Art is, in many ways, undefinable and there is no one answer to the question, “What is art?” While it is undeniably the expression of the artist, art is also influenced by the age in which it was painted as well as the style and setting of the art. Most importantly, whether it is abstract art, contemporary art or folk art; the beauty, appreciation and definition of art lies in the eyes of the beholder.

Introduction to ArtGalleries
Though often overlooked in the larger discussions of art pictures, art photography, art reproductions or any other type of art work; art galleries are an important part of the art culture. An art gallery has a huge role to play in the way art is perceived and the impact of art upon the viewer.

When you enter an art gallery exhibiting an eclectic collection of art that runs the gamut from Asian art and Chinese art to floral painting and garden painting to seascape and landscape paintings,  it is almost like entering different parts of world in one day.

The term art galleries has often been used to describe an actual art gallery that is used for the purpose of displaying an art collection or hosting exhibitions so patrons can come and buy art. Though there is a distinct difference between the two, the term art galleries has also been used to describe art museums where art collections are merely exhibited for everyone to enjoy. One of the most discernable differences between an art gallery and a museum is that in an art gallery the art paintings and other framed art is constantly changing as patrons purchase art and those are replaced with fresh pieces of art for sale. While some art galleries charge artists a fee for exhibiting their artwork, other art galleries take a commission on the art that is sold.

Visual art is the most popularly type of art seen in art galleries everywhere. This encompasses paintings of all kinds including reproduction paintings, fantasy paintings, still life paintings, contemporary paintings and abstract paintings. However, galleries are not necessarily restricted to this form of art. Galleries that specialize in photo exhibitions are called photo galleries and those that display sculptures are referred to as sculpture gardens.

Art Gallery Etiquette
Most people, especially those who are not very familiar with art and its ilk, fail to maximize their visit to art galleries and art museums. They are not sure if art gallery etiquette exists, are not sure what to do or how to act and are even more confused about how to evaluate or judge the art that is exhibited. The question uppermost in any novice art-gallery visitor’s mind is likely to be “Why is everybody moving around so quietly and talking in voices that are barely above a whisper?”

Though art galleries are by no means hallowed grounds, walking around quietly and talking softly is unspoken yet unanimously accepted art gallery etiquette only because art is not only to be looked at; art should be experienced. Works of art, whether they are paintings, art prints or water-color prints can only be truly appreciated it if is experienced on an emotional level as well as the typical visual level. It can be a tad difficult to achieve this immersive experience of art in an atmosphere that is noisy and rowdy or even amidst the noise of footsteps. 
As for evaluating and judging art, beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder. No matter what form of art it is, whether figure paintings, animal paintings, portrait paintings or oil paintings; there is no law, written or unwritten that says you have to like a piece of art because it has been declared a masterpiece by some recognized authority. Different types of art appeal to different people and it is okay to not like a piece even if the rest of the world cannot stop admiring it. However, art gallery etiquette requires that in the viewing areas these opinions are better left unsaid. Loudly voicing unasked for opinions negatively impacts the opportunity for others to experience the art for themselves and colors their opinions before they are even formed.

Different Styles of Art
Artists employed several different styles in their drawings and paintings. Art connoisseurs are often able to look at a piece of art and identify the artist by the distinct style. Here’s a quick look at some of the more popular styles and the world-famous artists who immortalized them.

Cubism – A form of modern art that employs geometric shapes to convey its meaning, Cubism was made popular by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall. Early cubists used only greens, yellows, browns and grays in their paintings and brighter colors began being used only as late as 1914. The abstract and non-objective art styles are derived from Cubism.

Abstract art - If art is undefinable in many ways, abstract art is completely and totally undefinable. It is not an accurate representation of any thing tangible and does not depict any object in the natural world. Instead, abstract artists including Jackson Pollock and Sonia Delaunay depict emotions in their paintings using a combination of shapes and colors.

Pointillism – Practiced by very few artists including Paul Signac and Paul Seurat, Pointillism was an art form that involved the use of small strokes of paint or small dots to compose the picture. When viewed from a distance, the dots blend into one another forming a whole picture.

