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How Does Color Influence Your Mood?
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Erin Hanson, like many artists over the years, creates artwork in a varied palette. Each Hanson piece focuses on a particular landscape, viewed at a specific time of day. Often, these paintings focus on the play of light and shadow in natural spaces. The work can be as stark as the backlit oaks in her Crystal Light series or softer, as in a view of central California on a summer’s day.
Pictured: Crystal Arbor
Pictured: Hills and Clouds
View the pieces above. Each uses a distinct palette and showcases a different subject. Each piece may evoke a complex emotion, but it is hard to nail down what is causing that emotion.
Here’s where we begin to think about art and its influence on mood.
A Thought Experiment
Try this thought experiment:
What happens when you view pieces that are different in the subject but use a similar palette?
Pictured: Saguaro Dusk
Pictured: Cypress Pines
Both of the above pieces use a dusky palette, dominated by blues and purples.
How do the above pieces make you feel? Does each piece evoke a different emotion, or do they both put you in a particular mood?
What if we have a brighter palette?
Pictured: Hop Valley Wash
Pictured: Sunflowers on Red II
These pieces, though two entirely different subjects, are dominated by red. Do they evoke similar emotions or energy just because of a similar palette?
Does Color Alone Influence Your Mood?
You have likely heard of studies that tell you how colors are supposed to make you feel. Red should make you feel energized - or was it angry? Green should make you feel calm - or was it envious? Color psychology can be incredibly confusing, and it is frankly wildly inaccurate.
Colors do influence your mood. But the idea that specific colors make every single human being on the planet feel a particular way is simply not accurate.
In color studies, scientists have found that color may influence an individual's mood, but that influence is based on what they associate the color with. For example, purple may make a person feel angry, while red makes them happy. When questioned, it may come up that a dearly beloved team or university uses red, while the opposing team uses purple.
Additionally, the subject of art does have an influence on how a piece makes one feel.
A red rock landscape may bring one joy, while a violent image in that same red color would bring about fear or sadness.
So, the prevailing theory is that using one color or another alone does not dictate the mood.
However, one color can remind a person of a particular scene or circumstance that then changes their mood.
How Art Influences Your Mood
This leads us back to art. Artists of all kinds use color to express themselves. But, they also use shape and subject to communicate emotion and elevate the viewer.
Even the most abstract art, art that appears to be pure color, is still using a subject, shape, and more to change your mood and guide the viewer to some new thought.
Consider the abstract style called “color field painting,” developed by Mark Rothko. In this work, color is the subject itself. However, these works are not just one solid color or a swatch from a color wheel. They are a dedicated study of colors, showcasing the colors with complimentary, tertiary, or secondary colors and inviting the viewer to delve into the beauty of color.
This type of painting is as close as one can get to an artist’s interpretation of color - and even this stark view of color evokes different emotions in different viewers.
This is why many artists, including Erin Hanson, choose something more concrete as their subject.
In the case of Hanson, she mainly paints landscapes. You will find the occasional still-life work in her gallery, but the vast majority of paintings are landscapes.
The reason for this is, in Hanson’s words: “I am trying to get my viewers to open their eyes and see their world a little differently. I want people to look at the San Gabriel mountains when they are stuck in their car during 5pm traffic, and see the amazing range of purples that appear when the sun starts setting and the brilliant oranges and sherbet colors in the highlights.”
To accomplish this, Hanson uses a limited color palette, utilizing her long, sweeping brushstrokes to impart energy into her paintings.
Every painter and painting style uses color to elevate and communicate. But most also use a subject and a method to add to that communication or bring a message to the fore. For this reason, viewing art is more than just a method of changing one’s mood. It is also a way to uplift the mind and soul and inspire even more beauty in the world.
Would you like to explore the colors, textures, and beauty of Erin Hanson’s artwork?
Click here to explore her gallery.
ERIN HANSON has been painting in oils since she was 8 years old. As a young artist, she worked at a mural studio creating 40-foot-tall paintings on canvas, while selling art commissions on the side. After getting a degree in Bioengineering from UC Berkeley, Erin became a rock climber at Red Rock Canyon, Nevada. Inspired by the colorful scenery she was climbing, she decided to paint one painting every week for the rest of her life. She has stuck to that decision ever since, becoming one of the most prolific artists in history. Erin Hanson's style is known as "Open Impressionism" and is now taught in art schools worldwide. With thousands of collectors eagerly anticipating her work and millions of followers online, Hanson has become an iconic, driving force in the rebirth of contemporary impressionism.
