HOW TO FIND YOUR STYLE IN THE WORLD OF ART

“Do not quench your inspiration and your imagination;
do not become the slave of your model.” – Vincent Van Gogh

Van Gogh’s painting “Starry Night” is the most sought-after work in the world of Van Gogh posters and prints. Other works by Van Gogh, which are just as beautiful, tend to go unnoticed, and “Starry Night” is fast becoming the proverbial vanilla among thousands of beautiful works by this 19^th Century painter of post-impressionism.

But just because everybody else buys “Starry Night” doesn’t mean that you have to follow. Explore a little. Go to posters.com and enter “Van Gogh” into the search box at the top. Then enjoy some easy browsing through hundreds of Van Gogh offerings and find your own favorite. Discover something unique and personal to you.

Even if you aren’t that familiar with art, it’s easy to find something that speaks to you. Maybe you like flowers or trees or sunsets. Enter one of these words into the search box and when you find an image you like, click on the name of the painter or photographer and explore his other works. For example, if you’re searching for sunsets at posters.com, you’ll discover John Nakata’s “Waimea Sunset 2.” But clicking on Nakata’s name under the image takes you into a whole new realm of Nakata’s emotive photography art—where you’ll find a poster or print for just about any taste. In the art world, the possibilities for self-expression are endless.

So stand out in your crowd. Expand your search options, enjoy some exploring, and follow your heart at posters.com.

MARILYN MONROE

Published June 28, 2008 posters 0 Comments
Tags: actress, Andy Warhol, blonde bombshell, Clark Gable, glamorous, Hollywood legend, Marilyn Monroe, pop art

bombshell noun
1. bomb
2. any shocking surprise
3. something which arouses great interest or excitement; sensation; specif., a woman with remarkable sex appeal, typically one who is blond and buxom. Source: www.yourdictionary.com

This definition makes it clear why Marilyn Monroe was called “the Blond Bombshell.” Although other “bombshells” have come and gone since her glory days in the 50s and 60s, she still holds a special place in America’s heart—as a glamorous actor, comedian, singer, and sex symbol. Marilyn Monroe photos are highly collectible, and posters and prints of the Blonde Bombshell are still top sellers. Recently, a 47-minute candid segment of film shot on the set of “The Misfits” sold at auction for $60,000.

Marilyn Monroe’s photogenic beauty was discovered when she was 16 and working at a munitions factory in Los Angeles. Soon she landed a modeling contract, which eventually led to a photo lay-out in the first edition of Playboy magazine in December 1953. Her friend, Andy Warhol, was also captivated by her, and his pop art prints of Marilyn have been quite popular and very collectible for decades.

After several minor roles, she finally began to make her mark on American films as the ditzy receptionist in “Monkey Business.” Her movie list is a long one, but she is best known for “Some Like It Hot,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “How to Marry a Millionaire,” and “The Seven Year Itch” with its famous skirt-blowing scene. (Posters.com has a great selection of this memorable photo along with a huge portfolio of Marilyn Monroe prints and posters.)

“The Misfits,” filmed in 1961, was the last movie that Marilyn—and her co-star Clark Gable—lived to complete. Gable died of a heart attack eleven days after the filming was finished, and within a year and a half Marilyn died in her sleep from an overdose of drugs.

Today, people still speculate about the cause of her death, and conspiracy theories are still bandied about. Nevertheless, Marilyn Monroe continues to win the adoration and devotion of movie fans around the world. She was more than a Hollywood legend; by the end of her short life, Marilyn had become a cultural icon.

“Hollywood is a place where they’ll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul.” –Marilyn Monroe

BEACH ESCAPES

Published June 28, 2008 Decorating , dorm room , posters , prints , wall art , wall prints 0 Comments
Tags: beach birds, beach photos, beach scenes, cliffs, decorate, Fine Art, painters, photographers, posters, prints, sand and sea, sunsets, surfers, tropical beaches

The beach.

No other escape offers the whole package: romantic sunsets, salty breezes, swaying palm trees, beach birds swooping, children playing, and surfers catching the waves. Or just peace, solitude and time to dream.