Pop Art – Inspired by comic strips, popular entertainment and advertising, Pop Art is the brash and colorful depiction of any every day item. The pop art done by artist Andy Warhol, is some of the most recognizable in the world.

Impressionism – Developed in France during the late 19th century, paintings in the Impressionism style were typically painted in bold colors and depicted outdoor scenes such as landscapes. Impressionist paintings usually did not have too many details and they looked like the artist took a quick look at the subject before commencing to paint it. Famous Impressionist painters include Claude Monet, Pierre Auguste Renoir and Camille Pissaro.

Postimpressionism – Artists Vincent Van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Paul Cezanne were some of the most famous of all postimpressionists of all time. Postimpressionism paintings mainly depicted landscapes and still-life using lots of colors and shadows.

Primitivism – Painted very simply with flat, two-dimensional subjects, Primitive Art typically looks like it has been done by a child. Famous Primitivism artists include Henri Matisse and Paul Klee.
Realism – Realism is the most realistic of all art forms and depicts things exactly as they can be seen in real life. Most Realism painters were from France including Leonardo Da Vinci, Honore Daumier and Gustave Courbet. Some of the American realist painters include Thomas Eakins and John Singleton Copley.

Surrealism – Generally based on dreams, surrealist artists including Salvador Dali and Henri Rousseau, painted familiar objects in a manner that made them look strange and mysterious. Surrealism paintings encouraged people to look at things in a completely differently manner.

Sculpture Gardens
Sculptures are a dynamic and ever-evolving art form, and every sculpture has its own story. Depending on what material the sculpture is made of, it would have started out as a humble block of stone, iron, jade, steel, glass or brass. It is the vivid mental imagery and nimble dexterity of the sculptor that turned those blocks of marble into fabulous marble sculptures; blocks of wood into intricately carved wood sculptures; metal blocks into metal sculptures and sheets of bronze into bronze sculptures.
Some of the varied forms of sculpture and their different characteristics include:

• Abstract sculpture, which focuses on form that conveys powerful feelings that originate from conscious as well as unconscious emotional, intellectual and contextual content. The marvel of abstract sculpture lies in the fact that it deals with in the most physical way with something that is not in the least bit physical- imagination and ideas.
• Figurative sculpture has a distinctive way of being able to represent the sculptor as well as the viewer and being anybody you want it to be. It could be an ancient goddess relic from the Paleolithic era or it could be a famous personality from the present era.
• Large scale or monumental modern sculpture add atmosphere to otherwise stark, cold and formal corporate or even public spaces. Placed in larger residential settings, it conveys the collectors taste and individuality.
• Smaller contemporary sculpture, bronze statues and ceramic sculpture are best suited for displaying indoors on tabletops, mantelpieces and pedestals. The innumerable material choices and the myriad shapes and characters of these smaller works are a boon to sculpture-lovers who do not have the budget or space to acquire a larger piece. Silver, jade, bone and glass are the materials most popularly used in sculpting smaller sculptures and other works of art.
• The fluidity of kinetic sculptures is achieved by applying the principals of fluid dynamics, which demands fastidious calculations, challenging experimentations and scrupulous attention to detail in fabrication and designing. A kinetic artist essentially works to transform physical material into metaphysical energy creating a work of art that is at once stationary yet fluid.
• Bas-reliefs, traditionally done in plaster, stone or wood are sculptures that are made to hang on the wall. The play of light and shadow on bas-reliefs hanging on the wall creates an enchanting effect and unlike works of art that are done on canvas and paper and need to be framed before putting up on the wall, the weight of the material gives bas-relief works a substantiality of its own.
• Garden sculptures are generally designed to dramatize the sound of experience of water. This is based on the knowledge that the sound and sight of water have irrefutable healing and mood enhancing properties. Garden statues in various characters and proportions add aesthetics and tranquility to any garden.

Popular forms of Art Prints
Original art including original paintings were often exorbitantly priced and out of reach for most art collectors. Moreover, an original painting implied that it was one-of-a-kind. This inevitably gave rise to an insatiable desire for art reproductions and prints that were in essence replicas of the original.
For an art collector art prints are a wonderful way to acquire an impressive art collection with without having to spend a big fortune. Many methods produce art prints that so closely resemble the original, that the only difference between the two is the price tag.
The various prints are distinguished by the methods by which they are made.

