Picture This: Winter Blues

November 20th, 2024

In our blog series, “Picture This,” we use the magic of Photoshop to present our artists’ latest work in a whole new light. If you’re unable to stop by the gallery, we hope to help you virtually experience these fresh, new works in beautiful, modern settings.

In this installment, we explore how blue-hued art can refresh and elevate any room in your home. Blue is known for its calming and soothing qualities, often evoking feelings of tranquility and peace. In a home setting, it can create a serene, relaxing atmosphere, promoting focus and balance, while also adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to any room. Whether used in a bold statement piece or subtle accents, blue invites a sense of calm while energizing the space with its cool, refreshing presence.

From the cool blues in Shawna Moore’s ocean-inspired encaustics or the vibrant sky tones in T.S. Harris’s vintage ski scenes, these works add a unique touch of nature and depth to any room.

So if you’re seeking to transform your living room, bedroom, or home office with captivating blue artworks, find inspiration and tips here with our latest selections from Gallery MAR’s talented artists.

PICTURE THIS:

Bridgette Meinhold, “Visceral Connection,” encaustic, 25″ x 40″

Bridgette Meinhold’s encaustic painting, “Visceral Connection,” with rich blue hues, creates a stunning focal point above a modern living room’s fireplace mantel. As snow falls gently outside, the blues evoke the tranquil beauty of winter mountains, drawing the eye and offering a sense of calm. In her recent November exhibition at Gallery MAR, Embodied, Meinhold explored our emotional and physical connections to nature. Her layered use of encaustic and cold wax creates depth and a tactile quality that invites viewers to immerse themselves in the landscape, fostering a profound connection to place and a feeling of belonging within the serene setting.

PICTURE THIS:

Samantha Da Silva, “Blue Sky Mind,” mixed media, 24″ x 54″

This triptych, “Blue Sky Mind,” by local artist Samantha da Silva, rich with textural sky blue hues, brings a serene, airy atmosphere to this bright, clean bedroom above the headboard. Inspired by nature and a sense of place, da Silva’s use of natural elements like dirt, minerals, and sand infuses the piece with organic depth and storytelling. The soothing blues evoke calm skies, creating a restful, peaceful ambiance, perfect for a bedroom retreat. This captivating artwork transforms the space into a sanctuary that feels both grounded and expansive.

PICTURE THIS:

Shawna Moore, “Speed Well,” encaustic, 35″ x 45″

The cool blues and greens of Shawna Moore’s encaustic painting create a soothing contrast in a bright, warm living room setting. Inspired by her deep connection to nature and her surf trips to Costa Rica, Moore captures the essence of water and the ocean with stunning fluidity and texture. This natural elegance evokes the movement of waves and the serene beauty of the sea, offering a tranquil, refreshing focal point that brings the outdoors inside with a sophisticated, contemporary touch.

PICTURE THIS:

Left to right: Hunt Slonem, “Astralis,” glass, 18″ x 7″ x 8″ | Laura Wait, “Rhyming Underwater,” mixed media, 60″ x 60″

This poetically titled painting “Rhyming Underwater” by Santa Fe artist Laura Wait paired with one of renowned artist Hunt Slonem’s bunny sculptures creates a strikingly modern and fresh aesthetic in this contemporary home. Wait’s layered, textural approach to painting contrasts beautifully with Slonem’s luminous glass sculpture. Together, their blue hues evoke a sense of calm and creativity, adding visual interest and charm to the space. These two artists can transform any space with bold elegance, fostering a unique atmosphere that blends playful abstraction and vibrancy.

PICTURE THIS:

T.S. Harris, “Mountain Air,” oil, 60″ x 48″

This ski painting, “Mountain Air” by T.S. Harris, with its vintage-inspired depiction of a skier on a chairlift set against a vivid bluebird sky and snowy mountain, enlivens a contemporary, neutral-palette home. The striking blue tones introduce a refreshing pop of color, creating a captivating contrast with the muted decor. Inspired by vintage iconography, Harris’s work brings nostalgia and timeless charm, while the cool blues evoke tranquility and adventure. This infusion of color and narrative transforms the space, inviting warmth and a sense of wonder reminiscent of classic winter escapades.

PICTURE THIS:

America Martin, “Hello Golden Sunshine,” mixed media, 36″ x 36″

The painting “Hello Golden Sunshine” by America Martin, bursting with vibrant hues and especially rich powder blues, brings lively energy and charm to any neutral-colored modern space. The dynamic contrasts and playful strokes command attention while beautifully complementing understated decor. This contemporary touch creates a captivating focal point that feels joyful and inviting. Be sure to catch the vibrance in Martin’s upcoming exhibition, Bluebells and Snowdrops, at Gallery MAR in Park City, UT—a celebration of color and creativity you won’t want to miss!

Written and Photoshopped by Veronica Vale