Create Any Mood You Want With Art
When was the last time you looked at your home or office with an objective eye? Is it boring and bland? Does it lack personality and energy? Could it be more welcoming, inspiring, and relaxing? Art is one of the best ways to bring life and personality to your environment. Simply stated, art transforms rooms. For example, the right work of art can make a small space feel larger and a large space feel warmer and cozier. It can also bring a peaceful and healing energy to a medical center, hospital or recovery centers.
Art can also provide excellent conversation starters. As your guests view the art in your room you can share your knowledge about the artist’s intention and inspiration, where the artist lives, and their career credentials.
See how art transforms rooms by viewing the examples of art created by several of our members and artists from our art review series installed in different spaces. The artists’ names will take you to their pages where you can see more of their artwork. Visit their websites and contact them to purchase their work.
Artists included in this presentation
Michael Amrose, Elliot Appel, Gail Bach, Sandra Belitza-Vazquez, Kari Bienert, Barbara Brown, Mary Chaplin, Karen Clarkson, Dick and Rosanne, Sheila Grabarsky, Nancy Staub Laughlin, Debora Levy, Mary Manning, Tommy B. McDonell, Poul S. Nielsen, Susanna Patras, Denisa Prochazka, Anne Morrison Rabe, Barbara Rachko, Nancy Reyner, Karen H. Salup, Tricia Seymour-Barrier, Peter N. Van Giesen, Yvonne Welman and Sandra Duran Wilson.
Enjoy the views! Consider bringing their art into your life!
Mary Chaplin
See how this gorgeous exuberant and colorful triptych “Jessica’s Garden” by Mary Chaplin can transform any space into eternal summer. Her nature-inspired paintings are nestled between reality and dreams, and combine elements of impressionism and abstraction. They resonate with the animated gestural strokes of Claude Monet and Joan Mitchell and reflect the lyricism of Alfred Manessier.
It is no surprise that her art can be found in many private collections worldwide. If you cannot afford a Monet your purchase of an original painting by Mary Chaplin may bring you everlasting joy. You’ll be bestowed with an eternal summer through the artist’s own poetic, dynamic and bold style.
Denisa Prochazka
Denisa’s original sculpture “Divine Play – Angel”, shown above, is installed at The Yoga Garden Retreat, in La Pêche, Quebec, Canada. She tells us, “My goal is to bring my art forward to public spaces so that passersby can find peace, beauty and healing connection for a moment in time in their life’s journey.”
A superb artist with the utmost attention to detail, her outstanding works of art inspire the highest aspirations in humanity. That is why you will find her sculptures in many private collections in Canada and the U.S.
Denisa was also commissioned to create Awards of Excellence for the Nelson Mandela Legacy and Ottawa University, BHM; Women Excellence Awards; and Women Who Work Excellence Awards; among others.
Nancy Staub Laughlin
Nancy Staub Laughlin’s mixed media pastel painting with photographs titled “In the Midst of the Mist”, 29″ x 38″, adds a powerful presence and depth to this neutral decor. Her assemblages captivate the viewer with a glowing, dazzling world of color, light, dimension and beauty. The effects allow the viewer to pause and restore.
The artist states, “These compelling compositions are the culmination of carefully executed steps that define my unique process.” Her art is in many private and public collections including the permanent collection of the New Jersey State Museum along with being included in its permanent collection.
Poul S. Nielsen
As a renowned Color Field pastel painter Poul focuses on color and form. Using a minimal and optical non-representational painting approach he manages his space as an energizing vibrational force. His creative process results in gorgeous, meditative images with powerful healing impacts. As you can see in his ethereal “Atmospheric Probabilities (Rojo), pastel on paper, 30” x 22” shown above, his painting brings a feeling of infinite space and tranquility. These soothing and uplifting qualities are vital to any home or office space.
Poul states, “My current work titled ‘Atmospheric Probabilities’ is an expressive response to and celebration of the extraordinary light and colour that I experience on a daily basis in my unique prairie environment.”
Barbara Brown
Barbara Brown combines her deep connection to the natural world with her mission to bring the beauty and wonder of the forest to others. For over 25 years, Barbara has had a daily practice of walking in the forest where she lives, and her intimate knowledge of this forest is evident in her work. She captures the essence of the woodland as her love for it shines through.
Shown here is “Marilyn’s Forest”, oil on canvas, 20″ x 16″. This painting was selected for the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory 2024” Invitational Online Exhibition. It brings an enchanting, healing, nature-inspired energy to any room or office space. Imagine sitting across from this painting and allowing the magical green forest to envelop you and restore you time and time again.
