this stuff at my fingertips. I can give it new life; freeze it in time.

How has your art evolved over time? As a child I sketched often. When I started painting seriously in college I was focusing on painting and printmaking. My paintings were originally strictly paintings. Just paint. I started experimenting with mixed media around ’06. Still, more paint than not. Since then I’ve noticed more and more collage has come into my work. The work I’ve really planted roots in and am most passionate about involves sketching, painting and vintage ephemera collage. When I can exercise various techniques and create a piece that truly ‘works’ while doing so, I’m happy.

What do you like most about your work? The attempt at nostalgia.

What is one word that best describes your style? Nostalgic.

Is there an idea you would like to explore? I am intrigued by how much texture could be used in order to gain more and more interest and depth while still maintaining 2-dimensionality.

What is your favorite time of day to paint? Late afternoon/ early evening. I’m a night owl who loves to paint until my eyes go blurry, but I find that I am most energized and in a groove during those hours.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do? Sometimes. When I’m stubborn and try to work through it I usually just prolong finding the answer. Stepping away often helps, but leaving the studio is hard. Asking my 3 year old son what he thinks can also shed some light on the situation. Toddlers have a nice way of seeing the world, and art.

What is up next on your easel? A new series involving figures, layered numbers, and vintage ephemera.

Kelsey’s intriguing images can be viewed in the Posters, Print-On-Demand and Originals sections of our website. 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.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Third & Wall!

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Love is in the air at Third & Art Wall Group, but we don’t need Valentine’s Day to remind us that we love our artists, and we really get stars in our eyes when they share their romantic artwork with us!

Loved-up couples are the romantic foundation of Valentine’s Day, whether they’re kissing or just sharing quality time. Artists Julianne Marcoux, Kelsey Hochstatter and KC Haxton have each captured their own unique visions of romance and intimacy in these compelling figuratives.

: “Kiss in the Rain” by Julianne Marcoux

: “Into The Blue” by Kelsey Hochstatter

: “Drift II” by KC Haxton

Did you know that Valentine’s Day is the #1 fresh-flower selling holiday for florists? According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, 37.8 percent of Americans will buy flowers for Valentine’s Day 2015, spending a total of $2.1 billion. Florals represent the heart in a way that nothing else can, and they’re beautifully captured in these lush bouquets by the amazing Liz Jardine.

: “Bouquet du Jour” by Liz Jardine

: “Fresh Flowers” by Liz Jardine

Some of us are a little more practical about the phenomenon of love. Is it all just chemical? New artist Parker Jones schools us on the facts and properties of love with these sweet and clever new graphic images.

: “You Me We 3” by Parker Jones

: “Chemical Love” by Parker Jones

Remember to keep the love in your heart (and your art!) 365 days a year. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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

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

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

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

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

: “Sail Away” by Lisa Ridgers

: “Turning The Tide” by Liz Jardine

: “Into The Distance” by Randy Hibberd

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

: “Fresh Aire II” by Sarah Stockstill

: “From My Garden” by Liz Jardine

: “Glory Days” by Jill Martin

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

: “Ponies in the Mist” by Liz Jardine

: “Young Buck” by Liz Jardine

: “Row Boats” by Joseph Cates

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

: “City Nights” by Liz Jardine

: “Tidal Wave in Bronze” by Liz Jardine

: “Liquid Silver” by Liz Jardine

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

: PHAX-136_ALT_BlackGrayCream by KC Haxton

: OSTO-421_ALTCROP_GoldTanSilver by Sarah Stockstill

: PHIB_105_ALT_GrayCreamGold by Randy Hibberd

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

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

Getting Ready for the West Coast Art & Frame Show in Las Vegas!

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We are hoping to see many of our clients next week at the West Coast Art & Frame Show in Las Vegas. This year the show will be held at the Paris Hotel and Casino, January 26, 27 & 28, 2015.

This is one of our favorite times of the year! We love connecting with our customers, brainstorming new ideas and trends, and catching up with old friends in the industry.

We will be showing our new Preview Collection, along with many new images created by Liz Jardine, Lisa Ridgers, Randy Hibberd and more. Call your Third and Wall Sales Rep for a personal appointment or stop by our BOOTH # 1113 at your convenience.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the new artwork we’ll be showcasing. See you there!

