Tag Archives: art trends

From The Studio of Life Arts Designs

Life Arts Designs is the collaboration of artists Lois Eder and Fanelle White. Lois and Fanelle have known each other since 2007, when Fanelle’s daughter was a student in Lois’ Special Needs class and Fanelle was an art teacher at the same school. They shared a common interest in the arts and Lois would visit Fanelle’s art classroom during her off periods, becoming inspired by her teaching and engagement. It was inevitable that they would become close friends. More than ten years later, they began to talk about retirement and a collaborative art adventure, and Life Arts Designs was created.

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

Lois: I like to go up to my studio that has large windows which let in wonderful sunlight and put on peaceful music to help calm my brain and inspire creativity.

Fanelle: I set up all my art supplies I will need for my vision of the artwork. I am very methodical in my art approach.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

Lois: I put in all of my energy into a single painting so that I can continue on a single focus path.

Fanelle: I am blessed with being a very focused artist. Thus allows me to create a work in a timely manner which allows me to work quickly and focus on one piece at a time.

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

Lois: Abstract work that includes a multi-media approach has always fascinated me. I visualize a large work with many ways that the viewer can connect to my work through texture, composition and color.

Fanelle: I am so fortunate that I have worked on so many projects both individually, in a teaching setting, and in group setting that I feel I have satisfied my need to dream. That said, I am always experimenting with new ideas and new collaborations.

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

Lois: Georgia O’Keeffe because I have loved her since high school!

Fanelle: Wow, what a question! I am humbled to work with any artist whether it is an ex-student or working established artist. It’s all wonderful.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

Lois: I talk to everyone wherever there is any form of art and compartmentalize all this information in different areas of my brain. My friends are always blown away by my ability to pull out any needed information and use it for inspiration in my artwork and sales of artwork.

Fanelle: I am so lucky to have a brilliant business partner, Lois, who has inspired and encouraged my professional art making career.

How has your art evolved over time?

Lois: In one word “age”. Age has its advantages with combining old experiences with new ones. I have learned from old mistakes and discovered new mediums which has helped me to grow as an artist.

Fanelle: Looking back on work I did years ago compared to what I am doing now shows a difference in genre, but not talent (hope that doesn’t sound boastful). I taught art for many years and before that I was an industrial designer. All that time I created for someone else’s purpose, not my own. Now I create beach scenes and am a new resident of the Jersey shore which reflects my happiness in beach life.

What do you like most about your work?

Lois: I am never quite sure of the exact outcome, and I love the resulting energy that seems to take on a life of its own.

Fanelle: I love to look back on my work and find myself smiling. I try to place many small stories within each work. This way, each time someone looks at the work they see something new.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Lois: Unexpected

Fanelle: Whimsical

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Lois: I love the early morning light and am a very early riser with loads of creative energy.

Fanelle: I am not a morning person (coffee first before all else). That said, the best light to paint is late morning to early afternoon when the natural light helps me see all flaws and wonderful blend of colors.

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

Lois: Taking a break from work is always helpful. I live near the beach and a long walk along the shore with salty air filling my lungs clears the blockage and helps me to refocus.

Fanelle: Oh my goodness, yes! I put the piece away for a while and think about what is bothering me for a day or two. Hopefully after I have come to a conclusion, I retry and apply my solution.

What is up next on your easel?

Lois: I like to work in series with a nautical or beach theme. The most recent series I completed was a sea life theme and I am now thinking about exploring landscapes inspired by my upcoming trip to the Alaskan wilderness.

Fanelle: I so want to play with a new concept of playing with a combination of perspective, color and light!

What To Read Next…

From The Lens of Thomas Tepstad Berge

From The Studio of Hayley Michelle

Design and Decor Trends We Can’t Get Enough Of

The images featured above are available in our Print-On-Demand collection. 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.

Design and Decor Trends We Can’t Get Enough Of

As we begin the new year, the design world continues to predict new decor, color, and style trends. In the past couple of years, our spaces have had to change alongside our lifestyles. Homes have become a place of both work and rest for many, and the current and forecasted interior design trends reflect that. Spaces are continually inspired by nature, bringing some of the outdoors in with shades of green, natural texture, and plant decor. People are also leaning into their own personal styles when decorating, whether it’s cozying up a space with warm modern neutrals or going bold with color and statement pieces. Because of the shift in how we’ve been using our spaces, people are redefining their styles and transforming spaces to fit their needs and bring joy.

Natural Connection

***featuring fine art photography by Nancy Crowell***

Interiors continue to be influenced by the outdoors, leaning very heavily into natural materials, earth tones, and sustainable design. Many companies, such as Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin Williams, have picked soothing blue and green hues for their 2022 Color of the Year choices. Designs highlighting sustainable materials and practices are becoming popular with a focus on eco-friendly living. Organic themes and natural motifs are presenting themselves in new renovations, especially as biophilic design continues to be on the rise. This is a particularly popular trend in hospitality design, where comfort, wellness, community, and sustainability are highly valued.

