Five Great Examples of Collectible Paintings: This Art Mimics the Economic Downturn

Internet art gallery DiscoveredArtists.com reports that art continues to mimic life and, in fact, in some instances mocks life.A growing number of paintings and fine art photos posted to the online art gallery are themed around the current economic downturn.  The artworks range in temper from sympathetic, emphatic reflections on the plight of the common man, to critical commentary on corporate greed, and on the worsening economic outlook.”We always see art that reflects the good times, but crisis, bad news and social and political controversey really seem to stir the creative juices,” said DiscoveredArtists.com’s Brian Walker.It’s no surprise that contemporary artists who by nature are gifted with hyper-awareness and a natural desire to express opinion, are reacting to the economic crisis through their art.   Along with creating new works of art, artists are culling their portfolios for pieces that reflect the recent financial crisis, and especially art that communicates their sympathetic and empathetic themes related to the common man with concerns about credit, unemployment and corporate greed.Walker explains that “We search for talented independent artists and invite them to sell their work in our gallery, so we’re actually a curated site.”But Walker adds that artists have “complete freedom” to choose the art that they add to the site, so the themes and ideas reflected in recently posted artwork are a good indication of what’s on the minds of independent artists.And clearly, based on recent postings, the current economic crisis tops the list.

Over the past few months, in sync with growing bad news about the economy, a number of artworks related to the tragedy of business failure and high unemployment, and commentaries on corporate greed and Washington politics are showing up in artists’ galleries.

Fine art photographer, Robert Hicks, recently posted No More Credit to his DiscoveredArtists.com gallery. The artist relates deeply with the plight of small town folks who are affected by financial woes.  He writes, “I have been through financial failure in the 80’s when the oil business crashed and took me with it, so I have a personal connection with the images of financial distress, failed businesses, and decaying edifices that once represented someone’s hopes and dreams.

Hicks, however, continues with a positive twist to the tragic story of survival, “… I also connect with my images of those who try to find a way to survive in tough times – as represented in No More Credit – and find opportunity in the midst of the crisis – as depicted in Cash for Titles.  I understand the rocky road of recovery from financial disaster.”

Both photographs are part of a series of black and white images depicting the edifices or other traces left by people on the side of the road, inviting the viewer to imagine the stories evoked by those structures or other mute signs of human presence.  The photos are an invitation to the viewer to use their imagination and write their own story.

A completely different temper of the times is expresssed in Politicians on Parade by American Artist, Maggie Stewart.  This might be an artwork with a generally accepted point-of-view, but we certainly can connect the thought behind the painting to recent financial bailouts, and especially to the regulatory failure that lead to them.  The artwork is a small, but powerful 5″ x 7″ monoprint on copper plate, and is a real departure from the usual decorative artwork that this very established artist typically creates.  Clearly an inspired work of art.

Unemployment Line by South African artist Grady Zeeman reminds us that the economic crisis is worldwide, and is equally or even more severe outside the U.S.  The artist comments in a description of this artwork that unemployment is at crisis level in South Africa, and that rising costs for housing and food make prospects for many South African families bleak.  The large 36″ x 24″ painting is an original oil on stretched canvas, and is one of over twenty paintings that Zeeman has posted to her DiscoveredArtists.com gallery.  The artist’s mission is to raise awareness of South African issues that affect the lives of her fellow countrymen.

Corproate Conscience by Canadian artist Mark Eliuk leaves nothing to the imagination.  The artist makes no comment about the surrealism portrait because the title, and the painting itself speak volumes about his view of big business.  The 11″ x 14″ painting is available on stretched canvas as a limited edition giclee print, signed and numbered by the artist.  The series is capped at 250 and only twenty of the prints are available for purchase online.

About DiscoveredArtists.com DiscoveredArtists.com is an online art gallery where independent artists sell work directly to the general public.  All purchases are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, including return shipping.  Purchase original and limited edition wall art, fine art photographs and art objects with a major credit card.  All art is shipped directly to the Buyer from the Artist’s studio.

How Do I Clean My Oil Painting

One may come across many advices about cleaning an oil painting, but those tips must come with a major disclaimer. More than other types of rough and ready projects on cleaning oil paintings must really be trusted to professional conservators. Anyhow, if your oil painting is not really old, not terribly valuable, or not too important, there are other potential ways to make it appear good and cleaner yourself. Furthermore altering true antiques more or less forever decreases their value, whether or not they appear better to you.

If it seems that your oil painting reproduction is little older, evaluate whether the paint is in good condition but the varnish has become older. In this case, try applying a gentle solvent known as conservation liquid. Some of the art supply stores may sell an “emulsion” intended to clean and remove varnish. There is always a chance that the solvent would as well harm or remove the oil paint. If you are ready to risk this possibility, pat the emulsion with a cotton swab quite delicately. Try spot testing one corner before moving on to the whole canvas. Work in an area where you find adequate ventilation.

For any of the recent oil paintings, your trouble is more probable a loudening of dust, smoke, pet hair, dander, and other bacterial or fungal growth. In this case, ensure none of the paint is set to come off the canvas or board, sense that it doesn’t display any cracks or flakes. Then you could vigilantly dust the surface with a very soft, dry bristle brush, like a baby toothbrush or shaving cream brush.