: “Sophie” by Sarah Stockstill

: “Dandelions” by Liz Jardine

: “Consequence” by Lisa Ridgers

: “Row Boats” by Joseph Cates

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

Ringing in 2015 – New Transitional Art from Liz Jardine

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What a marvelous way for art lovers to transition into 2015 – with a collection of glorious new transitional abstracts, landscapes and florals from artist Liz Jardine.

transitional floral, seattle art, aqua, blue, neutrals

“Powderpuff Floral”

Jardine’s neutral, earthy palettes evoke a sense of groundedness, while her luminous aquas and blues drift the viewer into a place of possibility and dreams.

transitional landscape, neutrals, liz jardine, seattle art

“Between Bridges”

Jardine’s new works are every designer’s dream, with a level of sophistication, intrigue and accessibility that make them perfect choices for hospitality, corporate and residential interiors.

abstract, liz jardine, neutrals, seattle art

“Liquid Amber”

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

: “Tilt-A-Whirl”

: “Water’s Edge II”

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

All images © Liz Jardine and published/distributed by Third & Wall Art Group.

From the Studio of Keith Morgan, Seattle Photographer

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With his unique eye for composition and color, photographer Keith Morgan shares his view of our world in a way that evokes longing for places we haven’t visited, and awe for the exquisite beauty of nature.

What do you first do when you get to your desk in the morning?
Check emails, browse Facebook, check my calendar.

photography, seattle art, seattle photographer, florals, flowers, nature, botanical

“9 Square 2”

How many images do you work on at a time?
In the field, I shoot multiple shots from many angles and perspectives. At my desk, once I’ve narrowed down the image I want to process I work on it from start to finish.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?
Yes, Iceland @ summer solstice.

If you could shoot with anyone, who would it be?
Honestly, I prefer to be alone.

photography, seattle photographer, coastal, ocean, sea, sunrise, sunset, pacific northwest, washington

“KM2_5921”

Is there an idea you would like to explore?
I have a few self portrait ideas that I haven’t had time to try.

What is your favorite time of day to shoot?
Sunset, dusk.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?
Yes. I walk away for a half hour or so.

“KM2_3141sep”

“My love of photography is something that has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. I learn best through trial and error and have been completely self-taught through books and the internet. I love travel and landscape photography and am on the road taking pictures as often as I can.” ~ Keith Morgan

Keith’s gorgeous images can be viewed in the Print-On-Demand section of our website. This area of our website is 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.

: “303”

: “Summer Flowers 3”

: “KM2_3369lm”

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Third & Wall!

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

Photography by Aaron Matheson

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

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

“Tradition” by Jill Martin

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

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

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

“When Autumn Leaves Start to Fall” by Liz Jardine

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

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

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

“Rust & Water” by Lisa Ridgers

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

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

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

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

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

“Tranquility II” by Randy Hibberd

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

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

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

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

“Red Leaves” by Simon Addyman

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

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

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

And last but not least…

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

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!

Q & A with a California Art Consultant

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We recently had the chance to pose a few questions to one our busiest clients, a dynamic Art Consultant doing a booming business in Southern California.

contemporary abstract, seattle art, sarah stockstill

“Grace”,by Sarah Stockstill

What project are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a commercial project with multiple locations on the West Coast. Each location is looking for artists from each specific state. This has been a fun project for placing great art from Randy Hibberd, KC Haxton and Sarah Stockstill.

What is your favorite location for which to specify art?

Any location that doesn’t request generic art. The right art can breathe life into a room and make any generic setting stand out.

contemporary abstract, randy hibberd, seattle art

“Flowering” by Randy Hibberd

Favorite type of imagery to place for a project?

Abstract art, and really cool and thought-provoking representational paintings.

How do you go about selecting art for your individual client needs?

From past experience I usually know the exact styles that each of my clients prefer, so I tend to stay on that same path, but always try to update new looks to stay fresh and relevant.

photography, california, seattle art, kyle

“Sunset on the Coast” by Kyle

Best piece of advice you would give an artist?