Elliot Appel
Elliot Appel explains, “My artwork adds elements of city life to any environment. The colors, street performers and architectural styles that I portray make any room come alive with the heartbeat of the city.”
His vibrant paintings enhance the geometric pattern of the chair and the shades of purple bring a warm glow. Careful thought was exercised in bringing these elements together for consistency, harmony and balance. Appel also shows us that not all paintings need to be hung on walls. Prop a painting on an easel which can be found in an antique shop, garage sale, or art supply store.
Kari Bienert
Flow, pure oil on canvas, 38″ x 58″
Kari excels in arranging colors with geometric and curvilinear forms. She brings an extensive mastery of color theory, innate sense of rhythm, and compositional elements to each painting. As an abstract painter she is an optical illusionist whose art defies spacial limitations. Her art is visual poetry bursting forth with relentless energetic expression. With her art she invites us to view the world as a magical, fluid and invigorating panorama. Through her paintings we experience our universe with a new expansive and compelling perspective.
Kari shares these words of inspiration: “As we move into a New Future, I am optimistic that this catastrophic time in history, post -pandemic, has brought new life and new awareness beyond our imagination.”
Nancy Reyner
Nancy Reyner’s artwork has won many awards and is included in numerous collections. She is also an author of books related to creating art with perfection. Suffice to say, she is an art expert and knows that her works of art bring a sophisticated elegance, drama and warmth to any space.
Here’s what she has to say about this amazing work of art shown in the picture above: “The painting ‘Splash and Pop’, created on a background of gold leaf, adds an exciting element to this neutral toned interior. Gold offers a warming and welcoming component — a great addition for a living room — and the abstract imagery makes a bold statement while staying compatible with the contemporary look of the room.”
Sandra Belitza-Vazquez
Scanner photograph by Sandra Belitza-Vazquez on bedroom wall. Photo of room: Photo-Dylan Vo on-Unsplash
Sandra’s scanner photographs were her answer to “Rather than waiting for the perfect light, or the decisive moment of action, or searching for a particular composition that adequately expresses my reaction to a scene, I create the scene.” Her exquisite nature-inspired images are inspired during her walks in her backyard. She delights us by bringing the outdoors into the collections of homes and offices. She has brought a contemporary approach to Dutch Master techniques through modern technology.
Sandra’s art has been selected by the National Wildlife Federation greeting cards and one of her photographs won First Place in Animal Portraits from Photo District News.
Peter N. Van Giesen
Peter N. Van Giesen creates breathtaking nature-inspired paintings known as “Capturing Nature’s Eternal Aura”. They convey a majestic grandeur that encompasses sky, sea and land with exuberant contrast and harmony. His versatile paintings depict seascapes, mountains, pathways and forest scenes, inspired by the natural beauty of British Columbia where he resides.
Shown above is his painting “Glorious Twilight”. Peter explains, “My style hovers between representation, impressionism with a dash of abstract.” He adds, “Creating art, for me, is a mystical process, a spiritual work, and an exercise of creativity. I am drawn to the mystery that is implicit in the natural world.”
Michael Amrose
Michael Amrose creates luminous and ethereal abstract photographs that generate feelings of unlimited, open space. He has a superb ability to use color and transparency to transform his subjects. His breathtaking images, placed in any home or office space, immediately transport viewers to places of calm and serenity and evoke a mood of contemplation. Simultaneously, his art enlivens the space and radiates a positive energy to any environment.
Shown above is “Abstract 6.1 Untitled #70″, digital photography, 25″ x 25″. Michael states, “I strive to expand the boundaries of the photographic medium beyond traditional approaches and the medium’s ability to reproduce reality. I consider the semiotic, psychological, and cultural impact on the viewer of specific colors, shapes, lines, and form used when designing my subject.”
Barbara Rachko
This group of highly unique pastel-on-sandpaper paintings by Barbara Rachko makes a powerful and dramatic statement. These four colorful paintings are from her “Bolivianos” series, which have been described as Rachko’s most striking work to date. If one wants to bring an exotic, thought-provoking and mesmerizing ambiance to their interior space, this supplies that and more.
About this series the artist explains, “While traveling in Bolivia last spring, I visited a mask exhibition at the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore in La Paz. The masks were presented against black walls, were spot-lit, and looked eerily like 3D versions of my ‘Black Paintings’ series. I immediately knew I had stumbled upon a gift.”
Sandra Duran Wilson
Sandra’s art emanates a vibrancy, sophistication and endless fascination. Here, her inspirational and richly tactile painting titled “Sun Sails”, acrylic on panel, 48″ x 36″, is displayed in an office space. Sandra tells us this painting is an imagined landscape of ancient barges sailing on the Nile.