Even if you don’t dive head first into biophilic design, it’s easy to dip a toe in with botanical prints, hints of green, and landscape imagery. Interiors that feel connected to nature can create a calm and relaxing environment, perfect for this year.

The Key to Cozy

***featuring “Simply Stated II” by Ruth Fromstein***

This year, comfort is key and creating spaces that feel like being wrapped in a warm blanket is a big trend! Rooms decorated in calming neutrals, soft materials, warm woods, and curved accents & furniture can give you just the feeling. While it doesn’t have to be a minimalist space, these rooms gravitate towards clean lines and soft neutral tones. Decorating with wall art in sleek shapes, warm refined palettes, and natural elements helps to create a cozy room, but it’s easy to add your own style to find comfort in your space.

Celebrate Individuality

***featuring “Rocky Terrain” by Laura Van Horne***

With the shift in how people have been needing to use their rooms, creating more mindful spaces has become even more essential. There is a big trend toward creating unique, one-of-a-kind interiors that celebrate individuality. People are adopting bolder design styles, finding cool vintage pieces, and painting with brighter colors. Decorating in a way that brings joy has never been so important. As people have been redefining and redecorating their spaces, putting function first and repurposing existing pieces has become top of mind. This year, people are blending and adapting different design styles to create a cohesive space that reflects their own tastes and fulfills the needs of those using the space.

What to read next…

Less Is More: Embracing Minimalist Design

Show Your Walls Some Love: Why Wall Art Matters

Finding Tranquility With Soft Pastels

From The Studio of Patti Mann

Get to know Third & Wall artist Patti Mann! Patti was born in Seattle, Washington but grew up in Los Angeles, California. She also lived in Colorado, Tennessee, and Ohio, and currently resides near Buffalo, New York.

Patti has been drawing on every available surface ever since she could hold a crayon, and has always known that she was first and foremost an artist. She majored in Fine Art at Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, CA, and attended the Otis Parsons Institute of Art in Los Angeles, but family obligations drew her onto a different path for many years. She never stopped doing art while she raised a family and worked a variety of jobs, including (but not limited to!) data entry in a cancer research institute, a horse groom for a well-known Malibu riding stable, a racehorse hot walker at Hollywood Park Racetrack, receptionist, executive assistant, production artist and marketing manager. For the last 16 years Patti has been a Production & Creative Specialist with Third & Wall Art Group, of which she was a founding member.

Patti’s preferred media currently are watercolor, graphite, and pen & ink, but she loves to explore mixed media, acrylics, and occasionally oils. She has exhibited her work in group and solo exhibitions in the Nashville, Tennessee area. Commissions keep her busy, and her works appear in numerous private collections. She has illustrated the book “A Journey Worth Taking: A Collection of Animal Stories” by Norma Vermeer.

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

Since my studio is actually my front room, I make some coffee, get some atmospheric music going on Pandora (usually lo-fi, Celtic or Viking music), do a few warm-up stretches (not really), brush my cat, walk my dog, throw some peanuts outside for the squirrels, waste time on social media, and when all other procrastinatory options have been exhausted, I start making art, usually just minutes before I have to go to work…

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I always have several paintings going at once, in addition to several that I started years ago sitting unfinished and lonely in a dark, forgotten corner. Some day, some day.

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

I have far too many dream projects. I dream of illustrating children’s books, painting giant glorious murals, painting wondrous things on wood furniture, painting portraits, and creating rich, compelling horse, botanical, insect, closed world and animal paintings that exist somewhere between realism and invention.

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

I would love to paint with Third & Wall artist Liz Jardine so that I could wonder at and absorb some of her incredible techniques and skills, rich artistic vision and astounding prolificness. I’m also currently into Charles E. Burchfield (b. 1893 – d.1967), a Western New York watercolor painter, who painted amazing, interpretive watercolors of his beloved Nature, and of daily life. He didn’t aim for photographic realism, but strove instead to capture the emotion and feeling of his chosen scene. His style is unique and unmistakable.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

I love to get outside into Mother Nature and get really up close and personal with leaves, bugs, flowers, and all the mysterious macro-worlds that exist outside that no one ever notices. Sometimes I browse Instagram and Pinterest for ideas – there’s an incredible treasure trove of art out there that offers inspiration and motivation. If I’m feeling really stuck I will sometimes draw from one of the many drawing prompt lists available online to lubricate my imagination. I occasionally take online painting and creativity tutorials (but I never finish them).

“Art classes, museum and gallery visits, and meditation are other tools that help me access the great inspiration bank. The best way is to simply quiet one’s mind, engage in mindfulness and the wonder of Right Now, and open up to the vast source within and without.”

How has your art evolved over time?

I’ve evolved from tighter realism to a more flowing, intuitive painting style that still incorporates a good underdrawing and some representational aspects. About ⅔ representational and about ⅓ transitional!

What do you like most about your work?

I like that my work evokes not just a visual object, be it an animal or a person or a flower, but the essence and life of that object. Simple, yet it speaks.

What is one word that best describes your style?

