This week’s featured art is Gerbera Daisy II by JGoode

My friend Jen - JGoode - is the first artist to be featured twice here at Artistic Opinions thanks to this fantastic modern floral art.

I said in a previous opinion that I don’t often do florals. An artist needs to do more than just take a picture of a pretty flower to make it work as a piece of art. This works.

Gerbera Daisy II by JGoode — View Larger

I love the contrast between soft and sharp here, and the use of color is great. While many artists might have left out the flower’s shadow, I think it’s an important element, and perfectly executed.

Compositionally, the image is flawless. The eye is drawn to the flower, framed by the dark green and set against the lighter background. The bands of green on the left help ease the viewer to the right. Excellent. The wall texture in the background sets off the entire piece and gives it another element of realism. I like how the vase is screened back, but not so far back as to be invisible.

As far as modern floral art goes, there is nothing to complain about here. Wonderful!

The frame and mat work perfectly, but they can be customized (or removed altogether) by the buyer prior to purchase.

Prices for Gerbera Daisy II begin at $16.98, subject to change.

New art featured weekly, courtesy of the artists at Imagekind.

This week’s featured art is Vida Azul by AristiEstes

When I saw this piece I was immediately drawn to the fantastic use of color. I’m actually in the process of redecorating my home and these colors are extremely close to what I’m using! Richness of color and detail are what I love in any work of art, and Vida Azul has both in spades. There is a great flow here as well - the eye is not drawn to one side or another, but rather right down the middle, which helps to give this jungle a sense of depth.

Vida Azul by AristiEstes — View Larger

For a piece like this, I’m quite happy to see it displayed without a mat. Not all art works well with a mat, and this is a great example of that. The frame is great, adding some dimension while letting the art really take center stage. A larger (or differently colored) frame could easily be overbearing. Like all art at Imagekind though, the frame can be customized by the buyer, and a mat can be added if desired.

Prices for Vida Azul begin at $33.96, subject to change.

New art featured weekly, courtesy of the artists at Imagekind.

This week’s featured art is SunsetCruise #2 by David Raup

Growing up in Rhode Island, I spent many months of many years on and around boats. I learned to sail at a young age and started racing when I was about 10 - Sunfish at first, then Lasers until I moved to Texas at age 15. Images like this remind me of that time and how much I miss the water.

SunsetCruise #2 by David Raup — View Larger

This is a beautiful piece of art. The background is photographic, enhancing the computer generated 3D art. I love the careful attention to detail, as evidenced by the reflections and lighting. The scene puts me in mind of an early evening race, as if the sailors are trying to beat the sun and finish before dark.

SunsetCruise #2 is but one of many sailing pieces that Mr. Raup has for sale at Imagekind and I heartily recommend clicking through to see the rest!

I like the thin black frame option, but the mat color doesn’t exactly work for me - I’d rather see a mat that more closely matches the colors of the art. Of course, the frame and mat may be chosen by the buyer at the time of purchase.

Prices for SunsetCruise #2 begin at $14.86, subject to change.

New art featured weekly, courtesy of the artists at Imagekind.

This week’s featured art is White Dahlia Closeup by Sarah Schoenfeld

This is a great piece - almost ethereal. I think every shade of gray is present here, from pure white to pure black. I don’t often feature floral art because most flower art feels very “same-y” to me, but this white dahlia shot is quite compelling. I like the contrast of the folded, complex petals up top to the very smooth, flat petals below. The composition of the shot is top-notch.

White Dahlia Closeup by Sarah Schoenfeld — View Larger

The frame and mat are absolutely perfect. A black frame would overwhelm the art and any other color simply wouldn’t match the tone. The white mat sets off the shades of gray in the piece as well as the frame. Anything darker would detract from both. Although all art at Imagekind can be paired with a frame and mat (or neither) chosen by the buyer, I highly suggest purchasing as the artist intended in this case.

Prices for White Dahlia Closeup begin at $28.49, subject to change.

New art featured weekly, courtesy of the artists at Imagekind.

This week’s featured art is Sinuosity #1 by Edward Kinnally

Is “sinuosity” a word? Well, I checked my dictionary, and indeed it is:

sin-u-os-i-ty (sĭn’yōō-ŏs’ĭ-tē)
n.

1. The quality or condition of being sinuous.
2. A bending or curving shape or movement.

Perfect!

Sinuosity #1 by Edward Kinnally — View Larger

Three-dimensional art, when rendered well, can be quite breathtaking. This work, by Edward Kinnally, is rendered well - better than well. The gentle curves are contrasted by the few sharp angles. The shine that follows the curves is executed perfectly. I love the texture on the back surfaces. It’s a quite relaxing bit of art; perfect for a study, a library or an office.

The choice of frame and mat are perfect; I wouldn’t change a thing. Like all art at Imagekind, they may be changed by the buyer, however. Click on through to learn more and to read Mr. Kinnally’s fine description of his art.

Prices for Sinuosity #1 begin at $50.94, subject to change.

New art featured weekly, courtesy of the artists at Imagekind.