Simple Pleasures

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Art at Work

There is a reason why “cube farms” in corporate America have given way to bright, open, collaborative work spaces filled with art and expression. Gray-walled cubes were restrictive, not only physically but mentally as well – cramping imaginations and creativity. Here’s why thinking changed:

1.) Art boosts productivity. Although the reasons aren’t clear, art stimulates employees to work harder and smarter. Employees worked quicker in enhanced environments, and more so if they had any personal input on the art in their surroundings.

2.) Art stimulates creativity. Oftentimes, seeing things from another person’s perspective can pull you out of a creative rut.

3.) Art reduces stress. Take a mental vacation. Pushing away from your desk and taking a break in an art filled space gives you a chance to reset.

4.) Art enhances communication. Art elicits an emotional response from the viewer and can open conversation and interpersonal connections in the workplace.

Still not convinced to add some art to your business’ walls? Well, how long has that old marketing poster been staring at you?

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Big, Bold, and Bright

A lot of people are happy with white or gray walls, but everyone needs to have something colorful to look at. Big, bold and bright artwork will liven up any space – living rooms, dining rooms and especially bedrooms can be turned into the perfect oases with the addition of a painting or two.

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Social Media and Art 3 Gallery

Art 3 Gallery can be followed on Facebook and Instagram. Search for Art 3 Gallery from your Facebook page. We try to post several times a week and would love for you to “like” our page and like our posts. And if you’re following people on Instagram, be sure to follow us too. @art3gallery where there’s always something interesting to read about.

Here’s the post from April 23:

A quote from Robert Frost, a poet with deep ties to New England and New Hampshire in particular, seems appropriate today, considering it’s Lover’s Day. He said “Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” Here’s hoping everyone can get their wish, today or one day in the future. In the meantime, here are a few New England pieces to look over.

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Aquamarine – March Birthstone

Aquamarine, the birthstone of March, has a rich color and has long been a symbol of youth, health and hope. Its mesmerizing color ranges from pale to deep blue and is reminiscent of the sea. A perfect birthstone for March, the Aquamarine creates a beautiful accent to spring and summer. Brighten your home and enrich your walls with artwork that reflects the color of March. With bright blue skies and melting snow (at least it is melting in New Hampshire) now is the time to bring a new color into your life. Get out of the winter doldrums with the addition of some aquamarine and remind yourself what the summer holds in store.

                  

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Painting with Oils (part 2)

Techniques associated with oil painting are as varied as the colors available.

• Preliminary – an artist may start with a sketch in pencil or paint
• Underpainting – the canvas is coated with a solid color that may or may not be revealed by the artwork itself
• Impasto – thickly applied paint providing a rich textural surface
• Glazing – thin films of color are applied with a soft brush to achieve richness and tonality
• Scumbling – freely brushed dry or nearly dry paint over a colored background
• Chiaroscuro – utilizing strong light and shadows
• Staining – freely applied thinned oil paint to unprimed canvas
• Stippling – building up areas of color with small marks

Putting all of this together with the variety of materials allows an artist to create a work of art that will last through the generations.

           

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Painting with Oils (part 1)

For centuries, painting with oils has been the favored method for creative visual expression. Although complex in its completion, it is one of the simplest ways to put color on canvas or paper. Applied thickly or thinly, the slow drying time encourages the development of ideas and the reflective nature of creation. Oil paint is durable, resistant to damp and offers great versatility and richness of color.

Materials

• Paints – organic (coloring agent is found in nature) or mineral (pigments derived from the soil or chemical processes)
• Brushes – bristle brushes both round and flat, preferably of sable
• Palettes – available in a variety of sizes and shapes
• Palette knives – used for scraping the palette or canvas and for mixing paint
• Painting knives – a knife with a springy neck and blade for applying paint
• Mediums – used to thicken or thin paint: turpentine or linseed oil
• Varnishes – a resin dissolved in oil or spirits to mix with paint and also to provide a coating over finished work
• Easels – small or large, whatever works best
• Grounds – canvas, linen or cotton duck cloth, stretched and sized and coated with an oil-based primer, hardboard, or paper

 

              

 

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The Beauty of Painting with Acrylics

Acrylics are considered to be the most versatile and permanent material at artists’ disposal today. Acrylis colors are composed of the same pigments used in oil colors mixed in a base of acrylic resin. They are quick drying, have a super-brilliant quality, reflecting light from within the paint film, and a rubbery flexibility which they retain as they age.

Acrylics offer many advantages:

• speed of drying permits over-painting and glazing to proceed in minutes
• no danger of cracking, peeling or yellowing with age
• canvas needs only to be stretched and primed with acrylic primer – sizing is not necessary
• thinned with water; clean-up is easy
• minimal odors and fumes; non-flammable
• insoluble and permanent when dry
• can be used on a wide variety of grounds from canvas, to burlap and cloth of all kinds, papers, wall board, plastic, and masonry

The biggest drawback in working with acrylics is matching color. Different pigments tend to darken or lighten when dry, so practice is needed to achieve consistent results. Techniques are the same as for oil painting, though a painting can be completed in a much shorter time.

                                            

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Distractions

Our lives are bombarded with information; the days can feel saturated with digital overload. It can be challenging to find quiet, a space in the day to think, meditate and be creative. Artwork expresses a response to the world, offering answers, ideas and escapes. Joni Taube, owner and art consultant at Art 3 Gallery explains that “Distractions” developed from clients’ suggestions. “Art has always been about escape, and we all need an escape sometimes. Our gallery works with business and residential clients, and often they have a goal – use art to reflect, relax and regroup. A momentary distraction is definitely not a bad thing, at home or in the workplace”. Art 3 Gallery presents the work of over 75 local and regional artists who welcome the opportunity to distract viewers with art!

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Through the Artists’ Eyes

The summer show at Art 3 Gallery will open on June 21 with an afternoon reception from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Join us to view the work of over 90 local and regional artists, focusing on the perspective of the world as seen through an artist’s eye.

All artists celebrate beauty, recognizing what is special about even the most ordinary. In a collection of shapes, colors and textures, “Through the Artist’s Eyes” is all about the artists’ interpretations of life, and the stories and meanings depicted in their art.

“I am always in awe of the artwork we have here at the Gallery, and this show explodes in a kaleidoscope of color”, says Joni Taube, owner and curator of Art 3 Gallery. “Visual language allows the viewer to explore the artist’s imagination, providing insight into life and to transform moments, memories and the mundane into a work of art.” Capturing the morning light, the reflection of water, or the noise of a street scene, the artwork is alive with energy. “Through the Artist’s Eye” features a mixture of traditional, contemporary and abstract works exploring the patterns and rhythms of everyday life.

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