My style varies depending on the type of art I’m making, but generally I’m a stickler for a good underdrawing, which is the framework for the painting that fleshes it out. If the drawing isn’t good, the painting isn’t going to look right. Currently with my watercolors I’m combining realism with a more loose and painterly flair, and I’ve been experimenting with adding metallic foils to my watercolors.

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

Something I’ve been thinking about is how miraculous urban wildlife is – the everyday animals we ignore daily that live and survive around us in abundance. If you slow down and simply observe, you will see the beauty, struggle and fight for life in each creature – the glorious iridescent neck feathers of the common city pigeon, the agility and grace of the squirrel, the cleverness and intelligence of the raccoon, the affability of the adorable opossum, the industriousness of the tiny vole…I want to find a way to paint and honor those urban animals that many of us consider pests, ignore, or even hate. I have some ideas. Now to find the time!

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

I’m definitely an early-morning person, that is my most productive and creative time. I work a full-time job during the day so an hour or two in the morning is my most precious time I can set aside to create, experiment, and dream.

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

I usually just put it away and forget about it for a while, and work on other projects. I can usually come back to it days or weeks later with a pair of sparkling fresh eyes. Watercolors are especially touchy – you have to be much more careful with them, unlike the freedom of painting with acrylics – if you go too far with applying watercolor pigment it’s harder to reverse and alter it like you can with malleable and quick-drying acrylics. If this happens, I usually just end up cutting up the paper for scraps or recycling it.

What is up next on your easel?

I’m pondering creating some fish, bird and other animal paintings and incorporating gold, copper and silver metallic leafing. I’m also experimenting with some yoga figuratives, and more contemporary nude figures. Also, I’m percolating some fun juvenile art.

I’m open to more ideas – what do you want to see me paint for your projects or markets? Let me know in the comments!

What to read next…

From The Studio of BethAnn Lawson

Less Is More: Embracing Minimalist Design

Staying Grounded With Warm and Earthy Hues

Show Your Walls Some Love: Why Art Matters

*featuring “Red Path” by Laura Van Horne alt v 1*

Have you ever looked around your furnished room and thought, “something just seems to be missing”, then your eye catches the empty spot on your wall? Chances are you saved your wall decor for last and now need to fill that blank space for your room to feel complete. It is easy to brush off the art selection process as an afterthought or the finishing touch, sometimes not thinking about it until everything else in your design has been artfully executed. But wall art can be an integral part of your design and can transform the look and feel of your room. Choosing wall art is an opportunity for self-expression that, we would argue, should be considered in the earlier stages of the design process. We want to share a few ways thinking about wall art can change the way you approach interior design and styling!

Make It Pop

Artwork is a great way to bring color and texture into your space! Finding wall art that you love can help you nail down your color scheme, which can be one of the hardest parts of the design process. Art can tie in accent colors, bring in a pop of color, or help blend your palette to ensure that your room has a cohesive feel. Wall decor can also add more texture and depth to your space. Mixed media artwork, chunky paintings, or artwork on a textured substrate can bring creative interest and make your space pop!

Make It Yours

With many different styles and mediums, wall art can be a wonderful way to add your own style and character to your room. Incorporating your own personality is key to making a space feel like home (even when you are not at home), and artwork can help create a unique design that sets your room apart. Hanging fine art that encapsulates the style of your space can help set the mood, whether you want to reenergize or relax. Artwork has the power to define or enhance your design style and reinvigorate your room!

Find Your Center

Hanging artwork can also provide a focal point that centers and balances your space, and makes a statement. It can complete your design and give your space that finished look that you may have been missing. The right artwork can transform your room, make it feel uniquely your own, and bring beauty into your space.

*featuring “Momentum Synergy” by Jeff Iorillo*

So don’t wait until the very end to choose artwork for your walls! Finding the right fine art pieces can shape the way you design your space, from the colors you use to your design style. Incorporating the perfect art piece can help you create the energy and ambiance you want your room to have!

Finding Tranquility With Soft Pastels

**featuring “Life In Balance” by Dina D’Argo**

We could all use spaces that bring some calm and comforting energy, and decorating with tranquil pastel tones is an easy way to keep your interiors feeling effortlessly serene! Forecasted color trends and multiple paint companies’ ‘Color of the Year’ announcements for 2021 also reflect the growing popularity of this soothing color scheme. The predicted palettes for this year are full of light and fresh pastels, cool blue hues, and muted earth tones. These soothing shades are perfect for any design style, whether you use them to paint your wall or add accent pieces in these soft and dreamy hues.

**featuring “Regatta Time” by Lisa Ridgers**

These calm and inviting colors are great for a rustic-inspired kitchen, a modern bathroom, and, especially, a relaxing bedroom. They can create comfortable & sophisticated spaces while still adding color and showcasing your unique style. As our world becomes more technologically focused, it’s no surprise that connection and places of comfort are becoming priorities. Incorporating tranquil tones like dusty pinks, botanically inspired greens, soft blues, and light, warm neutrals in your color palettes will brighten and balance any residential or commercial space. Add some woven and natural textures for extra depth, accent your tranquil space with darker hues for more drama, or pair your subdued pastels with soft curved edges for maximum comfort. Decorating with artwork in these soft and relaxing hues is an easy way to bring those serene vibes to your space!

