 |
| Jamie Drake/Architectural Digest |
There are many different approaches to painting, and there are probably as many different "styles" of painting as there are painters. The key for a painter is to find his or her unique voice and approach. And I believe that the key for a collector is to find what speaks to him or her, and to assemble a collection of varied styles that speak to each other.
Too many paintings of the same style in one collection can become repetitive. This dulls the magic of the collection. But collectors who can master the "art of the mix" will be rewarded.
They will find that juxtaposing abstract paintings with realistic ones, and large ones with small ones, yields a vibrant and sophisticated result. The different styles seem to give life to each other, and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Check out the top photo. The artwork in the far room is wildly abstract. But the two pieces on the wall marked (1) are completely realistic. And yet the different styles work wonderfully together. I also love the mix in the second photo. The trio of small, delicate prints on the left, and the large abstracted landscape over the sofa, make a beautiful contrast. And I love the room immediately above, by one of my favorite designers Jeffrey Bilhuber, with the abstract painting over the mantle and the group of traditional oils on the right.
I am also a fan of the small painting propped up on a tabletop or in a bookcase. You can see above how the small, classical painting of the roses and the large abstract patterned piece work together quite well. It appears to be the shared color palette that holds them together.
My gallery in Atlanta, Huff Harrington, is a master of the mix. In a recent show, they paired some of my small landscapes on either side of very large, abstract painting. I loved the way these pieces worked together (photo below). I could envision this wall in somebody's home. Here's to the art of the mix, and the mix of the art!
 |
| Suzanne Kasler for Kravat Fabrics |
They will find that juxtaposing abstract paintings with realistic ones, and large ones with small ones, yields a vibrant and sophisticated result. The different styles seem to give life to each other, and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
 |
| Jeffrey Bilhuber |
I am also a fan of the small painting propped up on a tabletop or in a bookcase. You can see above how the small, classical painting of the roses and the large abstract patterned piece work together quite well. It appears to be the shared color palette that holds them together.
My gallery in Atlanta, Huff Harrington, is a master of the mix. In a recent show, they paired some of my small landscapes on either side of very large, abstract painting. I loved the way these pieces worked together (photo below). I could envision this wall in somebody's home. Here's to the art of the mix, and the mix of the art!
 |
| Huff Harrington Fine Art, Atlanta |
Great article. Most people need guidelines for displaying and mixing art .
ReplyDeleteThank you Melanie. With your experience, I am sure that you could add some good tips!
ReplyDelete