Even a beach photo or painting can work its magic on our hearts. Photographers like Ansel Adams, and John Nakata have captured the essence of beckoning beach scenes in their color and black and white pictures. And the works of painters like Claude Monet beautifully depict long-ago life at the seashore.

Whether your favorite beach is near or far, sandy or rocky, balmy or blustery, its siren song has the power to penetrate our busy lives and draw us away from our gerbil wheels of time and technology. On the barren cliffs of the Oregon coast, the trendy shores of South Beach, the romantic sands of Maui, or the tropical beaches of faraway places, the sand and sea invite us to play, relax, and dream new dreams.

Don’t you wish life really was a beach?

PS Check out the beach posters and fine art prints at posters.com. Escape for a little while. Decorate your space with your beach . . . and dream.

THE IMAGES OF BASEBALL

Published May 31, 2008 Decorating , college , dorm room , framing , posters , prints , wall art , wall prints 0 Comments
Tags: Babe Ruth, baseball, baseball legends, baseball posters, baseball teams, Boston Red Sox, Cal Ripkin, Fenway Park, Jackie Robinson, New York Yankees, Ty Cobb, vintage baseball posters, Willie Mays, Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium

I love baseball! Whether it’s a clear, crisp night game or a blazing hot middle-of-the-day extra-inning contest, I love the dirt, sweat, and sometimes brawls that make baseball so much fun.

Baseball has been around since the 1700s here in the US. History has it that its early years were wild and raw, with a hodgepodge of rules (or no rules at all) and amateur and professional leagues that were here today and gone the next. It used to be that a player was allowed to throw the ball at the runner. If he hit him, the runner was out (ow!). Check out these great vintage baseball posters that capture the color and nostalgia of the down-to-earth fun and flavor of old-time baseball.

In the 1800s, some semblance of order finally found its way into the sport, and a few popular professional baseball teams began to form: “The Cincinnati Red Stockings” (which lasted only two years) and the “Boston Red Stockings” and later “The Boston Base Ball Club.” The Boston Red Sox are still among the most popular teams in baseball. Of all the hundreds of baseball posters you can find at posters.com, Red Sox images are at the top of the list, along with the New York Yankees.

Baseball is one of my favorite professional sports, and I still get a thrill from browsing through pictures of baseball’s legends–Ty Cobb (The Georgia Peach) sliding into third or Jack (Jackie) Robinson stealing home or Babe Ruth (The Sultan of Swat) hitting it out of the park for the umpteenth time. And don’t forget the likes of Willie Mays, Cal Ripkin, and your own 21st Century baseball hero.

On posters.com you can also take a tour of the legendary stadiums, packed with people, peanuts, pennants and hope that never died until that very last strike was hurled across the plate. Imagine the history that’s happened in Boston’s Fenway Park, where the Babe pitched, “The Friendly Confines” of Chicago’s Wrigley Field, and beloved Yankee Stadium in New York.

So whether your favorite place is at the plate, on the mound, or in the bleachers, visit posters.com and take a journey through more than two centuries of the images of baseball. You’ll discover great baseball photos and prints that capture a little drama, some nostalgia, and lots of baseball memories that you’ll want to make your own.

POSTERS FOR PATRIOTS

Published May 24, 2008 posters 0 Comments
Tags: America, battle, Independence Day, Memorial Day, military, patriotic, soldiers, troops, United States Armed Forces, vintage military posters, wartime photos

It’s pretty much assumed that anyone who loves America is a patriot. But I think there is no greater patriot than the man or woman who puts his/her life on the line to defend the freedoms and faiths of this great nation. Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day remind us of those who have gone to battle over the centuries and those who are fighting today. But gratitude and honor for our defenders ought to fill our hearts not just on holidays, but all year long. Displaying military posters and prints provides a way to do just that.

Posters preserve unforgettable military images from yesterday and long ago.

Vintage military posters remind us of a time when our country was united against a common enemy, and everyone found a way to be part of the war effort.

The fierce courage and dedication of our soldiers continue to inspire us and make us proud.

The National Archives and TIME and LIFE magazine covers have captured memorable wartime photos on and off the battlefield.

