January is always one of the most difficult months of the year, with many of us feeling the empty void that Christmas has left, as well as the prospect of being faced with many cold, dark months ahead of us; we’ve even coined the third Monday of January as ‘Blue Monday’ and rightly so. This winter has also seen the worst case of the flu in several decades, which makes it hard for anyone to be in a good mood. That’s why this month we are rounding up some artwork that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, and a pep in your step.
You don’t have to wait for the summer to enjoy panoramic sea views; take full advantage of the nautical whimsy in Gary Walton’s Waiting For the Tide which balances the warmth and familiarity of the seaside with a romantic simplicity, creating an air of nostalgia that lulls you into a sense of calm and serenity. If you want something that maintains its sense of realism, then Nicola Wakeling’s arrestingly beautiful Winter Shadows, Cold Breeze will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to the sweeping waves and sandy dunes of your favourite beach. An original oil on canvas painting, Nicola superbly articulates the idea of a limitless landscape, allowing its viewer to reflect on the expansiveness of the piece.
If the beach isn’t your idea of relaxation, why not opt for a splash of vibrant colour within nature such as Chris Ross Williamson’s Dunwich Heath? Located in the beautiful anglo-Saxon village of Dunwich, the print brings to life the break-taking views of the heathlands with its rich purple hues complementing the bright, sunny backdrop of the Suffolk horizon. The perfect choice for urban and rural dwellers alike! Similarly, Joe Ramm’s Bee Keeper offers a quintessential reflection of British living during balmier seasons when apiaries are in full swing. Much of her inspiration comes from living in the West Country with its wild landscapes that offer a vast array of tones and colour.
Perhaps it’s not the environment that lifts your spirits, but rather, who’s in that space with you. For all the animal lovers out there we have a huge array of work that will cheer you up! Coming Home by Anthony Dobson doesn’t just fill us up with canine cuteness, but it also signifies those candid moments on a warm summer’s day that you can’t help but reminisce upon with a lovely glow. Aaminah Snowdon’s Make a Wish reminds us of the beauty and delicacy of wildlife in all its forms. This beautifully minimal print utilises white space to allow more breathing room for its subject, which will help to enhance a sense of spaciousness when placed in a darker room or juxtaposed with darker paint tones.
As a bonus trick, you can also hang your choice of string lights along the wall where the artwork is featured to help bring out the colours and ambience of the piece, whilst providing a bit more light into an otherwise dark space. This also applies to general furnishings like rugs, cushions, and other items that take up a lot of room. If you need some fresh inspiration on how to brighten up your space, you can head to our Interiors site that offers a wide range of bespoke furniture and furnishings.
