Bob Pejman art tapestries

Bob Pejman art tapestries form a popular part of the selection at The Tapestry House. We have over 20 designs available, most in several sizes, such as this Vineyard Tapestry:Bob Pejman - Vineyard TapestryHe describes his art as “Romantic Realism” though I consider his realism to be more significant than the romantic. We are drawn to his art by our desires to experience those warm beautiful settings of Lake Como, Venice, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. Their slightly exaggerated emphases are reminiscent of theatrical set designs, compounded by his insertion of urns, pillars and statues. We know that we are not seeing the scene quite as it appears, but do we care? To enjoy such scenes at home on a wintry day warm us inside.

To balance this, here is a video which explores the romantic aspect of Bob Pejman’s art, enhanced by Gounod’s Ave Maria.

What is your favourite: do browse through the choice of Bob Pejman tapestries? Mine is this street in Bellagio Village descending to Lake Como which my wife and I have in our staircase at home.

Bellagio Village tapestry - Bob Pejman DesignsWhether your preference leans towards the romantic or the realism we’re confident Bob Pejman’s tapestries will bring you years of pleasure; ever-popular scenes to warm our hearts and homes.. We have most in stock for immediate shipping.

Share

Impressionists versus Pre-Raphaelites

The Impressionists and the Pre-Raphaelites sprang up at much the same time but how different they were! One looked to the future, the other to the past; one sought representation, the other sought accuracy. In both France and Britain a band of young artists rejected the status quo of the established art world and were in turn rejected by it. Yet the artistic response of the two movements was so very different.

In France the Academie des Beaux-Arts endeavoured to control the style and content of contemporary art, seeking realism in portraits and historical themes. Alternative approaches to art were stifled. The group of young artists later known as Impressionists met together from the mid-1860′s not only to discuss the development of art but how to transform the artistic world of their day and actually make a living from it. Most of them often painted landscapes en plein air and produced paintings with less realism but reflecting the true colour of a scene, its sunlight and shadows. They included Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cezanne and Edgar Degas. Although they diverged in individual styles we easily recognise these paintings for their settings, colours and brushstroke techniques. Their works are generally restricted to paintings though Degas’s sculptures are highly respected. The best collection of Impressionist works is at one of my favourite two art museums, Musee d’Orsay in Paris (my other favourite is the Uffizi Gallery in Florence).

Monet's Waterlilies at Giverny, impressionism tapestry

Available from www.thetapestryhouse.com

In England, a similar reaction by young artists was taking place but echoing romantic idealism from medieval times. In 1848 the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was founded by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais, later joined or allied with the likes of John William Waterhouse, Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris. As in France, they had no respect for the established art society, in this case the Royal Academy.

Pre-Raphaelite art sought to copy nature accurately rather than in the slightly later Impressionist manner. In 1860 architect Alexander Beresford-Hope described this as “a most strong and determined realism – a determination to paint nature absolutely” and he added a further aspect of the Pre-Raphaelites: “a sort of mysticism, half-hieratic, half-theological and withal chivalrous”. It is easy to see personalities and principles which led to the broader Arts and Crafts Movement, both earthed in the philosophies of John Ruskin.

We are now the beneficiaries of both these movements in their very different ways. We can see how Impressionism was a more natural artistic development in the historical context of the last 160 years. The romantic idealism of Pre-Raphaelite art can be seen in Art Nouveau so it was not isolated even if its flowering was brief. We have a good number of Impressionist tapestries available to us today but few Pre-Raphaelite tapestries; let’s hope for more soon. We will place these art wall tapestries on The Tapestry House website as they are woven.

Share

Art Tapestries – Contemporary Works

Since ancient times wall tapestries have been used to adorn homes and important buildings. Many historians believe tapestries even covered the walls of the famous Parthenon in Greece. Tapestries have been a favored by the Church, Kings and Queens, noblemen and women throughout the ages gracing the walls of cathedrals, castles and the fine homes of the aristocracy with their elegance.

Once reserved for the rich and noble, today we have the opportunity to buy these wonderful, highly decorative accessories for our own homes. Modern techniques have made fine art tapestries affordable. They add a unique ambience to a room, creating a mood which is not so easily achieved with paint and canvas. In times past, tapestry wall hangings provided insulation and would be transported from one castle to another, even taken into battle. Being practical, as well as beautiful, has ensured these wonderful artistic creations have stood the test of time. Textile art has moved beyond functionality over the centuries, and today fine art tapestries provide a stunning focal point to a room.