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What Color Wall Looks Best with My Painting? Thursday, January 14, 2021 I want to share with you my experience with using colored accent walls to set off a piece of artwork. Most homes are painted in neutral off-white or pale beige like in the picture above. I want to show you what happens when you paint the wall behind the painting (or the whole room) in a different color, in order to make the room part of the artwork. Read More → |
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What Color Wall Looks Best with My Painting? Thursday, January 14, 2021 I want to share with you my experience with using colored accent walls to set off a piece of artwork. Most homes are painted in neutral off-white or pale beige like in the picture above. I want to show you what happens when you paint the wall behind the painting (or the whole room) in a different color, in order to make the room part of the artwork. Read More → |
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A Commission Steeped in Family History Tuesday, November 10, 2020 As a teenager, my family was stationed overseas in Europe. We were able to trace our roots back to a small village in Switzerland named Steinen. We located our family crest carved into the posts of the town’s courthouse indicating our ancestors as one of the original founding families of the village many centuries earlier. Fifty years later, my wife and I traveled back to Switzerland in order for her to also experience the area and its intrinsic beauty. Read More → |
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A Commission Steeped in Family History Tuesday, November 10, 2020 As a teenager, my family was stationed overseas in Europe. We were able to trace our roots back to a small village in Switzerland named Steinen. We located our family crest carved into the posts of the town’s courthouse indicating our ancestors as one of the original founding families of the village many centuries earlier. Fifty years later, my wife and I traveled back to Switzerland in order for her to also experience the area and its intrinsic beauty. Read More → |
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Welcome to the World of 3D Art Reproduction An Inside Look at the Technical Specifications and Details Wednesday, September 30, 2020 This incredible fine art print is Erin’s high-tech answer to the growing demand for textured prints. Each replica faithfully duplicates every brush stroke's color and feel, using cutting-edge, three-dimensional scanning technology and multi-layered printing to capture every aspect of the original painting. While previous articles have discussed the replicas themselves, we wanted to take this opportunity to share the technical details of Erin’s state-of-the-art reproductions. Read More → |
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Welcome to the World of 3D Art Reproduction An Inside Look at the Technical Specifications and Details Wednesday, September 30, 2020 This incredible fine art print is Erin’s high-tech answer to the growing demand for textured prints. Each replica faithfully duplicates every brush stroke's color and feel, using cutting-edge, three-dimensional scanning technology and multi-layered printing to capture every aspect of the original painting. While previous articles have discussed the replicas themselves, we wanted to take this opportunity to share the technical details of Erin’s state-of-the-art reproductions. Read More → |
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How Erin Hanson’s 3D Textured Replicas Are Made Behind the Scenes Thursday, September 24, 2020 Erin Hanson has brought the latest in 3D printing to her custom, limited edition offerings. This new print is a textured replica created using micro-layered 3D modeling and 48-bit color to make the most realistic painting reproductions available today. How is this done? Read More → |
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How Erin Hanson’s 3D Textured Replicas Are Made Behind the Scenes Thursday, September 24, 2020 Erin Hanson has brought the latest in 3D printing to her custom, limited edition offerings. This new print is a textured replica created using micro-layered 3D modeling and 48-bit color to make the most realistic painting reproductions available today. How is this done? Read More → |
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Purchasing Prints Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Erin Hanson offers fine art prints directly to her fans and collectors, at www.erinhansonprints.com. Read More → |
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Purchasing Prints Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Erin Hanson offers fine art prints directly to her fans and collectors, at www.erinhansonprints.com. Read More → |
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Collecting Erin Hanson Originals Information for art collectors Wednesday, August 22, 2018 Learn about collecting Erin Hanson original oil paintings. Read More → |
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Collecting Erin Hanson Originals Information for art collectors Wednesday, August 22, 2018 Learn about collecting Erin Hanson original oil paintings. Read More → |
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How to Find Amazing Art Pieces Online How do I find the paintings that speak to me? Monday, April 9, 2018 Art hitherto hidden in galleries across the world is now at your fingertips and can be discovered from the comfort of your own home. With this ease of access, a global renaissance of the arts is occurring. You can find art everywhere online, from Etsy to an artist’s website to a post on Instagram. Read More → |