From The Studio of BethAnn Lawson

Meet our new artist BethAnn Lawson! BethAnn is a modern-impressionist painter who lives and works in Seattle, Washington. Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, she was taught by and is heavily influenced by her surrealist painter-father, who was a founding member of the San Francisco Street Artist Association. After graduating from the Institute of Design in San Francisco, she moved to Seattle and spent nearly three decades as a textile designer, graphic designer and illustrator, but returned to her love of painting after the passing of her father in 2011.

Her current work blurs the edges of both figurative and abstract, creating tangible objects and memories from unconventional, yet familiar shapes and custom colors.

In her artist statement, BethAnn writes, “I can lose myself for hours as I take apart the images and carefully put them back together emphasizing colors, rhythms and patterns. I hope to capture little glimpses of life containing whimsy, the secrets of strangers and the striking architecture of both nature and man.”

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

After deciding which of the handful of WIPs “matches the day”, I put fresh water in the rinse jar, find the right playlist for the mood, tear off yesterday’s dried up pallet and… simply get going. I don’t have much of a ritual beyond that and coffee. Time to paint.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I am physically painting on only one canvas on any particular day. There really isn’t room for more than one easel in my studio because I’m using distances to constantly check on composition. Also, as I never use color straight from the tube, it’s economical to keep to just the one painting going for that day. There may be 4 or 5 pieces that are half-finished at any one time though.

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

Yes, it involves fibers. I’d like to give myself enough time to truly build something with my hands, beyond a brush. I’ve definitely experimented and journaled ideas, but I haven’t yet committed to it’s full potential. It’s still very much percolating.

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

I paint alone. Always have.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

I walk daily and take photos of anything I find remotely interesting. Whether it be in the noise and shadows of downtown or on the shores of the Puget Sound, I snap photos of unsuspecting people and places. New unexplored places such as vacations are always rich material, but this year of Covid-19 has made that a bit tough.

How has your art evolved over time?

I used to be an illustrator, so my work was always very figurative. Honestly, I didn’t often find much innovative joy in that, as it felt too restrictive, trying always to replicate something exactly as it appeared to the eye. Several years ago, I wadded up a few of my reference photos in a fit of frustration. Later when I uncrumpled them, I realized the wild creases I made in those photos distorted all the lines that nature was trying to show me. I now try to capture tangible images using just color and abstract shapes.

What do you like most about your work?

I love color. Besides ivory black and titanium white, none of my colors are straight from the tube. It may be my favorite part; the mixing and creating. Secondly, it’s the challenge of creating a known object using abstract shapes. I use word “challenge” with… affection.

What is one word that best describes your style?

I’m going to hyphenate so I can cheat and use two words: modern-impressionism.

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I haven’t done many landscapes or forests, but I’m often asked about it. The cities and the people hold some special kind of secrets I find too appealing. Those seem to be the ones always asking to be painted.
Alternately, I go for walks through the quiet trees to think and be alone. They never ask for anything.

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

Yes, I set it aside and work on something else. Maybe it turns out to be a paperwork day. If I’m stuck… that’s it. It’s better to come back to it when it’s ready to be finished than to force it. I’ll eventually dream about it and finish it a couple weeks or more down the road. That usually involves correcting color. I do really obsess about it.

What is next up on your easel?

More beaches, water, using softer, more neutral colors, and honestly anything that might impersonate itself as a vacation. It’s been a very dry, isolated year. There are countless things I shall never take for granted ever again; the power of water sitting nearly first among them.

From The Studio of Ruth Fromstein

Meet one of Third & Wall’s newest artists, Ruth Fromstein! While currently residing in San Diego, Ruth has had a close relationship with art since picking up a brush and canvas while a child in small-town Wisconsin. Creating has been the only constant in Ruth’s life and an important form of self-expression.

While her Bachelors degree is in Vocal Rehabilitation, it was the various art classes that inspired her. She experimented with drawing, design, art, metals, and weaving. Her art took inspiration from her love of dancing, hiking, backpacking, and nature, imbuing her work with movement, life, and a palate as varied as an expansive field of wildflowers gracing the horizon. Ruth is constantly experimenting with new materials and techniques striving to embody in her work the beauty and excitement of the world she sees around and within herself. Creating images that dance and play in the viewer’s imagination, her abstract paintings have been described as anything from tranquil and relaxing to thrilling and startling. She embraces her brush as her dance partner, and, with it, swings across the canvas in a chorus of control and spontaneity. While Ruth paints with a goal, she is always excited to stumble into new territory as the materials she experiments with lead her in unexpected directions!

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

I take a deep breath and evaluate what I had done the previous day, looking at my work with fresh eyes.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I like to work on multiple paintings at one time, usually at least 4.