About her artistic vision Sandra states, “I paint my vision of galactic spaces, other worlds, serene abstract landscapes and abstract adventures.” She continues, “My art is driven by curiosity and the possibilities of what materials can do, especially when combined in unusual ways. I incorporate printmaking, collage, acrylic painting, and even three-dimensional elements into my work. I explore concepts like time travel and physics along with dreams and symbols. A kind of crazy mixed-up world of science and fantasy.”
Karen H. Salup
Karen H. Salup’s ebullient abstract expressionist paintings embody the inherent qualities from the world of nature, music and other inspirational energetic sources.
Her masterfully created works of art delight us with their spontaneous applications of gestural brushstrokes, lively colors, and expert design. These attributes have attracted numerous collectors with both traditional and modern décor.
With each viewing of Karen’s paintings, new interpretations come alive, from the many layered effects, especially when the lighting conditions change in the room.
Shown above is Karen’s “Rainbow Summer Skies”, acrylic, 40” x 40”. This enlivened, uplifting painting was selected for “The Healing Power of Art Inspired by Nature” Invitational Exhibition presented on The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS, an initiative of Manhattan Arts International.
Karen Clarkson
Shown here is Karen Clarkson’s magnificent large painting “The Crow’s Nest”, oil on canvas, 24″ x 96″. It exemplifies how her art brings an illuminating, powerful presence to any space.
Karen’s choice to work primarily in oils allows for a richness of color, texture, and depth, which she harnesses to explore the interplay of light, movement, and form. The vibrancy of her palettes and the energetic brushwork convey a sense of immediacy and passion, capturing not just what she sees but how she feels.Through Karen’s paintings, the world is distilled into elemental shapes and vivid hues, offering a space where abstraction meets experience.
Karen’s artworks are in collections worldwide and have been exhibited in many galleries and venues, mostly along the East Coast of the U.S.
Debora Levy
Debora explores abstraction, emotion, and the human experience through layered compositions, color, and intuitive mark-making. Her paintings from her “Faces” collection bring a powerful presence to any space. Notice how her painting above, shown above a fireplace exudes drama and positive energy.
Debora’s work has resonated with both collectors and jurors, earning her multiple awards and recognitions. Her intention is that viewers receive a renewed sense of connection and optimism. She states, “At its core, ‘Faces’ is a celebration of the human spirit. Each piece is meant to inspire, to spark empathy, and to remind us of the power we hold within—no matter the situation.”
Sheila Grabarsky
Shown here is Sheila’s painting “White Tree”, acrylic on canvas, 24” x 36”. She creates gorgeous abstract paintings that are often inspired by the natural world. As I wrote in the Art Review, “As you traverse Sheila’s expressive paintings, prepare yourself for an escape from the mundane, predictable perimeters of reality and transcend to a fascinating world of discovery and joie de vivre.”
This painting exudes the exuberance of nature. The awe-inspiring and imaginative interpretation of the white tree is both energizing and restorative. All of Sheila’s paintings transform the space they occupy and bring healing energy for many years to come. Her art is in many private collections, has been featured on music CD covers, and was selected as the background for a collaborative J&J/Rutgers video.
Yvonne Welman
This image was created in seconds using a photo of a room on the Oh My Prints website using the Art Heros WallApp Tool.
Yvonne Welman creates mixed media paintings that combine references from historical and contemporary events. Her art is always engaging and thought-provoking. Her distinctive qualities make her art suitable for all decors and spaces.
Above, you’ll see how we displayed her museum-quality painting “Three Graces, (Judith Leyster, Yvonne Welman, and Lita Cabellut)”, in a casual room for an interesting juxtaposition.
Yvonne states, “I want the viewer to bring their own thoughts and emotions to my work. I want to let the viewer pose the ‘why’ question.” She adds, “I want people to understand we need a world with high moral standards and to show compassion! Learn from history.”
Tommy B. McDonell
Tommy creates exquisite art in different mediums. With unbridled creative passion Tommy exudes, “As a mixed media artist based in North Carolina, my work is a vibrant exploration of personal experience and emotion, utilizing a diverse array of materials including collage, acrylics, pastels, encaustic wax, sand, and crushed glass.”
Her artwork is in many collections. Her painting shown here titled “Heart Cove”, alcohol inks, 7″ x 5″ brings an ethereal and relaxing mood to the bedroom. About her art Tommy states “Each piece is a unique narrative, often inspired by the beauty of nature—florals and oceanic themes frequently emerge in my work, reflecting the serenity and complexity of the world around us.”