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How to Find Amazing Art Pieces Online How do I find the paintings that speak to me? Monday, April 9, 2018 Art hitherto hidden in galleries across the world is now at your fingertips and can be discovered from the comfort of your own home. With this ease of access, a global renaissance of the arts is occurring. You can find art everywhere online, from Etsy to an artist’s website to a post on Instagram. Read More → |
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What is Resale Royalty? Resale royalty right or “droit de suite” Saturday, March 24, 2018 While resale royalty right is not universal in America, the state of California implemented the Resale Royalty Act (CRRA) in 1976. This states that a 5% royalty applies to artworks worth over $1,000 that are resold for a gain. Read More → |
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What is Resale Royalty? Resale royalty right or “droit de suite” Saturday, March 24, 2018 While resale royalty right is not universal in America, the state of California implemented the Resale Royalty Act (CRRA) in 1976. This states that a 5% royalty applies to artworks worth over $1,000 that are resold for a gain. Read More → |
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Enjoy the World and Art in the New Year! Spend the New Year Engaging with Art Sunday, December 31, 2017 Art can bring so much joy to the viewer; it can quench a thirst in one’s soul like few other things in the world. However, it takes some time and energy to engage with a piece, whether it be a painting, a statue, a photograph, or some other type of art. Read More → |
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Enjoy the World and Art in the New Year! Spend the New Year Engaging with Art Sunday, December 31, 2017 Art can bring so much joy to the viewer; it can quench a thirst in one’s soul like few other things in the world. However, it takes some time and energy to engage with a piece, whether it be a painting, a statue, a photograph, or some other type of art. Read More → |
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How to Show Off Your Art When Hosting Offering a "How to" as you share your art with friends and family Thursday, December 14, 2017 Displaying your favorite pieces when you are hosting your friends or family in your home can become a large part of your impromptu gathering or scheduled dinner party. Many art collectors curate their pieces, displaying them throughout their homes in the spots that provide the highest impact and which allow them to see pieces as they get ready for work in the morning or relax at home after supper. Read More → |
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How to Show Off Your Art When Hosting Offering a "How to" as you share your art with friends and family Thursday, December 14, 2017 Displaying your favorite pieces when you are hosting your friends or family in your home can become a large part of your impromptu gathering or scheduled dinner party. Many art collectors curate their pieces, displaying them throughout their homes in the spots that provide the highest impact and which allow them to see pieces as they get ready for work in the morning or relax at home after supper. Read More → |
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How to Clean My Original Artwork Friday, November 24, 2017 One common question we get asked at The Erin Hanson Gallery is “how do I clean my painting?” This is a vital piece of knowledge that every art collector should have in his or her repertoire. Whether you are a serious or casual collector, it’s important to know how to care for the pieces you cherish. Read More → |
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How to Clean My Original Artwork Friday, November 24, 2017 One common question we get asked at The Erin Hanson Gallery is “how do I clean my painting?” This is a vital piece of knowledge that every art collector should have in his or her repertoire. Whether you are a serious or casual collector, it’s important to know how to care for the pieces you cherish. Read More → |
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Five Tips for Finding the Right Gift for the Art Lover in Your Life Thursday, October 26, 2017 Finding holiday gifts or birthday presents for an art lover who seems to “have it all” can be intimidating. You want to give a loved one a thoughtful gift that shows you’ve been paying attention but doesn’t completely break the bank. You also want to find the perfect gift of art that they will find uniquely beautiful. Since art and beauty can be subjective, this last factor might be one of the most difficult. Read More → |
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Five Tips for Finding the Right Gift for the Art Lover in Your Life Thursday, October 26, 2017 Finding holiday gifts or birthday presents for an art lover who seems to “have it all” can be intimidating. You want to give a loved one a thoughtful gift that shows you’ve been paying attention but doesn’t completely break the bank. You also want to find the perfect gift of art that they will find uniquely beautiful. Since art and beauty can be subjective, this last factor might be one of the most difficult. Read More → |
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Framing Options Framing an Erin Hanson Original Oil Painting Thursday, October 12, 2017 I have experimented with many framing options over the years: a decade ago I taught myself how to use a miter saw and joining tools, and I was making my own frames out of fine cherry wood molding. I have framed my work in simple floater frames, traditional plein air frames, and elaborate baroque frames. I have hung many paintings without any frame at all, letting the artistically-finished edges stand un-covered for a more contemporary look. Read More → |