I would advise a new artist that wants to make a living as an artist to heed the advice of an art consultant, an established interior designer or a gallery owner. Their advice can help to create a painting that people will want to purchase. No matter what anybody says, when it comes down to it most paintings are purchased based on the color palette, and the effective use of the colors within the painting. I would also suggest to always strive for an edge, and to stay a step ahead of other artists.

KC haxton, contemporary art, pop art, surreal art, champagne art, wine art, seattle art

“Champagne” by KC Haxton

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

I feel like I am already working on my “dream project”. I love my career and wouldn’t change it for any other. Every day is different and every project is different so things are always new, fresh and exciting!

: “Candid Color” by Sarah Stockstill

: “Red Velocity” by Jeff Iorillo

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 Randy Hibberd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

: “Scattered Stones 2”

: “Vigor”

: “Even Flow”

: “Burnt Orange”

: “Happy Home Flowers I”

: “OHIB-518-ALT”

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

If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

Announcing Updates to www.thirdandwall.com!

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We’ve been working hard to make our website easier for our customers to use, and we’re excited to share our latest improvements with you:

New POD-Photography Section: Based on your feedback and suggestions for streamlining our Print-On-Demand (POD) website section and making your image searches easier, we’ve given our photography collection a special section of its own, POD-Photography. We’ve made it a lot easier to browse our landscape, seascape, botanical/floral, nature, urban and even abstract photography collection from photographers Keith Morgan, Aaron Matheson, Lori Prenner and Jorge Llovet. We’re also constantly adding new works to our POD photography offerings, so keep checking back, and keep giving us your feedback!

: MAT-0156 by Aaron Matheson

: “Summer Morning 3” by Keith Morgan

: “LCP-00211” by Lori Prenner

Changes in Finished Art: In addition to our “Canvas – Stretched” option, we’re now offering a new product in the Finished Art area of our site – “Canvas – Floater Frame”. Choose from a hand-picked collection of our newest contemporary art and get it finished in style! Your stretched canvas is placed inside a 2.5″ deep floater frame with a width of 3/8″; frames are available in a black, silver or gold finish. We think it’s a really convenient and elegant way to easily select and purchase ready-to-hang contemporary art for your design projects.

We also want to make it more affordable for you, so we’ve reduced the pricing on all of our Finished Art because we know those design budgets can be mighty tight!

: “Aviara” by Pablo Rojero

: “Bouquet of Bleu” by Lisa Ridgers

: “Wildlife I” by Liz Jardine

: “Persimmon Jump” by Jill Martin

: “Last Stop” by Joseph Cates

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.

A Gorgeous Contemporary Art Installation in Seattle

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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.

: “Even Flo” by Randy Hibberd

: “Blue Afternoon” by Randy Hibberd

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.

New Contemporary Art For Fall

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We’re getting ready to release our latest preview collection and thought we’d share a sneak-peek at our upcoming imagery.

Lately, clients have been asking us for Beach House art. Since Fall has officially arrived here in Seattle – the rain, earlier sunsets and crisp air even when the sun is shining – we thought we’d warm things up with reminders of the great Summer we just enjoyed.

These contemporary beach scenes from Liz Jardine ought to do the trick!

: Beach Day I by Liz Jardine

: Beach Day 2 by Liz Jardine

Lodge Art is another theme that we hear a lot about. Think lots of wood, warm cozy fires and deep rich colors, especially as Winter approaches. These captivating animals by Lisa Ridgers gallop into the Lodge theme beautifully!

: URID-544

: URID-557_ALT_BrownsGolds

Floral Art is always on-trend. Look at these timelessly gorgeous pieces by KC Haxton & Lisa Ridgers.

: OHAX-237_ALT_BlackWhite

: ORID-497

Stay tuned, we have many exclusive new images coming your way, from Abstracts to Cityscapes and Landscapes.

: OSTO-421

: OCAT-118

: OROJ-134

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 Summer Intern’s Perspective

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Francis Henn, Third & Wall Intern

This summer I worked as an intern at Seattle art company Third & Wall Art Group. My various duties were to bill orders, send invoices, deposit checks and so on. Aside from that, however, I was assigned to a project with two other colleagues. We were called the Growth Committee, and our task was to examine industry trends, competitor strategies, customer needs and the overall business model of Third & Wall with the goal of discovering opportunities for growth.