Lithograph prints – Developed in 1798, Lithography is a specific printing process that was used to illustrate magazines, books and posters and also to reproduce works of art. Lithograph prints were more affordable than the exorbitant originals and allowed art collectors to enjoy fine art that would have otherwise been out of their reach.

Giclee & Iris Prints – Derived from the French verb gicler, which means to squirt or to splash, giclee printing is a process of printing in which ink is squirted out through fine jets on to the paper. The entire process is controlled by a computer and with an incredible degree of accuracy. Although the aim is not really to create a replica of the original but only to produce a new image that is based on the original, it is almost impossible for  the untrained eye to tell the difference between the original paintings and the reproduction paintings.

Etching & engraving prints – Metal is the base material for etching & engraving prints. In etching, the metal plate is covered with a special material that is resistant to acid. Using an etching needle, the artist scrapes through this protective layer. When this plate is then dipped into an acid bath, the acid eats into the metal only in the parts where the etching has removed the protective layer, resulting in the desired etched print. In engraving, material is removed from a metal plate using specially designed gouging or metal cutting tools. The metal plate is then covered with ink and a paper is pressed over it. Because of the improved ink-holding capacity of these engraved lines, only the engraved lines get transferred to the paper, creating the desired result on the paper. 

Serigraph & silkscreen prints – An innovative form of printing, the process of getting serigraph & silkscreen prints involves attaching a desired stencil to a silk screen or a fine mesh cloth that is stretched over a wooden frame. When ink or paint is forced through the cloth, the paper gets printed in the areas not blocked by the stencil.
Woodcut & block prints - Taking a block of linoleum, the artist carves out those areas that are to remain white. Woodcut & Block Prints are then created by applying ink to the raised areas of the block and pressing it on the desired surface.

Mezzotint- This innovative form of printing requires a metal plate to be roughened up to create a solid black ground. The artist then smoothes or burnishes the metal in areas, creating highlights wherever desired.

 The Art of Starting an Art Collection
An art collection is generally defined as having a collection of three of more pieces of art of the same genre. Whether you live in a ranch-style home in the country-side or a penthouse with stylized contemporary furniture, there is sure to be some kind of art form that will suit your taste. Collections are typically based either on the style of the art and they are sometimes based on the medium that is used.  You could choose to start collecting acrylic, watercolor or oil paintings. Alternatively you could chose a collection on nudes, landscapes or even Asian paintings. Collections are not restricted to paintings only. You could start collecting ceramics, porcelain or even beautiful resin statues. Whatever you choose to collect, the important thing to remember is that a collection is not about spending a fortune on acquiring things just because they have a pedigree of some sort.  It is more about being able to discover objects that please your eye and speak to you. Your collections are a reflection of your personality. They add interest to your life and enhance your surroundings.

Simplifying the Art of Buying Antiques
Antiques have a charm and a value all their own. Inheriting an antique that has belonged to the family for generations is priceless in terms of emotional value, whether it has any monetary value or not. If you want to buy antiques however, money is of prime concern. Unlike unexpectedly cheap buys in flea markets, antiques in antique stores can be frightfully expensive and tend to put off people who wish to start an antique collection. Admittedly purchasing antiques is by no means easy, it requires a practiced eye and an above average knowledge on the subject. Take your time, listen, look and learn about antiques before you start buying them. Here are a few tips to help make it easier for you to purchase antiques.