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Framing Options Framing an Erin Hanson Original Oil Painting Thursday, October 12, 2017 I have experimented with many framing options over the years: a decade ago I taught myself how to use a miter saw and joining tools, and I was making my own frames out of fine cherry wood molding. I have framed my work in simple floater frames, traditional plein air frames, and elaborate baroque frames. I have hung many paintings without any frame at all, letting the artistically-finished edges stand un-covered for a more contemporary look. Read More → |
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What is an Open Impressionism Frame? Wednesday, May 31, 2017 What are Open Impressionism frames? These hand-carved and gilded floater frames are a perfect bridge between the classic and the contemporary. Read More → |
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What is an Open Impressionism Frame? Wednesday, May 31, 2017 What are Open Impressionism frames? These hand-carved and gilded floater frames are a perfect bridge between the classic and the contemporary. Read More → |
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How to Commission a Painting - Example Friday, April 14, 2017 Erin Hanson demonstrates the step-by-step process of commissioning a painting from an artist. Learn how to commission a painting to match the colors and style of your home. Read More → |
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How to Commission a Painting - Example Friday, April 14, 2017 Erin Hanson demonstrates the step-by-step process of commissioning a painting from an artist. Learn how to commission a painting to match the colors and style of your home. Read More → |
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How to Commission a Painting - Example Tuesday, March 14, 2017 Erin paints over an antique floral painting from WW2-era, transforming it into a new commemorative painting of a sacred Colorado camp. Read More → |
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How to Commission a Painting - Example Tuesday, March 14, 2017 Erin paints over an antique floral painting from WW2-era, transforming it into a new commemorative painting of a sacred Colorado camp. Read More → |
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Your Guide to Art Collecting Part 1 How Do I Start Collecting? Sunday, December 4, 2016 While art collecting can feel like serious business, it is also a labor of love. You are building an intertwined series of artworks that show something about you, what you love, what catches your eye, and what evokes emotion within you. Collecting art isn’t about telling someone else’s story, it’s about sharing pieces that connect with you – and connect with each other. This may sound like a lot of work, and it is, but having a cohesive art collection is a beautiful way to display your passion for art to the world. Read More → |
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Your Guide to Art Collecting Part 1 How Do I Start Collecting? Sunday, December 4, 2016 While art collecting can feel like serious business, it is also a labor of love. You are building an intertwined series of artworks that show something about you, what you love, what catches your eye, and what evokes emotion within you. Collecting art isn’t about telling someone else’s story, it’s about sharing pieces that connect with you – and connect with each other. This may sound like a lot of work, and it is, but having a cohesive art collection is a beautiful way to display your passion for art to the world. Read More → |
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Your Guide to Art Collecting Part 2 Is This Artist or Artwork a Good Investment? Saturday, December 3, 2016 Art is oft considered to be both an investment and, more often than not, something one feels deeply about. This can create a struggle between choosing which artists to select for your collection. You may love a piece, but wonder if it is worth the price. You may be weighing the best investment between favored pieces or artists since you are simply running out of room. The pointers below are here to help you work through this conflict and find the right art for your taste – and your pocketbook. Read More → |
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Your Guide to Art Collecting Part 2 Is This Artist or Artwork a Good Investment? Saturday, December 3, 2016 Art is oft considered to be both an investment and, more often than not, something one feels deeply about. This can create a struggle between choosing which artists to select for your collection. You may love a piece, but wonder if it is worth the price. You may be weighing the best investment between favored pieces or artists since you are simply running out of room. The pointers below are here to help you work through this conflict and find the right art for your taste – and your pocketbook. Read More → |
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Your Guide to Art Collecting Part 3 How to Value My Original Artwork Friday, December 2, 2016 Art is notoriously hard to price accurately. Conditions in the current market, artist popularity, and the vagaries of public opinion all have a say when it comes to finding out how much an oil painting, print, sculpture, or any other piece of art is worth. Read More → |
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Your Guide to Art Collecting Part 3 How to Value My Original Artwork Friday, December 2, 2016 Art is notoriously hard to price accurately. Conditions in the current market, artist popularity, and the vagaries of public opinion all have a say when it comes to finding out how much an oil painting, print, sculpture, or any other piece of art is worth. Read More → |