While working at Third & Wall, it is safe to say that I learned a lot. As a college student with little professional experience, especially with art galleries, it was a great opportunity to see how a business works while contributing my own efforts. Looking back, it’s funny to picture myself with my long hair and earrings sitting at a desk with a cup of coffee entering checks on a computer, but I am incredibly lucky to have had the chance to do that. I am thankful for the numerous times I was taken out of my comfort zone when customers called my line needing questions answered. As weird as it may sound, I think that being made uncomfortable at times is one of the best ways to learn. I now have some business and customer service conversational skills that I would have never had before.

Beyond the business and learning aspects, my time with Third & Wall was full of laughs, wonderful people, Whole Foods cake and, of course, great imagery. I have a new-found appreciation for art and business, two things I hope to expand upon in the future. Thanks for a great summer at Third & Wall!

~ Francis Henn, Third & Wall Intern (now full-time college student)

Beach Retreat

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We just finished working on a great project for a hotel lobby in California, and wanted to share some of the pictures from our client who was delighted with the finished product. We love when that happens!

These are photographs taken by our newest photographer Kyle and enhanced by our production team. You can check out more of Kyle’s work on our website.

Work In Progress

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Randy Hibberd

Countless artists work alone in their studios. Many have carved out room in their homes, others have converted garages or sheds or have taken the leap to rent a studio space. Some work in art lofts where they have lots of artists as neighbors. But for most, it is a solo work environment. While this provides the space to paint without interruption, creative solitude can sometimes leave the artist feeling uninspired. Some artists prefer to pursue to their visions in solitary, while others flourish and grow creatively with the feedback and inspiration of fellow creatives.

Despite the need for artists and creatives to share ideas, trends or techniques, in the art world it has been considered taboo for an outsider to “tweak” an artist’s creation. Yet in all other art fields – dance, music, writing – collaborating and editing are standard practice and serve to help the artist meet their full potential within their art form.

When selecting artists for representation we look for those who welcome outside collaboration and idea exchange during the creative process. Our years of working with clients in the décor market have given us valuable insights on color palettes and image trends that can elevate an artwork into a more universal and desirable place in the art market.

: Liz Jardine

: Pablo Rojero

Here are a few recent examples of artworks that resulted from our creative collaboration directly with the artist:

: Randy Hibberd

: Liz Jardine

: Jill Martin

For our artists, creative feedback and suggestions informed by our décor market trend knowledge is invaluable and often contributes a great deal to the sales success of their imagery.

~ Aimee Clarke, Creative Director

From The Studio of Jill Martin

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

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

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

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

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

Merriment II

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

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

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

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

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

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

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

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

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

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

What is up next on your easel?

A large abstracted landscape.

: “Stele”

: “Persimmon Jump”

: “Atmosphere”

: “Brisk Winds”

: “Excitement”

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

Digital Image Customization at Third & Wall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Amazing Sarah Stockstill

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

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

“Lyric in Gesture”

“Sonata II”

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

“Aquitaine II”

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

My very own Sarah Stockstill original!

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

– Melissa Hesse, Third & Wall Account Manager

Keith Morgan, Photographer

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I just spent a few days backpacking in the North Cascade Mountains in Washington state. And for me, my favorite part is always the incredible vistas. Maybe it’s because I’m a visual person; I just can’t get enough of the breathtaking landscape surrounding us. Photographer Keith Morgan is a local Seattleite who also enjoys being in the outdoors, so I always get very excited to see his latest photography.

These are some of my favorites.

: KM2_6056

: KM3_0398_9lm

: KM2_5225

: KM2_0041tm

: KM2_4455

No wonder so many of our clients use Keith’s imagery for their healthcare projects. There is something so soothing and healing in viewing nature.

~ by Aimee Clarke, Creative Director

Keith’s gorgeous images can be viewed in the Print-On-Demand section of our website. This area of our website is password-protected. If you do not have a log-in to our website, contact us to find out if you qualify! [contact-form subject='[Third %26amp; Wall news | inspiration’][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Website’ type=’url’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

Featured Artist: Lisa Ridgers

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Artist Lisa Ridgers

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

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

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

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

It varies but normally two or three.