• Refrain from buying any antiques for at least a year – Spend the first year visiting antique shops and talking to antique dealers. Ask questions; lots of them. Find out the what, when and where of different period pieces. As your eyes get more experienced you will be able to instantly spot the difference between antique and valuable versus just old junk. You will notice that you see the same thing differently after one year and will be able to make more informed choices.
• Make it a point to visit the best antique dealers – Don’t let huge antique stores intimidate you. Even if you cannot afford anything yet, every good antique dealer knows that anyone interested enough to spend time and ask questions is a potential buyer. Moreover, good antique stores will expose you to high-quality antiques at the onset. Better to buy one genuine and valuable antique rather than plenty of mediocre ones from smaller antique shops.
• Learn to assess authenticity – Authenticity is what makes an antique expensive. While every antique dealer may claim that every piece in the store is genuine, learn to evaluate the authenticity for your self. This is a process that takes time, patience and endless visits to antique shops. You cannot learn to assess an antique from any textbook and it definitely cannot be done in a couple of hours.
• Visit museums and antique galleries – Museums generally have the most varied collection of antiques. While you may not be able to purchase antique at the museum, it is an ideal place to enhance your knowledge regarding antiques. Whatever they may have on display; whether it is antique paintings or antique pottery, Chinese antiques or Asian antiques, take time to learn about the different styles from different eras and cultures and learn to distinguish one from the other.
• Read about Antiques – Get hold of any literature on antiques and read all you can about it. Read magazines and books; auction catalogs and museum catalogs. Browse the internet and read all you can about every topic associated with recognizing and evaluating different antiques.
• Learn to care for your Antique purchases – Whether you’re into antique buying as an investment or purely for personal pleasure, it is vital that they should be looked after carefully so they can be preserved for even longer. Antiques that are neglected can get damaged beyond repair.
• Join an Antique Collectors Association – Your antique dealer is sure to be familiar with other antique collectors in your area. You’ll be amazed at the different kinds of antiques people are interested in. If you  like collecting antique glass salt shakers you may be interested in knowing about somebody else in your area who shares the same interests as you. The Salt Shaker Collector’s Society, Inc. is a society that focuses on sharing collecting experiences and promoting the collection and education of antique glass salt shakers.

How to Judge Quality When Purchasing Antique Furniture

Antique furniture brings a certain old-world charm into any room. While it is okay to purchase antiques, whether it is antique furniture, antique art or antique china just for the pure pleasure of it, it is always advisable to check the authenticity and the quality of any antique collectibles that cost huge amounts of money.
Unique antique chairs, armoires, benches and cupboards made by artists of long, long ago can prove to be real conversation pieces. Antique Chinese furniture especially designed for Chinese Emperors of yore are rich in history and are almost always associated with some fascinating royal secret. 

Here are a few tips to help you judge the quality of antique furniture:

• Whether you are looking for antique bookcases, vanities, armoires, beds or cupboards, move all furniture away from the walls and take a good look at it from all sides including the underside. Take it outdoors and check it by bright daylight if you can. If not, make sure you check it under a bright indoor light.
• Test the piece for sturdiness. Sit on a chair, pushing your weight forward and backward and see if it creaks, sags or wobbles. Hold one end of the table, desk or dresser and see if it is steady as well as sturdy.
• Authentic antique furniture will in all likelihood have signs of wear in places that are frequently touched. If the dining sets or chaises you are checking out look brand new; they probably are. Though antique furniture has to undergo some amount of restoration, the antique look is typically never tampered with as that is what lends authenticity to the piece.
• Very often it is the hardware, including knobs and handles that are changed in antique furniture. Though it’s nothing to worry about, you need to make sure that all the knobs and handles are replaced to retain the aesthetics of the furniture.
• Check the cabinets, benches, sofas, chairs and stools closely for color variations or patch ups that could indicate repair jobs. If it is repaired, as almost all antique furniture is, make sure a good job has been done. You don’t want the piece to fall apart as soon as you get home.
• Ask the antique dealer as many questions as you think of. Most important of all, ask him if the piece is guaranteed and whether it will be accompanied by a receipt. Only go ahead and buy the piece if he answers yes to both questions.
• If the furniture you are planning on purchasing is very expensive, it is advisable to get a second opinion from someone who is more experienced. This is especially important if you are new to antique-furniture buying.
• A final word of advice- if you are planning on buying antique furniture as an investment; don’t. Few years down the line you may be able to sell it for the same price you paid for it, but it is highly likely that you will get the windfall you expected. Buy your antique stands, armoires and any other furniture for the sheer pleasure it brings you. After all antique furniture has a certain quality that is priceless.