BuzzSugar

Gift Guide: Modern Art Lover

CasaSugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:30:39 PST

If you've got a friend with a membership to the MoMA, who lists Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol in her Top Five, lives in a West Elm showroom, and despises Impressionism, get out of Manhattan. No, just kidding. If you have a friend like that, the perfect gift for him or her this holiday season is some contemporary wall art. Everyone's got space on the wall to fill up, especially those Modernists that favor minimalism. So, I've collected a few modern wall art pieces for your dearest friend. I'm sure you'll see something that makes you think, "That's so her." In my case, it's the Tim Groen Osmosis ($500) mixed media collage at left (hint hint).
For more gifts ideas, holiday home decorating tips and more, check out HolidaySugar, and to see my finds,

Movie Preview: My Kid Could Paint That

BuzzSugar — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 14:00:00 PDT

The description for this documentary caught my eye back in January when My Kid Could Paint That screened at Sundance. The film examines the school of thought that instead of being "genius," abstract art is really a sham, simple art that could easily be done by a child.

Four-year-old Marla started making paintings that were soon being compared to Picasso and other respected artists. "60 Minutes" aired a piece casting doubt on Marla's work, and her family's reputation changed instantly. Her work started selling for thousands of dollars.

Soon, however, this ability of Marla's was called into question: Is she an ordinary child just making paintings that are being misinterpreted by art critics? Or is she truly a child prodigy? And why are we so hungry for child geniuses?

The trailer for My Kid Could Paint That has hit the Web and it looks like an intriguing documentary. The movie comes out October 5 in limited release, so to watch the preview,

Beyond Red: Decorating With Ruby Hues

Elka Karl — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:25:49 PST

When it comes to deep saturated color, ruby rules the red tones. This saturated color originally was used to represent the color that best expressed the ruby gemstone. Its gorgeous red color strikes me as passionate, regal, and perfect for adding to your home decor.

Ruby is actually an easier shade to decorate with than straight red, thanks to the brown and purple tones present in varying shades of the color. Essentially, this means you have a red shade that plays well with a variety of other colors. Try mixing a ruby-red chandelier with a duck's-egg shade of painted walls, or add a ruby-red sofa to an eclectic mix of multihued wood furniture and patterned upholstered chairs.

For a modern ruby chandelier that won't strain your pocketbook, try the Boom Lucite Chandelier ($105). Inspired by papercut art, the chandelier features two planes of voluptuous laser cut into lucite curls. For an even greater impact, try hanging a cluster of three.

The color mix in Flavor Paper's Shore Leave Wallpaper ($150) has a fun edge, which matches the imagery. Designed by Emily Minnie, the pattern features old-school tattoo images including stars, pinup girls, and anchors. I'd love to see this papering a powder room in a roller derby girl's home.

Perhaps my absolute favorite find is the Hans Wegner Oculus Chair ($5,500). Available in a variety of colors, this gorgeous chair features a wool upholstery and a stainless steel base. Originally designed in 1960, Carl Hansen & Son began reproducing the Oculus chair three years ago based on the prototype still owned by Wegner's family.

Did something else catch your eye? Click the image to shop your ruby-red favorite.

Artistic Twists on Disney Princesses (and Other Heroines)

Tara Sharp — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 PST

Sometimes that little girl inside us refuses to grow up, like when it comes to our endless fascination with all things Disney-princess-related. While our adult selves may cringe at princess culture and the outdated stereotypes that come along with it, there's just something special about the Disney princesses we grew up with like Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Aurora, and Ariel. And they aren't all damsels in distress; the newer crop of the crowned ladies (including the latest, Princess Sofia the First) have attempted to be better role models for little girls. But whether these Disney princesses (or, for the purists, animated heroines) are classics or newbies, they've inspired many creative artists who've transformed them into thought-provoking modern art. See some of our favorite artistic renditions of Disney princesses now!

Get the Look: Brooke Shields's Modern-Traditional Living Room Mix

Elka Karl — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:36 PST

The lovely Brooke Shields just granted Architectural Digest an exclusive look at her Manhattan town house, and I'm in love with each room that's featured. While a portion of the article is on the site, be sure to pick up a copy of the March issue of Architectural Digest to read the entire fascinating exclusive. Shields worked with decorator David Flint Wood on her four-story Greenwich Village town house, mixing modern art and accents with beautiful antique furniture. My favorite photo is from Shields's living room, seen here.

One of the major focal points of the living room is the pair of Louis XVI-style armchairs. A great resource for antiques like this is 1stDibs.com, and I found a near match in these 19th century French Louis XVI-style chairs ($5,900).
Newly upholstered in a neutral linen, they'd become the centerpiece of any room in which they were placed.

Perhaps my favorite element of this room - although it's definitely hard to choose just one piece - is the original Keith Haring painting that was a gift to Brooke from Haring himself. While we can't all be so lucky, we can buy a similar print from Art.com. Untitled ($150), a print featuring three of Keith Haring's works, comes framed and ready to hang.

For the rest of the look - including the French Empire commode, the Lucite-base coffee table, and gilded gold frames - check out the widget below.