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

It would be cool to paint a mural.

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

Oh my goodness… who to choose? A master like Monet or Angus Wilson, or a painter I would like to take a class with? How about my incredibly talented friend from high school, Leslie Stewart? I choose them all!

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

I frequently get inspired when I go hiking. I am influenced by my surroundings as well as my own thoughts and feelings.

How has your art evolved over time?

My work continues to evolve as I experiment with new techniques, colors, and tools. I enjoy learning from other artists who introduce me to new processes then I like to take the information and apply it to my paintings in interesting ways.

What do you like most about your work?

I like that my paintings pull the viewer in and take them on a journey. I enjoy looking at my paintings, and every time I do, I see something different.

I like the variety of work that I create. I am attracted to color, texture and movement.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Only ONE? Contemporary

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

My head is exploding with ideas, however, I need to see if these concepts will successfully translate onto my canvas. Follow along and see what emerges!

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

My mind is fresh in the morning, and I like the natural light that shines through my windows.

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

Oh, yes! Sometimes I need to tuck a painting away and pull it out another day, or rotate the orientation. Other times, it is best to simply “paint over”.

What is next up on your easel?

I have one of those “tucked away” paintings waiting for fresh inspiration, as well as an abstract landscape and floral.

The images featured here are available in our Print-On-Demand collection. 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.

Redfin Blog Feature: Revamping Your Room

We were excited to participate and be featured in Redfin’s blog post “15 Tips to Revamp Your Room From Dull to Dazzling”! Here’s a little sneak peek of the article and our tip for transforming your bedroom using artwork. And check out more tips in the full article on Redfin’s blog!

15 Tips to Revamp Your Room From Dull to Dazzling

April 30, 2020 – By Julia Weaver

Your bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your house and the one you spend most of your time in. Even though few guests will step foot inside, it’s important to give your space a refresh to fit your style and become your personal getaway. So even if you live in Portland, New York, or anywhere in between, you’ll be able to escape the chaos of everyday life. This doesn’t require a complete remodel. In fact, incorporating things like well-placed art, bold wallpaper, and your favorite materials and colors will do just the trick. Looking for some inspiration? We’ve gathered tips from experts on how to create the room of your dreams.

Incorporate artwork into your bedroom

Refreshing your bedroom can be as easy as switching out the artwork in your space. Add new color, texture, and style to your room by hanging a unique, large-scale art piece or pair different pieces together to curate your own gallery-styled wall. For an even bolder transformation, cover one or all of your walls in a favorite print with wallcovering. –Third & Wall

Originally published on Redfin

And check out our blog post “Finding The Best Pieces For Over Your Bed” for more decor inspiration!

From The Studio of Stacey Pollard

Meet our new artist, Stacey Pollard! Her paintings usually involve landscape, either as a study of shapes and compositions or of structures in the landscape. Since moving to Seattle, Stacey has been drawn to the varied architecture and light of the Pacific Northwest. Her paintings start with photographs as reference, and she quickly edits the composition, adding layers and materials. Building up the textures and glazes is an exciting process for her every time! Stacey likes to walk the line between an accurate depiction of what she saw and a more emotional reading of the scene.

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

I stop on the way and get my coffee–have to have it in my hand even if I don’t drink it. Then I turn up the heat and get my playlist going.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I usually have two or three going at once, all at different stages.

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

Not really–I’m having fun with what I’m doing now.

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

I would have to go back in time to hang out in Richard Diebenkorn’s studio–I’ve always admired his work.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

I take photos when I’m out and about–whatever scene catches my eye. Then I take them back to the studio to find the shapes and compositions–different ideas appeal to me at different times. Once I get a painting started, I put the photo away and just refer to the painting itself–that’s when the really exciting stuff happens.

How has your art evolved over time?

I started out as a painter and printmaker–I think my paintings are similar to the collagraph plates I used to make. I still like to layer on the textures and colors. The subject matter has changed a bit, but they still start with something representational, and then I abstract them.

What do you like most about your work?

I like that they are interesting to look at up close and interesting to see from far away. The texture is fun to create, and the layers of glazes and brushwork also seem to hold up.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Abstract landscape–not one word but that is the best I can do!

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I’m always looking for the next great composition–one that really resonates when I see it. Those are the unforgettable images or scenes I know I have to paint.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

I like to paint in the afternoon.

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

Of course! When I can see it starting to happen, I have to set it aside and let it simmer for a while. Sometimes I just have to give up and start over, but then again some of my best pieces were saved at the last minute!

What is up next on your easel?

I’m working on three pieces at the moment–I’ve been experimenting with underpainting and some different textures. It’s hard to take my time on these–I’ve got so many ideas I want to try!

Art Highlight: Wallcovering

The beginning of a new month can be the perfect time to refresh your interiors and find new trends to try. And as we kick off this new decade, we can’t help but want to go big! Wallcovering and wallpaper will continue to be a growing design trend this year and one that we love! From soft, subtle scenes to bold and expressive patterns, wallcovering can add style and personality to any room. It’s a great way to bring color and texture into your space in unique and unexpected ways. This popular trend works great in residential and commercial design, so we wanted to share a few ways to include different wallcovering prints and textures in your space.