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

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

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

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

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

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

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Morning……my brain fritzes out in the afternoons.

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

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

What is up next on your easel?

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

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

: “Sailing Away”

: “Mystic Scape”

: “Elegant Moment”

: “Cityscape”

Summer Fun!

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I’m so excited about these new images from Liz Jardine. Don’t they just scream summer!? I love the silhouetted rides against the woodgrain-inspired background. Dreaming of fun-filled days running from ride to ride, stopping for ice cream, elephant ears, and corn dogs along the way.

~ Aimee Clarke, Creative Director

: “Vintage Ferris Wheel” by Liz Jardine

: “Vintage Rollercoaster” by Liz Jardine

Where does our artwork come from?

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We introduce ne Jardine4 w imagery all the time, and of course our team of artists provide us with a steady stream of exceptional artwork, but what is the inspiration behind each new painting? How is it developed? One of my favorite things to do is to open the shipping tubes containing new artwork that we receive from our artists. I find it exciting to unroll and reveal the new images, smell the paints, touch the canvas. I truly enjoy this.

Recently I had the opportunity to visit a couple of our artists in their studios, and to witness the creation of our artwork before it is rolled up and shipped out to us. I spent a wonderful afternoon visiting Liz Jardine in her studio and learning about her rich creative process.

Her studio was filled with paints, brushes, paper, and canvases. There were a number of different paintings in various stages of development. There were magazines, color swatches, ideas and inspirations pinned to a bulletin board, and so much more.

So where does our artwork come from? If you were to visit Liz and her studio, you would see her artwork comes from the inspiration that she finds all around her. During my visit, Liz was involved in the painting of a seascape, a city scene, a floral and an abstract. It was inspiring and so much more fun to be in on the creation than just opening the tubes of new artwork.

~ by Brian Henn, President, Third & Wall

Getting Started

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It is hard to believe that Third & Wall was founded 9 years ago by a small handful of dedicated art lovers. Most of the core group that envisioned the original concept for the company are still here and working hard at our initial dream. While some aspects of our company continue to change and evolve, our core values remain the same.

We rely strongly on our founding philosophy and values. We believe that friendly and ethical relationships with our artists, customers and employees will result in positive personal and business experiences for all of us, everyday; and that this positive outlook will influence not only the art world but our own lives, our families and our work and home communities.

Over the years we have built some wonderful relationships with artists, clients, vendors and one another. These connections are the heart of our business. Our goal is to have happy and inspired artists, customers and employees. We hope to share a little of that inspiration and creativity here.

Summer Selections

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Recently, we released our new Summer Preview Poster Collection. Selecting imagery for these releases is always challenging, because our artists send us so many fabulous image options! We usually start pulling new imagery by reviewing recent submissions from each artist. From there we narrow the choices down by subject, with the goal of creating a dynamic mix of abstracts, landscapes, figurative, etc. We aim for a nice balance from each artist that encompasses diverse color palettes while staying sensitive to current and upcoming trends. Lately we’ve had a lot of requests for Coastal imagery, so we’re really excited about our latest collection of serene sailboats.

OSTO-416, “Sparks In The Tide” by Sarah Stockstill

ORID-490, “Sailor’s Day II”, by Lisa Ridgers

OCAT-116, “Full Sail” by Joseph Cates

Romance is another popular image category. It is always interesting to see the various artists’ perspectives, from Kelsey Hochstatter’s lovely collages…

OHOC-257, “That Afternoon”, by Kelsey Hochstatter

to Lisa Ridger’s contemporary ladies…

ORID-494, “Fond Reflections”, by Lisa Ridgers

to the almost-abstract figurative by Sarah Stockstill.

OSTO-417-ALT, “Evelyn”, by Sarah Stockstill

Selecting Abstracts for the collection can often be the toughest part. Many of our artists specialize in creating transitional pieces, so narrowing down the selection is challenging.

: OMAR-171, “Persimmon Jump”, by Jill Martin

: OMAR-170, “Atmosphere II”, by Jill Martin

Now for the the fun of waiting to see which images inspire our clients!