Military posters and wall prints make great gifts for the patriot in your family or in your office. At the same time, these dramatic and moving images will help you proudly display your support for our troops, honor their memories and achievements, and remind others of the great sacrifices that have been made by so many brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. I salute you.

POSTERS AND POLITICS

Published May 23, 2008 Decorating , college , decorate , dorm room , framing , posters , prints , wall art , wall prints 0 Comments
Tags: Barack Obama, Democrat, elections, George Bush, George Washington, Hillary Clinton, history, John McCain, politics, President, Presidential campaigns, Republican, Shakespeare, Teddy Roosevelt, vintage posters, World War I, World War II

Politics have been around a long time, and so have posters. Back in the days of Shakespeare, they were mostly used to advertise plays and dramas. The first political posters came on the scene around the time of World War I, and by World War II they had become a very popular medium for political statements and campaign slogans.

Ironically, this year’s election posters look very much like those from the past — only the names are different. This vintage Teddy Roosevelt poster would fit right in with the 2008 campaign posters for Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain.

Posters play a part in keeping history alive—visually, at least—and some of them are extremely collectible. In his captivating print “The Presidents,” Carl Braude has painted the image of every President from George Washington to George Bush. Canvases of this painting sell for hundreds of dollars, but you can get a great quality digital print from posters.com for a lot less. And you can add a custom mat and frame and have it shipped right to your door.

This presidential election year is a great time to take a nostalgic look at individual pictures and portraits of our nation’s Presidents, preserved on film and canvas by skilled photographers and painters. Through the years, the covers of TIME magazine and others have also provided us with moving and dramatic images that remind us of memorable moments and unforgettable people.

So if you’re in the mood for some posters for your politics or some politics on your posters, remember: It doesn’t matter if you’re Democrat or Republican or Independent or if your thing is satire or sarcasm, politics or propaganda, nostalgia or humor. Just go to posters.com and use their fast and easy search engine to find ELECTIONS or PRESIDENTS or POLITICS. Then take a trip down memory lane and, when you’ve found your favorite political poster, mat it, frame it, and order it. It’s fast, affordable and very satisfying to own and display an image of history in your home, office or dorm.

THE FINE ART OF CLAUDE MONET

Published March 31, 2008 wall art 0 Comments
Tags: Antibes, Claude Monet, Fine Art, Impressionism, Jardin a Giverny, Nympheas, Poppies

Claude Monet (1840-1926) was the father of French Impressionism, and the most prolific painter of this style and philosophy. The term “impressionism” originated from the title of one of Monet’s early paintings, “Impression, Sunrise” which depicts the artist’s impression of a harbor at dawn.

Early in his career, some of Monet’s peers criticized his method, insisting that painting his impressions did not constitute “true art.” Yet, more than 80 years after his death, Monet’s paintings and prints are still among the most sought-after by professional and everyday decorators and can be found hanging on the walls of homes and offices around the world.

What’s really exciting is the fact that Monet’sfine art is now affordable and easy to obtain. Just go to posters.com and browse through the grand selection of Monet prints. Then choose your favorite custom frame and buy it with one click. How easy is that? Take a look at some of Monet’s most popular works of art with custom frames.

Nympheas
This serene painting of a water lily pond brought more than $20 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 1998.

Poppies
Vivid colors and exquisite lighting bring this painting to life. It’s said that to some viewers the poppies seem to flutter in a gentle breeze.

Jardin a Giverny
This popular painting was created in the artist’s garden near Paris in 1900. Monet loved this garden of colors. It offered him secluded serenity and gave him inspiration for his work.

Antibes
“I’m truly a man of isolated trees and wide open spaces.”
–Claude Monet, Antibes, France

Collecting and enjoying fine art is no longer out of reach for art lovers. Journey through the fine art collection at posters.com and treat yourself to classic prints that will delight your heart and enhance your home or office.

