Admire It, Acquire It: Art That Makes An Impact

While we love a good gallery wall and grouping, a large, powerful piece of art that can stand alone and occupy a whole wall can be so moving. As the above image from McAlpine Booth & Ferrier shows, the beauty and sophistication of a large-scale painting (or in this case two!) can immediately transform a space into an intimate setting. From animals to abstract colors to sculpture, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite commanding pieces:

(Top) A quiet but stunning giant, this painting by Michael Dines measures 112″ W x 88″ H and captures the scale and grace of the pachyderm perfectly, while the pastel hues found in both the work of Nashville-based artist Lisa Jennings‘s Blackbird Trail (left), and the room designed by McAlpine Booth Ferrier (right) draw you in with their soft morninglike serenity.

From the Eames chairs to the clean white cabinet wall, this oh-so chic and appropriately named “Modern Gallery House,” designed by Sutro Architects, lets the art speak for itself. We love it!

(Top), layers of vibrant hues and exposed lines weave together to create Christopher Baer’s striking “Palisades #045,” available from Page Bond Gallery. (Bottom, left), saturated, scribbled, and ethereal, Mallory Page’s “The Existence of Force Fields” would add a sophisticated sensibility to any space. (Bottom, right), keeping in the abstract state of mind, the mid-century oil by S. Stoutemmer, c. 1964, is available from Malachite Home.

San Francisco-based designer Kendal Wilkinson mixes classic elegance with a painting bearing bold colors and furious brushstrokes, creating her own gorgeous work of art.

Sculpture is another way to add movement, texture, and interest to a room. Ran Adler’s work, available from the Gardner Colby Gallery, is not only organic, graphic and tactile, but has a naturally delicate symmetry to it, complementing any modern bohemian’s style.

There is no question that a light neutral palette is a favorite here at TSG HQ, and incorporating heavier elements like the above Frederic Crist bronze, available from Page Bond Gallery, captures the eye and grounds a room.

From the sculptural wings to the marionette-like composition, Megan Hurdle‘s “The Horse” has a mythical quality about it, and is sure to inspire a space and those within it.

Forever searching, my art is the result of an attempt to make sense of the world around me.
—Megan Hurdle

Pop-culture and art go together like Mickey and Mini, Donald and Daisy, Goofy and Pluto…you get the point. It’s a classic combination, and when done right it can fill a room with thoughtful whimsey, as shown in the above living room from TSG Virginia Beach & Norfolk photographer Kip Dawkins‘s portfolio.

Watching New Orleans-based artist Ashley Longshore‘s career is like popping Orville Redenbacher, sitting three inches from the TV, and not blinking. What can we say, we’re completely captivated and cannot wait to see what she does next. Tune in, or you will most definitely miss out!