Dick and Rosanne
Dick and Rosanne create beautiful photographs, primarily inspired by their garden. Their unique mandala-like images celebrate nature and combine powerful healing elements of sacred geometry. Shown above is one of their magnificent, bold photographs displayed in a business environment.
Dick and Rosanne’s photographic images are available for purchase on metal as well as fine art canvas. Due to the symmetry, many of their pieces can be hung vertically or horizontally, offering more options for the art buyer.
Their photographs can be found in numerous private collections as well as businesses and healthcare facilities. Their collectors in Ann Arbor, MI include Acupuncture & Chinese Medical Center, Ann Arbor School of Yoga, and Dr. Hughes’s Holistic Wellness Center, among many others.
Dr. Tricia Seymour-Barrier
Dr. Tricia Seymour-Barrier creates paintings that invite us to transcend to other worldly realms beyond our normal comprehension of reality. Contrasts and harmonies abound, much like a symphony that arouses and engages all of our senses and induces a rhythmic state of sublime meditation.
Shown above is Tricia’s inspirational painting “Radiance Between Worlds” mixed media with texture on canvas, 30″ x 24″ x 1.5″. About it she states, “It pulses with vibrant indigo, turquoise, and flashes of yellow. Textured layers and delicate lattice patterns suggest portals to hidden realms, blending joy and mystery. This luminous abstract invites viewers to explore the beauty that exists between the seen and unseen.”
Anne Morrison Rabe
Photo: A virtual image from the Art Rooms App
Anne Morrison Rabe creates beautifully composed and illuminating photographs of the natural world. She calls our attention to the many exquisite details we often overlook. Notice how this richly tactile photograph of trees is imbued with painterly abstract elements and a relaxing rhythm. Titled “Dreams of Old Birches” the gorgeous textures of the tree trunk and path repeat throughout the image. The photograph adds dimension and complements the neutral, yet textured wall surface and curved lines in the chair, inviting us to sit and wander through the tranquil image.
Using an iPhone and multiple applications Anne brings an immediacy and skillful creative vision to her widely collected works of art. Her art can be purchased on a variety of substrates including aluminum, acrylic, canvas, wood, as well as paper.
Susanna Patras
Susanna Patras’s goal is “to transport the viewer to a place of quiet contemplation”. She created “Floral Abstract I, digital photograph, 27″ x 17″, shown here. The photograph emanates a warm and relaxing glow while it imbues the space with a healing power of renewal.
Susanna explores the interplay between light and shadows and she informs us that her art “is inspired by the energy of the four elements, earth, water, wind and fire.” What a wonderful contribution her art makes to any environment.
She is an award-winning photographer and her photographs have been published in Landscape Photography Magazine, Dodho Magazine, Light, A Journal of Photography and Poetry, Daily Mail Newspaper, Art Ascent – Art & Literature Journal, and others.
Gail Bach
Photograph of a room with blue chair by Vivender Singh from Unsplash.
Gail Bach paints colorful contemporary watercolor paintings that celebrate the exuberance of tropical flora and fauna. Her painting “Calming My Mind With Purple Windows” brings the vibrant colors of the Caribbean into this room and provides a restful seating area where one might relax with a book or watch a video.
Gail creates her paintings using watercolors with metallics on Arches paper and also birch panels. They reflect her extraordinary proficiency in color, design and composition. She states, ” I am inspired and renewed by the beauty and serenity of the Caribbean and the intoxicating aquamarine color that changes into multi-blue hues with dazzling sparkle.”
Mary Manning
Mary Manning captures a range of awe-inspiring and emotive aspects of the natural environment. This painting “Entering the Maze” is one example and makes an immediate impact. The title suggests an exciting adventure and this painting delivers it.
The inspiration for this painting originated during Mary’s archeological field trip. In this painting Mary shares her experience of viewing a slot canyon on a hike along a stream of water. Proficient in many mediums, for this painting she used collage, acrylics, metallic paints and resin pours.
This powerful painting offers a dynamic tactile focal point for this room with many contrasts to explore. Her choice of composition is stunning. We may interpret this painting as a stunning colorful abstraction in addition to realizing it conveys a magnificent observation of nature. Either way, it affords the viewer an unlimited number of hours of viewing pleasure and is a visual journey that keeps giving.
Reminder: Don’t be afraid to go bold when choosing art to place above the fireplace. A large, colorful statement work of art is very suitable for a subdued fireplace, since it has no colors with which to compete or coordinate. And, you can always consider adding a picture light above it to highlight the painting.
All these different interiors with beautiful paintings are awesome. Thanx much for posting!!!!!!
Thank you very much Poul! I totally agree. I love how your painting brings a vibrant and meditative energy to the space.