HOW TO ADD STYLE TO YOUR OFFICE

Published March 30, 2008 Decorating , posters , prints , wall art , wall prints 0 Comments
Tags: decorating with posters, posters

Posters aren’t just for dorms and kids’ rooms—they’re also perfect for decorating the workplace. Whether you’re a fan of classic painting, vintage art, or black and white photography, posters.com offers a huge variety of posters and prints featuring themes and images that will enhance any office. Add custom mats and frames when you order online, and you’ll have eye-catching art that will transform empty, boring, office walls into colorful, interesting displays that add creativity and style.

Choose images and words that motivate staff, build confidence, and encourage teamwork and excellence.

Brighten waiting room walls with posters or prints that communicate comfort, peace, and hope.

Decorate the office or store with posters that highlight a unique theme or complement your custom décor.

Bring a smile to customers and staff with humorous posters.

Many businesses buy office art in bulk to decorate lobbies, offices and cubicles in coordinated themes and color schemes. When you’ve selected your posters, choose custom mats and frames and see how great they look — before you order. It’s easy, fast, and affordable to add inspiration, style and pizazz to workplace walls when you shop at posters.com.

THE ART OF VINCENT VAN GOGH

Published February 21, 2008 posters , prints , wall art 0 Comments
Tags: posters, Sunflowers 2, The Starry Night, Van Gogh

No matter which one of Van Gogh’s works you love –a pricey original painting, an affordable print, or a beautifully framed poster–you’ll find that images of his intriguing post-impressionist work will add beauty and classic style to your home, apartment or office.

Born in Holland in March 1853, Van Gogh did not begin to learn to paint until he was 27 years old. Although he is well known for cutting off his ear, he has become one of the most famous artists of all time, and he produced an amazing number of paintings and sketches during his short lifetime of 37 years.

Although his original paintings bring millions of dollars at auctions, anyone can decorate his or her walls with a Van Gogh. Some of his most famous works are available at posters.com. Among the favorites of art lovers everywhere are “The Starry Night” and “Sunflowers 2,” both painted around 1888-1889.

At posters.com you can select your favorite Van Gogh poster, order it and get it framed and matted and shipped right to your door—all online. It’s an easy and affordable way to obtain an elegant piece of art that will grace your walls and your life for years to come.

IMAGES OF ROCK & ROLL

Published February 16, 2008 dorm room , posters , prints , wall art 0 Comments
Tags: Elvis Presley, JIMI HENDRIX, LED ZEPPELIN, posters, THE BEATLES, THE ROLLING STONES

Over the last fifty years, generations have changed, but the love for good rock and roll never dies. Although every age has its own pop culture, there are a few artists and groups that have endured. That’s why today’s Y-gens are decorating their spaces with posters and prints of yesterday’s rockers. Some of the world’s top selling posters feature Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones.

ELVIS PRESLEY

Elvis may have died in 1977, but it seems he has yet to leave the building. Fifty years after “Love Me Tender,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” and “Heartbreak Hotel” topped the charts, the King’s tunes and posters still rock.

LED ZEPPELIN

Nearly 40 years after Led Zeppelin’s first American tour in 1969, they’re back! Will they tour the US again? While you’re waiting to find out, surround yourself with classic Zeppelin posters featuring fan favorites like “Stairway to Heaven” and their tour airplane, “Starship.”

THE BEATLES

January 25, 1964, “She Loves Me” hit #1 on the charts and two weeks later, George, Paul, John and Ringo were on the Ed Sullivan Show. Today the Beatles’ songs are still among the most popular downloads around the world. You’re going to like having your own authentic Rolling Stone cover reprint or the Beatles collection edition canvas with the look of a true original.

JIMI HENDRIX

One of the most popular and influential artists in the history of rock music, James Marshall Hendrix became an overnight sensation in 1966, with his stunning performance of “Wild Thing.” Enjoy your own Jimi Hendrix Experience with this limited edition print available with custom framing at posters.com.

THE ROLLING STONES

Since 1962, Mick Jagger and the Stones have been called “the greatest rock and roll band ever.” Still on tour and still adored by fans around the world, this is truly music for every generation. A classic Stones poster tells the world that Mick and the boys still rock and roll.

Pick your favorite rocker. Go to posters.com and get yourself a memento of rock and roll history. Cool doesn’t have to be new.