**featuring “Sound & Color” by Kippi Leonard**

One of our favorite things about wallcovering is that there are various ways to decorate your walls with it. You can cover all of your walls, use it to make a statement accent wall, or (particularly if you have an oddly shaped wall) you can easily wallpaper half or parts of a wall. And for drama and detail in an unexpected place, you can try covering your ceiling!

Murals

Why not blow up that landscape to full wall size? Murals and serene scenes are great for accent walls and infusing your space with natural inspiration. A global-inspired scene can add some wanderlust while silhouette prints can add a twist on a classic look. Visually rich wallcovering that resembles different materials, such as marble, wood, or terrazzo, will add a luxe and modern style to your space. And wallcovering can be an easy way to introduce metallics into your wall décor to make a memorable moment in your room. Mural wallcovering can turn your design into one-of-a-kind!

Patterns

Patterns are a common wallcovering trend, but there are many different ways to infuse it with your own style. Geometric patterns are popular in design, especially with Art Deco design having a resurgence, and the symmetrical nature allows for bold, playful colors. Simple tonal stripes and small-scale prints, such as dots, can help make a room feel larger. Large solid and color-blocked prints in wallcovering can create a timeless design, especially in a dramatic black and white color scheme or crisp, classic blue hues. For a light and minimal space, try oversized prints in botanical, fruit, and bird imagery!

Florals & Painterly Prints

A floral print might initially come to mind when you think of wallpaper or wallcovering. Florals are a traditional décor staple that is getting an updated look, helping to create modern spaces with bold colors and large-scale, abstracted patterns. Painterly florals and imagery can be unique and easy on the eye, while lively abstracts are energizing and great for an eclectic look.

**featuring “River’s Run” by Jeff Iorillo**

At Third & Wall, we not only have many different images to choose from for your wallcovering, but also several different styles and textures to add extra detail to your walls. Textured wallcovering is great for a monochrome look, as it adds dimension and character while keeping it simple. A suede wallcovering has a similar texture to, you guessed it, suede fabric. This light texture works well to reduce glare from direct light, while adding warmth to the print. With a flat, smooth, and low-gloss finish, we recommend a matte wallcovering for crisp, sharp-edged prints such as photography or detailed designs. A canvas wallcovering will give your wall an elegant and painterly effect, as it mimics the texture of a painter’s canvas. Lastly, Terralon wallcovering is a PVC-free alternative wallcovering material made from 31% post-consumer recycled materials, with various LEED credits. It is smooth and breathable for a sleek finish!

However you decide to decorate with this trend, we want to help you find the best image and wallcovering option! 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.

Color Trends: Deep Blue Hues

***featured artwork is “Endless Muse” by K. Nari***

As a new year begins, we always look forward to the predictions of new décor and design trends. In forecasted color trends, Pantone announced their Color of the Year 2020: Classic Blue, and we are excited for this “timeless and enduring blue hue”! Blues are known to be calming and comforting, and the deep shade that Pantone has chosen for this new year reflects just that. Sherwin Williams also selected a moodier navy blue, Naval, as their color for 2020. Looks like having the blues isn’t such a bad thing after all!

Changing out your artwork is an easy way to refresh your space and try out these new colors and interior trends. Because of their versatility, rich dark blues are taking on the role of a neutral this coming year, so don’t be afraid to decorate with them in bolder ways. These striking navy hues have relaxing and tranquil qualities, and they easily pair with any materials or colors you might already have in your space. From a luxe look to a cozy interior, these trending shades of blue can transform any design style!

From The Studio of Kippi Leonard

Meet our artist, Kippi Leonard! Kippi’s vibrant aqueous surfaces are the results of pouring inks that have been custom mixed onto canvas, panel, and linen. The pouring process is her way of largely abandoning compositional control and remaining open to spontaneous occurrences with her work. Through color, luminosity and light reflection, her work provokes calm and, simultaneously, deep introspection. Inversely, her mixed media work is structural and largely black and white with expressive mark making and an occasional allusion of color. Both methods of creating reflect her veracious essence. After an extensive career in interior design, Kippi continues the exploration of materials through her experimental and abstract work in oil, encaustic, collage and watercolor.

A Pacific Northwest native, she now resides in Palm Desert, California a place that nurtures her comprehensive approach to creating art.

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

The first thing I do when I arrive at my studio each day is to turn on music, something that will influence the tone, composition, and mood of my current series of paintings.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I typically work on 2-4 paintings at a time, with several in ink and a large acrylic mixed media.

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

My current dream project has been opening my own studio/gallery/workshop space in Palm Desert where I live. There is a street revitalization program currently in construction where my studio is located which is being built to provide the community with an art scene, community events, music festivals, dining, and gathering. Its going to be amazing and I’d like to be involved in its vision and implementation.