Vintage Gilded Gold Frame No 2 by lakesidecottage on Etsy	1STDIBS.COM - Mecox - Vintage Geometric Lucite Base Coffee Table
artnet Galleries: A bout de souffle, Paris, 1959 by Raymond Cauchetier from Polka Galerie	Large vintage detailed gold frame wood by jollytimeone on Etsy
artnet Galleries: Gabriella, 1995 by Michael Gesinger from Photography West Gallery	Lenox "Tuscany Classics" Martini Shaker Set $54 - Macy's
Decorative Bust $149 - Pottery Barn	1STDIBS.COM - Urban Archaeology - Neo-Classical White Marble Mantel
Morten Table Lamp $149 - west elm	Ethan Allen Pink roses with berries $149 - Ethan Allen
Kilimanjaro jute rug $284 - Kohl's	Red and White Decorative Pillows Geometric by PillowThrowDecor
1STDIBS.COM - Olivier Fleury Inc. - French Empire Fruitwood Commode or Chest of Drawers	1STDIBS.COM - Robuck & Co. Antiques, LTD. - A Piemontese Louis XVI Period Carved Walnut M/T Console Table

Todd Oldham to Bring Kid Made Modern to Target With New Line of Art Supplies

Rebecca M Gruber — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:04:55 PST

Art supplies and crafts collection, designed by a real-life designer, at Target prices? Sign me up! When Todd Oldham first published Kid Made Modern ($16) almost three years ago, he created a minirevolution in the world of arts and crafts. Inspired by the most influential midcentury artists - including Alexander Calder, Charles and Ray Eames, and Marimekko - he sought to teach lil ones about their creativity through 52 projects kids could do at home, everything from creating flowers out of wire (Calder) to making polka-dotted book covers using bubble wrap (Marimekko). The projects all used a combination of household items and store-bought crafting products.

This Spring the designer is expanding his drive to inspire creativity in kids through a new partnership with Target. On May 20, Target stores nationwide will introduce more than 50 Kid Made Modern art supplies and kits, all designed and tested by Oldham himself. I got a sneak peek at the line last week and can already tell you that it will be on your must-buy list! The beautifully made products - including crayons in various shapes and sizes (the pyramid one was my favorite!), board book-making kits, gorgeous wooden blocks primed for painting, and learn-to-sew kits that feature Charley Harper's gorgeous images - are all artfully packaged in recyclable boxes (many of which double as display cases) and will all be priced under $20 (talk about great birthday presents!).

Stay tuned for more details in May (including my interview with Todd as he walked me through his favorite products). Until then, take a peek at a few of the highlights from the line!

Peep the New Doo.Ri For Macy's Collection

Chi Diem Chau — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:42:43 PST

Macy's just unveiled its next designer collection with Doo.Ri, launching in stores and online on Feb. 15. Staying true to her modern aesthetic, designer Doo-Ri Chung's capsule collection for Macy's shows a range of art-inspired printed dresses, knit and leather leggings, and silk-print tops. "My clothes have always been about making women feel elegant and modern, which is why I am so excited about this capsule collection," said Chung. "It truly embodies the confidence and creativity of the modern woman." The collection ranges from $39-$159; will you be picking up a piece? Check out more from the Doo.Ri for Impulse Macy's line in the slideshow now.

Make Your Beauty Routine Faster (and More Pleasant, Too)

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:28:14 PST

Easy ways to make your morning routine better - Real Simple
How celebrities fake perfect skin - Glo
Will androgynous male model Andrej Pejic be fronting a women's fragrance? - Styleite
Five body washes that keep dry skin at bay - Stylelist
Bridal makeup you'll want to wear all the time - Refinery 29
Get your beauty inspiration from the animal kingdom - Beautylish
Five unconscionably terrible things people say to short-haired women - The Stir
A tour of modern art, told through manicures - The Frisky

PopSugar Shop Sale Event: 20x200

PopSugar Shop — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:57:51 PST

You needn't have the financial resources or the cunning skill of Thomas Crown to house quality art in your space; all you need is a good eye and a little pocket change. Thanks to PopSugar Shop and 20x200, starting your own art gallery is not only easy, it's affordable. Here's how it works: first you'll browse the wide selection of very chic, mostly modern pieces; then you'll click on the art, print, or photograph that speaks to you most, select your size, and voila, it's on its way. What's even more cool is that every work is accompanied by an artist-signed and numbered certificate, which guarantees you're part of a very elite club. That being said, once something sells out, it's gone forever. So, what are you waiting for? Get started with our $31 for $60 or $60 for $115 offer and begin your collection today. After all, 20x200 believes everyone needs art. We couldn't agree more.

10 Personalized Prints For Your Modern Nursery - All Under $80

Kate Stahl — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:51:36 PST

Your baby's room deserves some art that's as 21st century and unique as he or she is, and with the help of one of our favorite sites, Etsy, it's easy to achieve! We did some digging and found 10 personalized, modern pieces of art that are contemporary, cool, and easy on the wallet - all weigh in at less than $80 and most are less than $30. Now you have no excuse not to give your nursery a new look for the new year!

Campbell Laird - Balanca Series - #1, Limited Edition - $300.00	Fauna Balsa Wall Hanging - Eve - Sold Out
Focus Print II - Sold Out	Marimekko ® kulkue wall hanging - Sold Out
Tim Groen Abstract #1 - Sold Out	Parvez Taj - Claire Stretched Canvas - Sold Out
Tim Groen Minimalism - Sold Out	Jefdesigns - Legna Lightbox 3 - $1,500.00
Pin It Hybrid-Home Limited Edition Print Anatomical - Light Blue - $40.00	Fauna Balsa Wall Hanging - Leopard - Sold Out
Amenity Cove Cream + Cocoa Flat Print - Sold Out	Matte Stephens Upright For Speaking - Sold Out
Inhabit Wall Flats - Shangri La - Sold Out	Spontaneity Metal Wall Sculpture - Sold Out
Tim Groen Osmosis - Sold Out