Pop Art And How It All Began

Monroe Lines Iconic poster

Pop Art or popular art started in Britain and the United States in the mid-1950s. It was actually a movement that challenged the traditions of fine art that includes images from advertising and news. The term Pop Art was first used during the discussions among artists, known as the Independent Group. The movement embraced popular culture or what is also called the “material culture”. The artists during that period responded to the need for clever advertising and building more forms of mass communication. 

The movement

The movement was established by the British art critic, Lawrence Alloway in an article, “The Arts and Mass Media”, that was published in 1958. Some textbooks also point to the collage of Richard Hamilton, “Just What Is It Makes Today’s Home So Different and So Appealing?” in 1956 signaled the arrival of Pop Art. The collage was shown in the show, This Is Tomorrow at Whitechapel Art Gallery in 1956. This marks the official beginning of the movement. 

Pop Art completed the Modernism movement in the early 1970s. I also ended the said movement with its investment in anything contemporary. 

Characteristics of Pop Art

Here are the key characteristics of Pop Art that you will find in many arts these days:

  • Familiar images and many are drawn from popular media and products.
  • Images have very bright colors
  • Flat imagery is influenced by comic books and newspaper photographs.
  • The presence of images of celebrities or fictional characters in comic books, advertisements, and fan magazines.
  • The innovative use of media in sculptures. 

The development

Long before the establishment of the movement, there already has been an integration between fine art and popular culture. In 1855, French realist painter Gustave Courbet symbolically pandered to popular taste by including a pose taken from the print series, Imagerie d’Epinal. It featured brightly painted scenes that were invented by Jean Charles Pellerin, a French illustrator. This strategy was also employed by the Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso. 

Marcel Duchamp, the pioneer of Dada pushed Picasso’s consumerism by introducing the actual mass-produced object into the exhibition. These were the bottle rack, a snow shovel, an upside-down urinal, and these were called the Ready-Mades. 

The American Pop Art

One of the key personalities in American Pop Art was Andy Warhol. He understood shopping as well as the allure of celebrity. Along with Post-World War 2 obsessions drove the economy of the country. He has captured the authentic beauty of America and is known as one of the best-known artists associated with the movement. Some of his popular works were the images of Mick Jagger, Marilyn Monroe, and Campbell’s Soup cans. These images have been popular household images and they were reprinted on shirts, posters, and mugs. 

American Pop Art evolved to try reversing the elitist and abstract trend. This was achieved with the introduction of images as a structural device in painting. Some of the popular names in American Pop Art are Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Robert Indiana, George Brecht, Billy al Bengston, John Wesley, Jess Collins, and Richard Pettibone. 

Framing A Poster

Artdesign frames

The display of posters is one of the fun and exciting ways to express ourselves, add a personal style to our rooms, and bring to life any room in our homes. Gone are the days that we simply display the art or any photos on the walls. Sometimes we even use corkboards to pin these memorabilia. These days, the use of frames does not only protect your art, posters, or photos. They can also add beauty to the wall decor that will level up the overall appearance of your walls. 

Local framing store

The quickest and easiest way to frame a poster is to bring it to a local framing store. However, this may be a little expensive and greatly depends on the type and size of the frame. The only disadvantage is that these stores may have a limited selection of suitable frames to choose from. Some stores may also offer you frames that are of not good quality and may cause problems in the future. 

Frame it yourself

If you are worried that you may commit a mistake in framing your posters, there are different references on how to do it correctly. The internet is one of the best sources that we have these days and practically everything can be found on various websites. 

Choosing the right frame is quite a challenge at first. But come to think of it, there are simple ways to determine the most suitable frame for your needs. You need to consider two aspects of your poster. Is the poster black and white or colored? You also need to consider the dimension of the poster. If the poster is black and white, a neutral frame is highly recommended to highlight the image. If the poster is in vibrant colors, choose a frame with a color that is also featured in the poster. 

How to frame a poster

  1. To use or not to use a mat. The mat can add beauty to your posters as it provides an extra border, providing a space between the poster and the frame. Mats can also adjust the size of the poster.
  2. The right frame to use. There are different types of frames to use. The materials also vary from plastic to high-quality metal or wood. These frames can add beauty to your poster and likewise protect them especially those that are considered to be collector’s editions. 
  3. Clean the glass or plexiglass.
  4. Attach the poster to an adhesive foam board.
  5. Slide the glass back into its place in the frame.
  6. Fit the mat into the frame.
  7. Gently slide the poster or foam board into the frame behind the mat.
  8. If there is a need for a poster backing, then add it to the assembly. This protects the art against dust and dents. 
  9. Attach the hanging mechanism. 