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

I would have to go back in time. I just read the book “Ninth Street Women” by author Mary Gabriel. I could see myself painting for a day with Joan Mitchel or Grace Hartigan. Mostly, I’d like to be a part of their unapologetic gusty innovation in the post-war modern art world. Truly inspiring!

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

When my creative tank is nearing empty, a good adventure clears my mind and, being an amateur photographer, I always return with photo inspiration. Travel, hiking, visiting new out-of-the-way places of interest feeds my soul. Museum, gallery, and art shows always excite my brain and fuel me to start new pieces. Occasionally, a color I see somewhere in a crowd takes hold and a new idea begins to form.

How has your art evolved over time?

I experimented in so many mediums when I first started to learn about art and its creation. I found my voice in my ink work and in my mixed media work, and I’ve realized I cannot do everything but I can challenge myself within a few favorites. I am always trailblazing ways to use the inks. For me, it’s always being willing to risk. I love overcoming impossibility within my work.

What do you like most about your work?

I like how it evokes emotion in the viewers. I’m often being told stories of what a person sees within my work. A mother holding a child, a sunrise in the mountains, a female silhouette; that it resonates in their heart and mind; that they don’t want to look away. My story becomes part of their story when they bring my art into their home. I want to connect with people and this is the way I do that.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Modern-Neutral

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I have lots of ideas to explore. My current idea is blending contemporary elements with historical figures using my inks, collage, and acrylic in an abstract way.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

It depends on what I’m painting. I work with inks early in the morning when I’m energized, as they require complete attention with music that is upbeat and I can dance in place a bit while waiting for the inks to dry. I work on my abstract mixed media pieces in the late afternoon and evenings, usually with soft jazz music playing.

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

I do get stuck and with those pieces I either push too far or they go in my “closet of unloved art” until a fresh idea hits me. Then I begin again and they evolve into some of my most favorite pieces. Occasionally, I have my husband look at a piece and give me his “feel”. It re-inspires me to go in a new direction or validates I’m on the right track and I just needed to push through.

What is up next on your easel?

Currently a 48 x 72″ ink piece for a commission is on the table and a new collage mixed media is on the easel waiting for the first brush stroke.

Decor Trend: Urban Photography

**featured photograph by Aaron Matheson**

As fine art photography continues to grow in wall decor, images of city life are decorating walls! From cityscapes to urban abstract photography, city scenes are finding a home in interior design. Because of its rise in popularity, we wanted to highlight a few ways to include street photography in your space!

Cityscapes

Cityscapes are great for adding contemporary accents to your design. They also pair well with other pieces of art and can help complete a gallery-styled wall. Whether it is a photograph of a city that is special to you or an image that inspires you, different cityscapes can bring some new and exciting energy to your wall!

Abstract Photography

Abstract artwork is a major wall decor trend, so it is only fitting that abstract photography would be popular! We love how urban abstract photographs provide unique patterns and perspectives of everyday subjects. And for a more classic take on this trend, try hanging an abstract photograph in black & white (always a timeless color combination). Abstract imagery of urban scenes can add a modern touch to your space, no matter your design style!

Urban Details

Fine art photographs of urban details capture a one-of-a-kind perspective of daily life that might otherwise be easily missed and turn it into a work of art. Whether it’s a unique door, cool street art, or intricate architectural details, street photography is a great way to add a contemporary design element to your interiors!

Trend Inspiration From New York Fashion Week

**featuring “An Open Heart” by Liz Jardine alt v 1**

New York Fashion Week 2019 wrapped up in September and there were some runway trends for the upcoming year that caught our eye. It’s no surprise that the relationship between fashion and interiors is a close one, so these fashion trends can easily be applied to create unique spaces. We wanted to highlight a few of our favorite runway styles and how they can find a home in your wall decor!

BOLD: Prints & Patterns

Bold patterns are trending on the runways and on our walls! From polka dots to rose prints to black & white graphic prints, we are drawing from this high-fashion inspiration and predicting bold patterns to be big in wall decor this coming year. Bold printed wallpaper and wallcovering have become very popular, and it looks to be an interior trend that will continue to grow in 2020.

BRIGHT: Citrus-Inspired Colors

Citrus-inspired colors are brightening up wardrobes and interiors! Refreshing colors such as lime green, tangy tangerine, and not-so-mellow yellow made a statement on the catwalks and are sure to make a splash in decor for a bright and colorful 2020. Decorating with these trendy highlighter hues can be as easy as hanging the perfect eye-catching artwork on your walls!

CLASSIC: All White Suit

The all-white suit continues to be a chic fashion staple and this past New York Fashion Week, designers were taking it to the next level with sultry cutouts and unique silhouettes. This clean, classic, and structured runway trend took a more relaxed, stylized vibe this year and it can easily transition to interior design and decor. Whether you want an all-white space or just some neutral decor, wall art in this pared-down color palette can be the stylized, unique accent piece you need!

The fashion and design industries are continually influencing each other and we love looking to the fashion world for inspiration!