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Your Guide to Art Collecting Part 4 Displaying My Collection Thursday, December 1, 2016 As you put your art collection together, you can run into several challenges. Here is a list of common problems, along with some fantastic solutions. Read More → |
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Your Guide to Art Collecting Part 4 Displaying My Collection Thursday, December 1, 2016 As you put your art collection together, you can run into several challenges. Here is a list of common problems, along with some fantastic solutions. Read More → |
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2016 Holiday Gift Guide for the Art Collector Friday, November 25, 2016 Are you looking for the quintessential Christmas present for the avid lover of art and culture? These original gift items will bring a wide smile to the face of any connoisseur of fine art. Read More → |
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2016 Holiday Gift Guide for the Art Collector Friday, November 25, 2016 Are you looking for the quintessential Christmas present for the avid lover of art and culture? These original gift items will bring a wide smile to the face of any connoisseur of fine art. Read More → |
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How-To: Lighting Your Fine Art Monday, August 15, 2016 Many art collectors have preferences for different types of lighting in their homes. Some prefer ambient lamp light while others would rather have spotlight-like track lights. No matter your preference, it’s important to understand that light affects each painting differently. Read More → |
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How-To: Lighting Your Fine Art Monday, August 15, 2016 Many art collectors have preferences for different types of lighting in their homes. Some prefer ambient lamp light while others would rather have spotlight-like track lights. No matter your preference, it’s important to understand that light affects each painting differently. Read More → |
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Building Your Art Collection: Reproductions vs. Originals Maneuvering the Art World Friday, July 1, 2016 There are few people in this world who are fortunate enough to fill their home with original art. Many art lovers hang original pieces as well as prints. If you have had to settle for a print, you know what I am talking about when I say you can tell the difference between an original painting and a print. Why is this? Read More → |
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Building Your Art Collection: Reproductions vs. Originals Maneuvering the Art World Friday, July 1, 2016 There are few people in this world who are fortunate enough to fill their home with original art. Many art lovers hang original pieces as well as prints. If you have had to settle for a print, you know what I am talking about when I say you can tell the difference between an original painting and a print. Why is this? Read More → |
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Around the Art World in 80 Seconds Internet + Art Galleries: An Art Collector’s Dream Monday, March 28, 2016 Access to art online is creating a new global renaissance in art collecting. Many factors weigh in on choices, such as budget, but now anyone passionate about art may become a collector. The modern art collector leans heavily on a very important tool to complete their quest for the perfect art: Online Art Galleries. Read More → |
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Around the Art World in 80 Seconds Internet + Art Galleries: An Art Collector’s Dream Monday, March 28, 2016 Access to art online is creating a new global renaissance in art collecting. Many factors weigh in on choices, such as budget, but now anyone passionate about art may become a collector. The modern art collector leans heavily on a very important tool to complete their quest for the perfect art: Online Art Galleries. Read More → |
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Where to View Impressionism in Southern California Southern California Art Scene | Impressionism Stands Strong Tuesday, February 23, 2016 California is predominately known for its ultra-modern and deeply abstract artwork, which is surprising given its roots in the famed California Impressionism movement. Within the 163,696 square-miles that comprise this sprawling and diverse state are some of the nation's most important museums, galleries and art collections. Thankfully impressionism is alive and well. You just have to know where to look. Read More → |
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Where to View Impressionism in Southern California Southern California Art Scene | Impressionism Stands Strong Tuesday, February 23, 2016 California is predominately known for its ultra-modern and deeply abstract artwork, which is surprising given its roots in the famed California Impressionism movement. Within the 163,696 square-miles that comprise this sprawling and diverse state are some of the nation's most important museums, galleries and art collections. Thankfully impressionism is alive and well. You just have to know where to look. Read More → |
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How to Commission a Painting Commissioning a Custom Oil Painting Thursday, May 2, 2013 Do you love an artist's work but need a special painting for a certain wall in your home? Read More → |
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How to Commission a Painting Commissioning a Custom Oil Painting Thursday, May 2, 2013 Do you love an artist's work but need a special painting for a certain wall in your home? Read More → |