The perfect frame for your poster

Finding the right frame for your poster and framing it is not that difficult as many people think. Many shops sell posters in the form of a kit. There are instructions included to guide you in properly adding the frame. In Artdesign, we have simple yet appealing frames that will add beauty to any poster design that you choose. Choose the right frame and beautify your walls.

Personalize Your Home With Zodiac Prints

Personalized Zodiac Libra poster in interior

We all dream of having a room that gives us good vibes. In addition to a comfortable and cozy interior, we need a room that reflects our personality. One of the best ways to achieve this is with the use of zodiac prints. Read on to know more about the different zodiac signs and how they make your room more personal and look more fantastic. 

Decorating with zodiac signs

Personalizing your rooms can be done in different ways. Stunning zodiac posters can easily make your rooms look amazing. Moreover, these posters can personalize your rooms as each sign represent who you are. What makes the zodiac prints even more interesting is that they can be given to your loved ones as presents. There are times that looking for the right gift may be difficult and confusing. Make it easier for you and choose the poster that features the zodiac sign of your loved ones. These prints can be displayed in any room and can evoke a minimalist appearance that will be adored by anyone. 

Aries

Those who were born under the Aries sign are passionate and full of energy. They are also not intimidating. They are also attracted to the shades of red however, do not overuse red in the room as it can make you restless. Red can be paired with neutral colors such as black, white, and gray. 

Taurus

Taurus individuals are known to be calm, goal-oriented, and love working with their hands. They also love earthy things such as leafy plants and succulents. They are also fond of decorating their interior with greens and blues along with storage spaces for their personal belongings. It is also recommended to add a few picture frames and photos to personalize the rooms. This is because Taurus individuals are loyal and loving friends. 

Gemini

They are popular and loved individuals such that their room can be decorated and designed to be hangouts for their family and friends. Photos of your family and friends are recommended to decorate the walls. They are also calm and cool. As such, their rooms must include shades of light blue and white.

Cancer

For people who were born under the Cancer zodiac sign, their rooms are considered to be their sanctuary. They also enjoy simple things in life and without complications. The ambiance of the room should likewise be cozy and comfortable and decorated with silver or silver-colored items. 

Leo

These people are known for their jolly and outgoing personalities. Decorate your room with a personal inspirational board along with gold accents and glitter decals. The walls must also be in plain white with bright pieces to match the personality. 

Virgo

They are known for being ambitious, determined, and successful. It is also known that people who were born under this sign need a space where they can focus without any distractions. Thus, their rooms need to be organized and clean. It is also best to use cool colors such as forest green and shades of blue for more fun and interesting room atmosphere.

Libra

Strive to achieve balance in the room with art and beauty. Their rooms are filled with personal valuable items with accents. The following colors also look best in the room: shades of blue, green, and white. 

Scorpio

People who were born under Scorpio are known to be intense and driven in life. Typography and motivational prints are usually seen on the walls to keep them moving forward. The walls of their rooms are recommended to have white with gray colors along with light pink accents. 

Sagittarius

Sagittarius is known for their go-getter attitude. They also have cheerful and friendly personalities with a strong urge to travel around the world. Their rooms must likewise have the colors dark purple bright pink, black, and dark blues. 

 

Abstract Lemon poster

Abstract Lemon poster

Lemons are believed to promote longevity, purification, love, and friendship. The fruit is also known to symbolize bitterness and disappointment. With the color yellow dominating the poster design, you can create a bright and lively ambiance to your rooms.

Abstract Cherry poster

Abstract Cherry poster

Cherries are special fruits that are treated like VIP’s when used as a topping in certain desserts. A lovely fruit that is usually used by many artists in their paintings. The colors also add beauty to any interior when displayed in poster prints.

