Add Class To Your Living Room With Van Gogh Paintings

Vincent Van Gogh was a Dutch painter belonging to the postimpressionist school of thought. He was known for his innovative technique, vibrant hues of color and the introduction of swirling and harmonious patterns within still life paintings.

The modern impressionist movement of France had a profound impact on the aesthetic sensibilities of the painter. Van Gogh sought to depict his personal life experiences, spiritual beliefs, emotions and social logical beliefs in his paintings. He spent much of his life working in Netherlands in Paris and the bulk of his paintings are based on landscapes, still life and figures.

The unique thing about van Gogh’s paintings is that they have a timeless appeal especially for people of the contemporary mindset. This is because the artist is regarded as being the forefather of contemporary Art. When he started producing his paintings in his innovative style he was criticized for being unorthodox. However appreciation for van Gogh paintings flourished after his death.

Today homeowners have the opportunity to incorporate van Gogh paintings in their homes. You will be able to find a variety of different remakes of Van Gogh’s most popular paintings over the Internet.

A few examples of the variety of van Gogh paintings that you will be able to find in the market are given below:

Starry Night

This was one of the last paintings produced by the artist and also one of the most widely known works of art. During this point in time Van Gogh had confined himself to an asylum in Saint Remy because of the mental anxieties he was facing. The artist sought to depict a personal rendition of a starry night in this painting. Up until today this is the most widely reprinted paintings from van Gogh. The original dimensions of the van gogh paintings were 29″ x 36.25″ however you can have it reproduced according to the specifications you require. The original painting is exhibited in the Museum of modern Art in New York however you can have your copy exclusively hand painted by a highly skilled artist in whatever size you will.

The Café Terrace

This painting depicts the café terrace on the Place du Forum. The painting was created in 1888 and it is believed that this was the time when van Gogh had reached his zenith as the Post Impressionist painter. The location from where he painted this work of art was in the city of Arles. The painting depicts the streets of the city and the artist displayed an amazing rendering of the lights with subtle changes that can be seen when the painting is observed in detail. This is one of the most descriptive paintings created by van Gogh and makes a great addition to any home. It has a very lively atmosphere and radiates a lot of color and warmth making it ideal for contemporary homes.

Oil Paintings on Canvas – the Process of Creating a Masterpiece

Oil painting is a technique that has been used by eminent artists to create some of the finest artistic works we have ever known. Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper”; Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and “Café Terrace at Night”; Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam”, are all famous examples of oil painting. It is a difficult process, but once it is mastered, an artist can undoubtedly create oil paintings that are far superior in quality than water color paintings, acrylic paintings and other artistic mediums.

The Initial Preparation

Oil painting is a much superior technique of painting than other processes, such as, water color, charcoal sketch, etc. The linen canvas used in the best quality oil paintings is durable and stiff, letting the artist paint comfortably on it. Also, the pigments used in oil painting are of a special kind, which binds well with the oil used as a base. Linseed oil or walnut oil work best in oil painting. At times resin is combined with the base oil (the product is called varnish) to make the finished product glossy in appearance. The canvas is prepared by stretching it slightly and mounting it on the drawing board with clamps. The paint is mixed with oil and left for some time, allowing the paint to combine properly with the oil.

The Painting Process

In oil painting, the strokes need to be applied steadily, but with measured pressure. Extra pressure put on the brush will end up smudging the color in the finished product. On the other hand, if the pressure is too little, sufficient oil may not be absorbed in the canvas, thus shortening the life of the finished painting. Oil painting thus requires sufficient dexterity on the artist’s part to be done properly, and the correct pressure to be applied can only be determined through continuous practice.

The Finishing

Once the painting is complete and it has dried, the artist usually coats the entire painting with a coat of clear lacquer. This process is called “varnishing”. This process is performed even if the oil used in the painting already had varnishing resin mixed into it. This makes the painting waterproof and greatly extends its life. This finishing must be uniform; any spot left out will gradually degrade the painting over time. Once this process is successfully completed, the varnish is left to dry. Gradually, the colors set perfectly and the varnish dries up, leaving a smooth, glossy finish to the painting.

Creating an oil painting can be a tedious and expensive task. But done successfully, it can leave behind a true masterpiece that is valued by collectors for years after its creation.