When the surface is steamy, dirty, or oily, you might desire to take the cleaning a step further and in fact uses a mild detergent solution. Again, in general speaking, oil and water must never mix, as moisture could be damage both the canvas and the impasto. Proceeding with care, use brand original cotton cloths dipped in a mixture of dish soap and only the warm water. Lightly blot the surface, but do not rub, wipe, or rub at the oil painting. At no point you should sink any part of the painting, nor permit so much moisture that it drips or pools.

Painting : a Glorious Art of Colors

Painting is an aesthetic representation of the imaginative mindset of a painter. This form of art exerted tremendous influence on the society since its inception several thousand years ago. Painters are like alchemists who can make formidable creations intermingling colors on a piece of canvas.

It is through painting artists of all ages portray the conditions of the mainstream society, the various ethos, culture and traditions. A work of painting can best reveal the good and evil of the everyday life and urge the common people to be good in thought and action so that the society becomes beautiful and beneficial to the mankind.

Originated as a creative pastime as cave depictions by our early ancestors, painting has undergone several alterations with time. The history of painting clearly indicates the various transformations of paintings from cave paintings to watercolor paintings and oil paintings.

The use of colors and shades are very important in painting. As a melodious music is not possible to originate without appropriate rhythm similarly a work of painting does not get life without perfect shades. Painting is a spontaneous manifestation of the true self of an artist; it speaks out his heart through the tinges of colors.

The Renaissance period (14th C to 17th C) is perhaps the golden period of arts and paintings in Europe. Renaissance classicism imparted a realistic touch to the paintings. The painters had good concepts on light, shadow and human anatomy and this made their art more appealing and communicative.

Luminaries like Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael stirred the world through their world-class paintings during this time. Da Vinci’s Monalisa is a painting unsurpassed down the ages.

With the establishment of various schools and movements of arts emerged the various theories on arts like abstract expressionism, art deco, constructivism, cubism, impressionism, modernism, neo-classicism, post modernism, romanticism and surrealism.

These gave birth to various painting forms like abstract paintings, figurative paintings, landscape paintings, collages, calligraphy and digital paintings. To an artist a painting is the enlivening of his soul on the canvas that transgresses all theories and echoes the great words of Keats – “Beauty Truth, Truth Beauty’.

For more information on painting browse other links of Ethnic Paintings

Oil Painting Reproductions – the Secret to Affordable Oil

Art is one of the most incredible aspects of human culture. Only we have the ability to capture our imaginations and perceptions of the world, and put that onto a permanent medium such as canvas. An oil painting can then be shared with others to love and enjoy as well. There are so many beautiful works of art in the world but most are housed in museums and galleries around the world where many people don’t have the chance to see them. Now, however, many talented artists are capturing the beauty of these masterpieces and the general public is being given the opportunity to buy these oil paintings at an affordable price. How? Through an exciting method called oil painting reproduction.

What is an Oil Painting Reproduction?

An oil painting reproduction is basically a recreation of a masterpiece by a new artist. As the name suggests, these pieces are created using oil-based paints on a canvas. Because they are oil painting reproductions, they are considerably more affordable than the originals. Instead of millions of dollars, you could pay less than one hundred dollars.

Perhaps the best part is that you are not purchasing a manufactured copy of the painting. You’re not ordering mass created art. Each oil painting reproduction is hand created by actual painters and artists who have been specially trained so they can carefully and accurately recreate the works of such revered artists as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Pablo Picasso and others. Each piece may be a reproduction, but each is also unique with minor differences incorporated by the different artists.

Reasons to Choose an Oil Painting Reproduction

Another amazing thing about these oil painting reproductions is that they have great texture. The oil painting is crisp, clear, and alive on the canvas. The oil painting reproduction creates a breathtaking finished piece of art that will be a focal point or conversation starter in any room.

There are a huge variety of oil painting reproductions to choose from. If you have a favorite artist, you’ll be able to purchase an oil painting reproduction of his or her art. Almost all of the classic masters’ work can be re-created. Even art that was massive in scale can be redone as a smaller oil painting for display in your home. You can have an artist create an oil painting from a photograph that you submit. Imagine hanging an oil painting reproduction of your family portrait over the mantel.

No matter why you buy an oil painting reproduction, whether its because the painting reminds you of a special place, or because it makes your room come alive with color, personality and life, you’re going to love having your very own oil painting reproduction on display for you to enjoy 24/7.

So…it’s time to take down the velvet Elvis and the poker playing dogs, and replace them with fabulous oil painting reproductions! Get the expensive look and feel of original artwork without paying top dollar.

Art Smart Decor was created to provide people with an easy way to be able to afford great artwork. If you’re looking for something that’s alive with personality, maybe a bit on the wacky side, or just something that speaks to your heart, check out www.artsmartdecor.com. Oil painting reproductions are great for gift giving…for the holidays, weddings, graduations, anniversaries or any special occasion.