Tapestry has become an inspiration for many designers and artists, developing as a recognized art form in its own right. Since the beginning of the twenty first century there has been a marked, renewed, interest in art tapestries. New computer techniques have made recreating the artists original work faster and more accurate. It’s accuracy and flexibility making the production of art tapestries appealing to many contemporary artists. So leading contemporary artists have given permission for their work to be reproduced as wall tapestries. Contemporary works as art tapestries offer homeowners a wonderful combination of the past and present.

Van Gogh SunflowersHowever, for many people, the historical aspect of art tapestries adds to their appeal. Lovers of art history will opt for tapestry reproductions of some of the most famous artworks ever created, Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’, ‘Mona Lisa’, or Van Gogh’s famous ‘Sunflowers’ (see above) being good examples. Medieval tapestries also capture the imagination, created at a time when kings, knights, great battles and mythology ruled the hearts of the people throughout the western world. The incredible detailing of these tapestries and the complexity of the narratives of these timeless legends.

Further, they have a tactile quality which cannot be found within any other art form. Contemporary art tapestries can use a broad range of colors with artists no longer restricted by the comparatively limited color palettes of times past. Regardless of whether they be the reproduction of ancient masterpieces or are modern works by contemporary artists todays tapestries successfully deliver this ancient art form into the modern home. Cityscapes, landscapes, still life and floral compositions are highly desirable themes. Of course, the classic works from some of the greatest artists in history are also available and have always been a popular choice.

Once you have made your choice, how the tapestry is hung will be of significant importance, in order to preserve it’s beauty. Tapestries should be kept away from direct sunlight as should any work of art. Looking after your Fine Art Tapestry means it will be enjoyed by you, and your family, for many years to come.blogarama - the blog directory

Share

The Beauty of Fine Art Tapestries

For centuries we have enjoyed fine art for its creativity, its beauty and its celebration of human endeavour. Wall tapestries offer visual arts which are a perfect marriage of good taste and tactile luxury. Nowhere is this more evident than in the beauty of fine art tapestries which combine the appeal of elaborate tapestry design with the refinement of fine art.

The present renaissance in wall tapestries stems from their ability to capture the drama and excitement normally only found in canvas based art. With their texture, depth and warmth they wonderfully enhance our homes. In particular people see tapestry wall hangings as a direct alternative to traditional fine art: the woven nature of wall hangings makes a distinct alternative to framed art. A growing number of works from almost all established art movements; Medieval and Gothic, Renaissance, Neo-Classical, Baroque, Pre-Raphaelite, Impressionist and Art Nouveau are now available as tapestries.

Mille fleurs tapestriesEven from the earliest examples of tapestry art we see examples of the richness of detail available when woven by master craftsmen. The medieval motif known as mille fleurs (thousand flowers), see above, was popular because of the richness and detail it added to wall tapestries, hence the reason it formed the backdrop of so many tapestry designs woven during the Middle Ages.

Later examples include great Renaissance masterpieces like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa or Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam. Both of these, like many works of fine art, transfer well to tapestries and capture the drama and excitement of the originals. In particular great romantic works suit this medium. François Boucher’s pastoral art from the 18th century was amongst the first style to be transferred from canvas to tapestries. Floral still lifes are another good example – the combination of the range of styles available in floral art combined with the texture of woven textiles is so effective. Many well-known still life artists from history have had their original works successfully transfer from traditional mediums to tapestry wall hangings. Their broad palette of subjects, colours and textures makes them an ideal basis for art wall tapestries. The same is true at a later period of Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet whose distinctive works blend well with the weft of textiles, adding an extra dimension to the already vivid compositions.

Hunters in the Snow tapestryLike still lifes, landscape art is a mainstay of almost all art movements. From Leonardo da Vinci’s detailed background work in his portraits to Constable’s evocative paintings, landscapes have proved be lastingly popular. Many famous landscapes have been successfully reproduced as tapestry wall hangings like the verdure tapestries with their lush, green landscapes. These successfully used the richness found in quality tapestry weaving to create artistic vitality and energy. Another good example is the 17th century Flemish renaissance with painters like Bruegel moving the focus away from traditional European art to capturing real life; in particular landscapes. His striking works of expansive countryside backdrops had a myriad of detail that made it stand alone when compared to art of its day. His “Hunters in the Snow” (see above) is now available as a wall tapestry at a very reasonable price and demonstrates that tapestries, woven by skilled craftsmen, can capture even the most demanding of subject matter.

Despite their long history tapestry wall hangings, which for so long occupied a unique place in the homes of the select few, are once again asserting their importance in today’s modern home décor choices. So do take a look at the categories of our fine art tapestries and let us know how we can help you find beautiful tapestry art for your home.

 

Share