Top Mistakes To Avoid When Renovating Your Home

Art wall 151

Common mistakes in home renovation projects

Renovating the home to update it may sound fun and exciting. This is true and another fact is that doing the project requires a lot of time and care. For instance, renovating the kitchen to add space and storage areas may sometimes reveal other things that need to be repaired. The plumbing may also need some updating due to certain leaks and damages. These types of cases may sometimes be a problem since they are not part of the original plan and budget. You end up postponing other concerns due to this. We will be sharing with you other common mistakes that homeowners commit in renovation projects. It is better to be aware of them so that they will be avoided. As such, doing home renovation projects will truly be fun and exciting. 

Purchasing substandard materials

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make in home renovation projects is the tendency to be cheap when buying materials. There is a high possibility that cheap materials may also be substandard. This will only cost you more since they break up easily and then you are going to buy again to replace the damaged ones. Many people just wasted, time, energy, and money doing this mistake.

Wrong measurements 

Being accurate is important in the construction and design industry. A half-inch excess or deficit can make a difference. This means that if the dimensions are off, then you will not be able to get the desired impact and effect. If you think and feel that you will have a hard time taking the exact measurements, do not hesitate to ask for help.

Insufficient planning

Do not avoid the prep work. Sometimes homeowners go directly in doing the project without proper planning. This will just cause errors in renovating the house. Planning is a tedious process and many people tend to get bored with it. However, this will save you time, energy, and money later on.

Ignoring the lighting

Lighting plays a very important role in creating the desired atmosphere and mood in the room. There are basically three types of lighting that must be considered when you update your home: general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.

Being too trendy 

There are many people who often make mistakes by being too hip and trendy in their home, This means that they select the latest, hottest stuff for their home interior. Remember that trendy means that it is short-term. Experts recommend the use of items that can last long.

Not incorporating green materials

One of the trends today in the construction and design industry is the incorporation of materials that are considered environmentally friendly. Going green is a smart investment as it will also increase the value of your home. With the use of green materials, you are helping the preservation of the environment and likewise will make your home be in touch with nature.

Wrong paint

People often make mistakes in picking the wrong paint in their projects. Remember that there are paints for every surface. For instance, a flat is for the ceiling and the walls, while semigloss is for trim in the bathroom or in the dining room.

Not updating the electrical system

Many experts say that people tend to forget about electricity when renovating their homes. This is probably because it is costly and often times are hidden. With the help of an electrician, walk through the house to make sure everything is up to code.

Ignoring the home style

Interior design style will create coherence and harmony in your home. Not picking a style will just create chaos. It is important to pick your desired design style to make your home more appealing and inhabitable.

Hiring the wrong contractor

Not because your best friend or relative recommended a contractor, that they will be able to do the job. Remember to do some background checking yourself to know the different projects they handled in the past. Do not hesitate to conduct interviews to really know if the contractor is up for the job.

Trendy Wall Coverings

Art wall 154

In many houses, the walls get the usual covering such as flat, eggshell, or semi-gloss interior paint. The good thing about this is that you can never go wrong with coating the walls with interior paint. However, there are other wall coverings that can be used to make your walls appealing and exciting. A great wall covering can likewise be the focal point of the house. Some of these wallcoverings are highly textured and not recommended to cover the whole house with it since it will produce visual overload. Try using highly textured wall coverings on an accent wall instead of multiple walls to have an interesting wall decoration. 

Wood Wainscot

Conventionally, this is an area of wooden paneling on the lower part of the walls of a room. This is often wood beadboard and can be commonly seen painted in white. White wainscot projects a retro appearance of a summer cottage. The reality is that you do not have to confine yourself with white. You can paint it in an array of colors. Wainscot is also readily available and inexpensive. You can get them from the local lumberyard or home improvement store. There are basically two main forms of wood wainscot: Tongue-and-groove plywood beadboard paneling that still requires cutting and priming; MDF panels that are exclusively made for wainscot, and is already primed and ready for painting.

Tile Wainscot

Commonly, a wainscot is made of wood. Tile can also be used in wainscoting and is ideal in the bathroom. Joining tile to tile creates a perfect water-sealed seam. This will also look good in other rooms aside from the bathroom, as long as they will look appropriate.

Floor-to-ceiling tile

Cover the wall with tiles from the floor way up to the ceiling to create a modern look for your interior wall. However, choose the appropriate wall to lay the tiles on as this will cause visual overload if multiple walls are tiled.

