Artist spotlight: Michael Begenyi's color rich, geometric paintings

I'm really going to try and feature more artists this year. As a RISD illustration major painting and drawing are in my blood, and artwork can make a huge impact in your home! The artist I'm featuring today is Michael Begenyi, I think his work really lends itself to interiors and interior design, because of his focus on color combinations and geometry and line.

Here is his artist's statement: Michael C. Begenyi teaches middle school art in Western Pennsylvania and actively exhibits his work. His acrylic paintings reflect his interests in the geometric representation of the natural world and explorations in color theory.The relationship between math, science and art is part of what Michael has been exploring with his current work. Technical precision is important to Michael but it does not overwhelm the organic and creative inspiration for each painting. 
 

 This one (full:above), (detail:below), is my favorite.  It is titled koi pond. I think it does a fantastic job of capturing what a koi pond would look like broken down into geometric shapes.  The colors are really stunning as well.

The paintings also remind me a lot of oragami, and even have titles like "Hummingbird," "Frog," and "Crane"

 The photo above gives you a better perspective of the size of some of the paintings

To see all of Michael's works, purchase, or read more, go to his shop on Zatista.

Last chance to enter the Snap Hang giveaway!

The Snap Hang giveaway has been one of my most popular ones, and I don't want anyone to miss out on their chance of winning! Snap hang is a very beautiful and unique way to display and frequently update art. (See pick below). To enter the drawing, click here and follow the directions. I've pushed back the entry closing time to 12 AM Pacific time, Sat. Jan 14th. Winner will be announced Monday. Good luck!

In the spirit of displaying art, I've featured some great ideas below:

 Your frames needn't all match for a successful salon style wall arrangement.

 2 above via BHG

Casual and easy to update look, try running some line and attaching your latest works of art with clothes pins.
via Bolig Magasinet

Another casual look, which would look good in a home office of young person's room, is to pin art to the wall in a nice arrangement
via Domino

I think one of my favorite looks might be one large dramatic piece.
Encore Decor

 A cluster of small drawings is very cute and indie
via Covet Garden

Simply leaning frames against a wall keeps things from looking too precious.
via Sweet Paul

Happy Friday and a fabulous and unique giveaway!

 I have a super exciting giveaway for you guys today!  This awesome, unique, reclaimed way to display art, inspiration, photos, kids' drawings, notes - you name it - from Magnetic Grain.

Such a great and easy way to display artwork if you like to frequently update your walls.

The winner will receive 2 pairs of 12" Snap Hangs, and can choose from black, walnut or alder (light natural wood).

A little bit about Magnetic Grain:  "Magnetic Grain is a designer and manufacturer of inventive products for the home. We focus on all things wood - sustainable & salvaged, magnetic & modular, fun & functional. All Magnetic Grain products are designed by Trevor Elliott, the founder & creator behind Magnetic Grain and the finished pieces are truly handmade, small craft production. Our products are manufactured in our local wood shop in Ventura, Ca. and finished by a local artisan. In this way, we can ensure the quality and integrity of each piece in our product"

You can read more about Magnetic Grain and see their product range on their website.  Here are a few more of their beautiful products:

Magnetic tile art.

I really like their re|Surface table.  You can rearrange and flip around the magnetic slats.

Grow frame

Stac modular cubes.

Pretty cool, right?

To enter the giveaway for Snap Hang, you must Like Magnetic Grain on Facebook.  Click here to like them.  Then, come back to this post and leave a comment that you'd like to enter the drawing.  To comment on this post (scroll to the bottom of this post and right above "Labels" you will see a number followed by the word "comments." Click on the word "Comments." Or, you will see a link, "Post a Comment," which you click on to comment.  Or, you can email me at ashley [at] decorologyblog [dot] com confirming that you liked Magnetic Grain on Facebook, and that you'd like to be entered for the giveaway.

The contest closes next Friday, Jan. 13th at 6 PM EST.  I will announce the lucky winner, chosen by random draw, the following Monday.  Good luck and have a great weekend!

The home office/studio of one of my favorite graphic designers/bloggers

Designer Fabien Barral's blog, Graphic Exchange, is always my go-to site for design inspiration when I'm starting a new project and feel a little bit of designer's block. He has a way of finding the most stunning work being produced in the graphic design world - especially when it comes to typography. It was no surprise really that his home office, which he shares with his wife in the countryside of France, is as equally inspiring.

Separate work stations provide lots of work surfaces, and in my humble opinion, one can never have too much surface area...

The plants are a nice touch... I have three in my space

One day I'll have space to have a separate table for pencil/ink/and paint, and a separate desk for my computer...

Make organizational tools like filing/storage that are out in the open pretty, and somehow visually cohesive - love these.

Lovely office right? I know I'm a bit jealous.  You may also know Barral from Harmonie-Intérieure, a home-decor stencil company that does some really unique wall stencils.  I did a post on them years ago.

images via Graphic Exchange

An amazing Etsy artist - the evocative nature photography of Nicholas Bell

I don't feature independent artists as much as I would like to.  But there's no time like the present, and I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the talented Nicholas Bell from Knoxville, TN.

His work really speaks to me because of it's sense of peace, isolation, and connectedness to our natural surroundings.  Check it out below:

I love the sense of quiet

These last two are my favorite - so beautiful


Pretty fantastic right?
Check out all of his work at his Etsy shop- Nicholas Bell Fine Art Photography.

Different and inspiring: Awesome Kitchens and Dining Rooms

GORGEOUS

Amazing floors, and I love all the artwork displayed in the kitchen

A nice mix of industrial and traditional

how awesome is the dining room in the library?

all images above via iVillage

another kitchen with a lot of art displayed...and I love the dark wood
via Pinterest

gotta love that "pop" of color the green dresser adds
via Adore Home

A home with simple beauty and understated elegance

It's hard to pull off humble/simple and elegant, but I think this home was successful. Check it out:

eclectic objects add warmth

dark purple is always chic

love how the books are displayed!

a spacious hall with a picture ledge

inspiration simply tacked on the wall keeps the space from being stuffy - and it's so cool how the images extend into the next room

fab. architectural elements

What do you think of this Australian home?

all photos © Richard Powers