Make the walls in your home or office reflect  the atmosphere you desire.   One of the best ways is to design a work of art that speaks uniquely to you, you and your family, or you and co-workers.  One can hire paintings from among a selection from specialist companies , hire an artist to carry out your idea or paint your own. This is advice about the second option.

There are plenty of artists among us and great website tauting their wares. So how does one select the perfect candidate? Get an idea of what you really want. Focus. Once armed with clear idea you can communicate what it is that you want.  Something 60's , geometric, conceptual or more classically copied from a tried and true, florals, light and airy, dark and chic? What do you envision exactly? What are your tastes? What can / will you live with for a long time and still love during many life stages?

One solution is to visit galleries or museums to get an idea if you don't have a fixed opinion already.

After this , you can do the standard google and search what you like-- the families of art are called 'genre'.  There are also different styles based on the century or time period or political influence. Like furniture, styles in art are named after reigns of particular people. Napoleon liked Egyptian influences for example. And the Louis-styles of  France contributed many favorites with both straght and curly lines. Think of  the overall feeling you want in the room--clean and streamlined or  a bit busy and cosy with groupings of smaller to form the big picture. If the latter, it is wise to have a theme to create harmony and unity.

You 'll find small adventures can lead to big satisfaction iand hope fully many years of enjoyment.  Good Luck!






Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• If you hire an artist to do an oil painting. Make sure you inquire about the varnishing. This is usually done months after the painting is finished because all the layers have to dry. It can take 6 months to a year depending on the type of pigment and how thick it is applied. This is not usually included in the cost of the art work and a separate fee may apply ro the artist may provide written, trusted instructions with sources for the proper materials for DIY bravehearts..
• Select an artist who paints in the style you like--loose and interpretive, brighter colors perhaps or classical and tighter likeness and a more subdued palette.
• Make sure you view the work not just in pictures but see the originals before hiring anyone
• Contact the artist and set up a consultation. There should be not charge for this, unless any actual services are performed, like a photo shoot or major travel is involved.
• A professional artist will know how to guide you through the most important things to dicuss and offer helpful tips specific to your wishes and vision. The setting, the subject, the end place it will hang (lighting), size. Then the particulars of dress/costume, background, sittings, location and give an idea of how much is done with aid of photography (some artist insist on 100% sittings).
• Increasing your knowledge and get comfortable with jargon so you can communicate clearly what you envision. Know the difference between pastel and oil or be ready to note mentally the visual difference, framing treatment, longevity, etc. differences
• When your learning curve flattens out, hire the artist that meets your desires and buy the highest quality you can afford at the time you make the decision to buy. Ask for payment plans with the artist or gallery. If you don't ask, don't get .Artists want you to have their work, most are very willing as the work takes time to produce and there may even be a wait list , so it is easy to spread payments until work is finished and approved by you.
• Check any satisfaction policies and guarantees the artist or gallery provides and any timeframes that apply. Final payment should be made at the time of delivery and when it is determined that everything promised in in order.