Oil Painting With No Paint Brush

A paintbrush is certainly the most commonly used tool in oil painting. But that does not necessarily imply that paint brushes are indispensable for oil painting. Most people, because they do oil painting with paint brushes, easily forget that there are other ways to apply paint to a surface.Most people who are knowledgeable about oil painting will agree that palette knives have for long been the traditional oil paint mixing tool. It is indeed a fact that palette knives are ideally suited for creating smooth, consistent mixtures of paint with the medium. At the same time, there is no denying that there is a host of oil painters who go beyond the palette with their knives, straight to the painting surface.These knives are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and even made in plastic. As all of us are aware, for mixing purposes, just one traditional shape or size might do. But applying paint calls for a range of palette knives to choose from like choosing a set of brushes. When you are attempting to paint with palette knives, experiment with different shapes and sizes to see what produces the best effects. It is generally believed that smaller and thinner knives are ideal for lining, and the bigger ones are more suited for loading on the paint.There are people who are fond of using stencils into their painting work = particularly when the subject demands a repetitive effect. There are ready-made stencils available in the market or you can make your own with the aid of a stencil kit. But you must take care to use the proper materials or else, the desired results cannot be achieved.All professional painters will agree that stenciling is not a traditional oil painting method. This is one reason why there are hardly any tutorials. Professional will insist you should still keep in mind the fundamentals of the medium – what is generally known as ‘fat over lean’. It is obvious that very thin paint will bleed around the edges, so it might be necessary to wait until one of the thicker layers of your painting. But it is a fact that stenciling in one of the under layers gives a great effect. However, it is advisable to experiment to find a solution that will fit your needs.You will soon find rags, sponges and even your own fingers as excellent alternate tools when it comes to oil painting. Professional oil painters claim that it is possible one could create an entire oil painting using rags and/or sponges and without the aid of paint brushes. Sometimes the background color of the painting can be effectively done using just one’s own fingers. Of course, the basic ‘fat over lean rule’ always applies, so bear that in mind when experimenting in any innovative methods.However, one should exercise caution when painting with your fingers or any other part of your body. You must make sure that the oil color and solvents do not absorb into your skin and then into your bloodstream. This could lead to health problems.

Ireland Art – Fine Oil Paintings!

Ever since the ancient of times, the island of Ireland has been depicted in various paintings and explored in numerous creations. Ireland art is today present online through fine oil paintings, showing some of the most wonderful places in Ireland. Handmade canvases await those with an exquisite taste when it comes to Celtic art, with prices that are more than attractive.

If you are interested in Ireland art as well, then the first thing you have to is go online and browse through the many beautiful paintings. You will discover a new and unique side of Ireland, being enticed and dazzled with the original creations. Once you enter online, you can choose one of the paintings depicting Celtic art or you can order a custom-made picture after your personal preference. These artists will be more than happy to take one of your photos and paint an original oil painting for you. For all paintings, there is a money back guarantee in case you are not satisfied with the painting offered.

Perhaps one of the most inspired choices for Ireland art is represented by the wonderful beaches. One example is the painting depicting Glencolumbkille. The coastal town is located in County Donegal, impressing with the natural beauty and incredible nature. You will never find a more beautiful beach in any other part of the world and having such a painting in your house will certainly add a unique touch. Celtic art always portrays Ireland’s natural scenery, with the Slieve League cliffs and the Silver Strand at Malin bag. Each painting is available in three different sizes: 20×24, 24×36 and 36×48. Obviously, the price differs according to the size you select for your Ireland art painting.

Ireland is famous for its many beaches and Traban Strand is certainly one of the most renowned. Even if you do not live in Ireland, you can still have a little bit of Celtic art in your home. Just looking at the splendid beach depicted on the canvas, you can close your eyes and enjoy the fine sea. The cliffs of Horn Head represent unique elements of these oil paintings, many people taking delight in Ireland’s splendid surroundings.

If you are a surfing enthusiast, you can always consider purchasing a painting depicting the beauty of this sport in its entire glory. The west coast of Ireland is perfect for surfing and many artists have become interested in painting these parts of the island. A painting can say more than a thousand words, just like a photograph, and that affirmation is especially valid when you see a surfer on a high wave. Of course, you will have to see them and this is where the online catalog comes in, allowing you to see a wide variety of paintings.

Besides nature and sports, Ireland is also world renowned for its ancient castles, kept in almost perfect condition. You can purchase an oil painting depicting one of the most beautiful castles in the entire Ireland, the Dunluce Castle and discover your taste for Ireland art. The castle is situated on the North Antrim coast, being surrounded by the same unique scenery. Having a painting with a medieval Irish castle in your home, you will impress all of your friends and arouse their interest for Celtic Art as well.

As you can see for yourself, you can purchase many wonderful oil paintings right from the Internet. With the aid of specialized websites and talented artists, you can really enjoy Ireland no matter where you live. There are many paintings depicting different scenes of Ireland, each being unique in its own way. Just take your time and browse through all of them; you will certainly find something that speaks to you, a clear proof of Celtic art and culture!