Moody and sophisticated, this abstract painting strikes an elegant vibe in a dining room where lingering for hours is encouraged.
Artist: Anne Wallace
Stepping into a fine art gallery can be like a kid stepping into a candy store. There are so many options, tons to see, it is a little bit intimidating, a lot a bit exciting and often times, you don’t know where to start. Options can be overwhelming, questions about value can be confusing and knowing what is right for you and your home may not be clear. But, once you find that special piece for your home, the the sugar high is real.
Before we even step into the candy store, we step back. When designing a room, art selection is an important part of the entire picture. Art has the power to inform the tone and overall feeling of the space when selected at the beginning of the process. It is also important to consider where the art will be and what will surround it - what fabrics, wallpapers or textures will compliment the piece? While this holistic guidance takes the guesswork out of knowing if a piece “will work”, selecting art is also very personal. This is where we love to work with a local gallery that offers a low pressure atmosphere with a vast selection and the expertise to make the process enjoyable.
An arresting and yet calm piece adds gravitas in a clean,
transitional home.
Artist: John Baughman
In the same home, a landscape with soothing grays and greens adds color to the largely neutral space.
With the experts at Boulevard Fine Art in Clarendon Hills, we have helped our clients find pieces for essentially any room in the home spanning a wide range of styles. Visiting an art gallery can also be helpful if you’re not sure what you love - sometimes you know it when you see it! To hear more about the selection of art, the consultation process and understanding the value of art, we chatted with the owner of Boulevard, David Manola, and are excited to share his thoughts here:
How do you choose the art carried in the gallery?
Choosing art is multifaceted. Formerly, I was an art buyer for Marshall Fields and that provided an exposure to all different types of work and opened a lot of doors for sources. And, after working at a gallery in the city that carried just one type of art, I decided we would offer a larger range. We carry art that ranges from traditional to contemporary. When we choose artwork to carry at Boulevard we consider three main things. We consider the background and professionalism of the artist - this will impact the value of the piece. We also listen to the trends that interior designers are looking for to be able to help them and their clients. Lastly, if we see a piece that is unique, unusual or too interesting to pass up, we like to include something unexpected for clients to consider.
A soothing piece with a soft color palette adorns the office of the lady of the house.
Artist: Alix Evendorff
What guidance do you offer to help people pick the right art for them?
First and foremost, the number one rule when picking art - always buy something you absolutely love. You should always buy art with your heart, emotions and what appeals to you. When a piece will go well in your space and it makes you smile, you have a win-win. Also, experiencing a piece of art in your home is very different than experiencing it in a gallery. We offer to bring a piece of art to your home to see if it fits and if it speaks to you where you would be seeing it everyday.
Even though the palette is relatively neutral, the scale and energy of this abstract piece are a perfect add to the neutral, contemporary lines of this home.
Artist: Jodi Maas
What factors determine the value of art?
The value of a piece usually starts with the background of the artist - this will dictate the starting point. If an artist has just graduated and is up and coming, he or she will usually command an entry level price. As they gain experience, recognition through national juried shows and create demand, the value of their pieces will increase.
Another huge factor in determining the value of a piece is supply and demand. The less that is available from an artist and/or the more their pieces are sought after will impact the value. And, of course the time, attention and care given to a piece influences its value. Over the long haul, if an original piece of art holds its value or goes up, than you’re ahead of the game (and most of the time it does).
This hyper-realistic piece may look like a photograph, but it is a painting as well. As a piece that connects two floors of a home, it adds an excitement for what is around the corner.
Artist: Carlos Saura
This oil painting (yes, it is a paining and not a photograph) injects so much energy into this room. Our clients fell in love with it mid-process and the contrast is striking.
Artist: Francisco Ceinfeugos Rivera
What suggestions would you offer to someone looking to start a collection?
Find somewhere you are comfortable exploring your options. No one likes being followed around with a clipboard as they are trying to experience art! A laid back, non-pressured environment where you can see options at your own pace, without anyone imposing their opinion allows you to feel in your gut if you love a piece. It can also be helpful to work with someone who can help you find a piece if you have something in mind or would like help vetting what you do and don’t love about what you’ve already seen. With a deep database and close relationships with artists, a gallery offers a ton of options, but also only scratches the surface of what is or could be available. And, at the end of the day, art is personal. Buy something you love.
This piece was selected almost at the end of the design process - upon installation its mix of saturated colors and dreamy nature felt like it was always meant to be in the home.
Artist: Josef Kote