Workings of Gerhard Richter

Celebrated artist Gerhard Richter offers unique pieces for sale, his Atlas collection. These boards include the newspaper clippings, photos and sketches which are the source material for much of his work. Here's one Atlas board and one of his photographs inspired by it.

The interesting thing about this artist to me, is his diversity. "His early work is of blurred figurative paintings, both with and without colour followed by seductive abstract paintings, with a colour palette that is either brilliant or subdued. His surprisingly diverse range of work has received prolonged discussion from critics, especially due to Richter's disregard for 'traditional' stylistic progression and his use of photographs." See more examples of his work below.

Watercolors

Oil over photographs

Graphite drawing on paper, scene of a geyserOil on canvas

Photographs

Create an Echo

These two photos reminded me how cool it can look when an object featured in the art on your wall is repeated with an object in front of it.

Photos from Newlywed Diaries and Francois Halard.

Graham and Brown, Frame Paper

Artists Taylor and Wood, designed Frames -- a completely interactive wallpaper. You decide what you want it to be: whether you want to put up your child's art, paint directly into a frame, or put up family photos. Make your room unique! Approx 50% of this wallpaper is sourced from recycled material or from FSC-certified (Forestry Stewardship Council) managed forests. Available at Design Public.

Maps

Maps look great anywhere and always. It's hard to find things that look good forever and a framed map or a room full of them are forever striking and interesting. These ideas come courtesy of Nibs Blog.

DIscover the Book Cover Archive

Ben Pieratt of General Projects and Eric Jacobsen of Whisky Van Gogh Go edit and maintain the website, Book Cover Archive. It is a collection of well designed book covers. They breakdown the designers and art directors that contributed to the creation and share the insights of clever design. All covers selected for the collection would peek my interest among the crowded shelves of a book store. Buy the books, cut and frame the cover design, and bam, good art. Oh yeah and read the books too!

The Art of Risk, Invisible Exports

Selling art is hard during an economic downturn. Some groups are getting quite creative. Invisible Exports offers an Artist of the Month Club which is a nontraditional endeavor. The young, Lower East Side gallery offers a program in which members of the club get a dozen original, exclusive pieces for $2,400 a year. You can sign up for a year’s subscription, and every month you get a new work. The catch? Collectors won’t lay eyes on the purchased pieces until they arrive in their homes. “The club involves a wonderful element of chance," says Risa Needleman, the gallery’s co-owner. "When you sign up, you know all the curators but none of the artists. You make a leap of faith, and a 12-piece collection is curated for you and dropped at your front door.” Essentially, subscribers have professionals begin their collection for them, with each piece costing only $200 (shipping and handling is included in the price of membership).

Here are a few pieces from Mickey Smith, a recent exhibitor at the Invisible Export's gallery. His photos of books are archival prints on Hahnemuhle Matte Photo Rag or canvas.

Inspiration from Jeremy Wilson

I was just in Chicago where they had 14 inches of snow drop in 30 hours. It was gorgeous. These photos of Jeremy Wilson's set the mood for all those snow bound.

Red & Green

This red and geen kitchen looks good all year round, despite the festive color combination. Image courtesy of Frolic.

Peacock Blue

These days I can't get enough of peacock blue. Here are some HallReady display ideas in that color.

Francesco Lagnese

Sean Scherer

Steven Gambrel

Miles Redd

Miles Redd

Julian Wass

Julian Wass

James Merrell

Steven Gambrel

Plate Racks

Items that might seem old fashioned to some, will inspire a comeback for others. Example, plate racks. Most of my friends don't eat on fine china or even buy it, but there is no doubt it is quite beautiful, so why not take your inherited collection and show it off? Images courtesy of Splendid Willow.

It's the Holidays!

Check out this little Holiday Bar set up from Ballard Style Studio. I want to pour myself something!

Finds at Mecox Gardens

Mecox Gardens is an emporium of delightful objects for your home. They now have 8 stores nationwide and its latest just opened in Houston. Their online shop has lots of good stuff. Here are just a few selections that could be HallReady.

Good Hippie sign $495

Arnaldi Herbarium Print #1 $825

Phases of the Moon Print $895

Asteroids and Jupiter Print $895

Hound Prints $395

Wooden Birdcage $495

Antique Water Color Heraldry Prints $250

Wooden spoon collection $975

Countryside Drawings $1050