Modern wallpaper

This type of wallpaper can provide a sophisticated and glamorous appearance. The design can provide a fresh and trendy look. Commonly, simple patterns and colors can provide a bold and clean look. Geometric figures, textures, floral, and more futuristic designs can give a modern wall appearance that will be loved by many homeowners.

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Man-made stone veneer is composed of Portland cement, aggregates, and iron oxides. Just like natural stones, manufactured stone veneer also has the same weight and durability.

Faux stone veneer

This is usually made of styrofoam that looks like a real stone. The drawback is that faux stone veneer can dent easily therefore these should be installed in areas where physical contact is not that much.

Wood wall panels

Today, wood paneling is one of the popular wall covering designs available that looks great on the wall interior. These panels are usually made from rosewood, oak, ebony, teak, and other exotic woods. The size is small and they are usually mounted horizontally.

Mosaic tiles made of bamboo

If you are looking for a wall covering that is fresh and modern, then the bamboo mosaic tile is a perfect choice. The food thing about bamboo is that they are sustainable as it can be grown easily. So no need to worry about waiting for a long period of time to have a full-grown plant. Bamboo tiles are ideal indoors and try not to install them in the bathroom.

Mosaic tiles made of cork

These are tiny round tiles made of cork and are bound together on mesh mats for easy installation. These are ideal for wall sections or for backsplashes.

Removable wallpaper

Unlike conventional wallpaper, this type of wallpaper can be removed with no special tools needed. Ideal for apartment living where you can just remove them without the fuss when the time comes that you decided to leave the apartment. 

Bathroom Wall Art – Why Not!

Blue rounded arrow shape poster

The bathroom is one of the personal spaces in your home where you can do any hygienic activities. The room may also be considered as your sanctuary where you can rest and relax after a stressful day at work or school. Bathrooms have been in existence since ancient times. During those times, bathing is considered a social activity that is practiced by many wealthy families. This changed in the 16th to the 18th century when people preferred to have a more private space in their house. As such, the creation of bathroom wall art is one of the best things that you can do to personalize it and create an ambiance that is perfect for recharging oneself. 

The importance of bathroom wall art

Decorating the bathroom is as great as decorating the bedroom or living room. As one of the important rooms in the house, the bathroom deserved the treatment that will create a calming and comfortable ambiance. Wall art is usually the last to be thought of when designing and decorating a room. On the contrary, wall art should be integral when designing a room. Bathroom wall art is just as important as with the other rooms. 

Add colors to make it lively

It is common to see bathrooms in neutral colors like white. There’s nothing wrong with it except that you can even make it look more appealing with an array of colors. Pick multi-colored tiles to decorate one wall. You can also try two colors such as pink and white or purple and white. These colors add elegance and will likewise add a more comfortable ambiance. 

Purity in white

White in the bathroom makes it look pure, classic, and clean. This color also makes a minimalist appearance with elegance. Moreover, white is the safest color to use as it can blend well with any decor. White also allows natural light inside the room, especially with white ceilings and windows. 

Add stylish mirror

The addition of stylish mirror frames can add life to any neutral-colored walls. No need to buy new ones and look for old old frames that can be upcycled. 

Mix and match

Add patterns on the walls of your bathroom to give it a trendy and stylish look. However, do not overdo it as it can be an eyesore. This is also true with the addition of tiles. You can add tiles in one area and not the entire bathroom. This will create an illusion that the room is shrunken.

Modern bathroom

White walled bathrooms are not a modern concept. Add wall accents or accessories then you now have a modern-looking bathroom.

A little creativity and imagination pay a lot

There are different wall decors that are available in the market. Examples are wall decals and posters. Look for shops that offer affordable and trendy art so that you will be able to save some cash for other projects. These wall decors are also made from durable material to sustain the different conditions in the bathroom.

Summer flowers poster

Summer flowers poster

Add colors to your home with vibrant flowers. This poster will make your room look lively and dynamic. A stimulating view that will make your home look spectacular. Add a touch of summer to your interior with this art and create a focal point that will be adored by its viewers.

Art wall 136

Art wall 136

Stylish and elegant looking walls created by monochromatic posters. Who said that black is a dull and boring color. This color can easily create a classy and modern looking interior. The display of these posters is one of the easiest ways to add value to your home. Add a classic and sophisticated vibe to your room with these trendy posters from Artdesign.

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