Contemporary Figurative Art

**featuring “Remembering You” by Lisa Ridgers**

Are you looking to make an impact with your wall art? One popular décor trend that can do just that is contemporary figurative art. In a variety of artistic styles, figurative artwork can add whimsical flair or a modern touch to any interior. While it doesn’t always mean artwork of people, figurative art often takes human form. With its representational approach, figurative imagery can be simple line sketches or bold abstracted figures. We love how contemporary figurative art decor can add fresh takes on classic subjects that feel familiar!

Figurative art can elevate a space and a female figure can add a feminine touch. One room that is a perfect spot for artwork of figures, and even nude art, is the bathroom. This classic art theme, whether realistic or impressionistic, can complement any design style!

Go Wild: Animal Decor

**featuring photography by Marika Moffitt**

***“Leopard” alt v 30 by Ruth Fromstein***

Adding animal prints and imagery to spaces continues to be a popular decor trend, and one that we love! This trend can fit any design style and can be as bold as you want. Neutrally-toned western-inspired imagery can complete a modern farmhouse or boho design; a bright watercolor sea creature is a sweet addition to any wall, and; wild life artwork can be paired perfectly with fierce animal prints and saturated tones. Celebrate your own pet by hanging similar artwork of them on your walls or just add imagery of your favorite animal!

Horses and Farm Animals

It’s no surprise that horse imagery is one of the most popular animal decor trends. Whether your space is sleek and modern, rustic and Southwest-inspired, or a cozy farmhouse feel, images of horses, longhorns, deer and farm animals can add the finishing touches to your design. You are sure to find animal artwork that suits your style and color palette!

Under The Sea

Artwork of ocean life can bring a coastal decor element to your room. With imagery in different styles, sea creatures can add some relaxing or playful vibes to your design. Mix them with a nautical-inspired space, a modern style, or a calm neutral space for a splash of the sea!

Wild Life

Take a walk on the wild side! Wild life imagery can add a modern, global-inspired touch to your walls. Mix it with a zebra print rug, deep jewel tones, or a mostly-neutral room for instant glam or a subtle cool flair.

Pet Friendly & Feathered Friends

The animal decor trend would not be complete without including artwork of dogs, cats, and birds. The decor of furry and feathered friends can be a sweet addition to any space. Whether you are inspired by your own pet or not, hanging some cute animal imagery can brighten your wall!

Adding Abstract Art To Your Walls

***featuring “Back Pocket I & II” by Kippi Leonard***

Finding the right art for your wall can add the perfect finishing touches to your design. But with so many art styles and imagery to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming. Abstract artwork is a popular décor trend that encompasses a wide range of imagery and styles. And although it seems like they would work best in a contemporary styled space, abstracts can add interest, color, and invigorating energy to any design. So whether you have a totally modern space, a traditionally furnished room, or somewhere in between, abstracts can find a way on your wall!

Modern Design

Abstract art can give a contemporary and eclectic space some bold and dramatic flair. A large-scale piece will create a beautiful statement in your room and draw your eyes to your wall. Abstract imagery is also a great way to add a pop of color, and it can complement different textures and patterns to complete a maximalist design style.

Traditional Design

**featuring cropped alt of “Rising Veil” by Scott Brems**

Opposites attract with modern abstract art and traditional furnishings! If you have a neutral and traditional space, a colorful abstract painting can create an eye-catching focal point or a neutral abstract can add interest to a monochromatic look. No matter the size, abstract artwork can help tie in the different colors of your room as “classic” meets “contemporary. Even just changing out the artwork on your wall can freshen up your space, and contemporary artwork can enhance your existing traditional furnishings.

Transitional Design

**featuring “Annual Journey” by Ruth Fromstein and “Attraction I &II” by Kippi Leonard**

As more spaces blend modern and timeless elements, these popular transitional styles can reflect individuality and personal touches in the design! Whether you gravitate towards minimalist and neutral spaces or maximalist and bold design, hanging abstract artwork can be the perfect way to complete your transitional space. From encaustic art to acrylic paint on canvas, and from abstract photography to mixed media pieces, you are sure to find the perfect abstract for your wall!

Decorating with Landscapes

*featuring “Sunny Desert Floor” by Liz Jardine*

Do you want to have a beautiful view in your space but don’t have a picturesque scene outside your window? Landscape artwork can be the perfect addition to the design of any space to bring the serenity of the outdoors in. From coastal to desert to forest landscapes, it is easy to add the right art piece to your wall in many different artistic styles!

Hanging landscape paintings can create a “window with a view” for your interior, no matter where you live. Beachy landscapes can add “ocean views” to complete a coastal-inspired space, and imagery of a beautiful green pasture can bring countryside living to urban spaces.

Landscape photography is also a great way to add a touch of nature to your interiors and liven up your walls. Photographs in black and white can give your space a chic, classic touch and are also great for adding landscapes to a monochromatic look. We love how landscape imagery can bring calming energy and natural inspiration to your space and transport you to a far-away destination!

From transitional landscapes to abstract or representational, you are sure to find the best piece to fit your design style!