From the cubism of Picasso in the early part of the 20th century to the latest up-to-date showing at that avant-garde gallery in town, abstract art has been all about change. Purveyors of modern abstract art will take commissions, true, and hew to a set of instructions, yet the art that is for sale in galleries has a rich history of styles to choose from, fauvism and Dadaism and lyrical abstraction. The electronic methods of making art have not been neglected, as anyone who has ever attended a hologram display can attest.

Abstract art gained a new lease on life with the blossoming of electronic and robotic methods of expressing art. Form and color and texture combine in video abstraction as portrayed by the modern abstract artist Nam June Paik, the Korean-born artist who is said to have coined the phrase ‘Information Superhighway.’ Paik used media as they excited his interest, mastering one genre and then moving on to another. He has been called the first video artist, a natural progression from his artistic beginnings as a student of music. When he was inveigled by John Cage and other composers as well as conceptual artists to work in electronic art, he was more than ready to tackle another genre. He used both working and discarded television sets in his art, saying that he catered to the American admiration for ‘bright shiny things.’ Whether his art is sculpture or electronic is difficult to say, so fluid are his techniques.

Traditional art on canvas has not been forgotten in the last fifty years. If minimalism is defined as ‘multiple use of a single entity’, then abstract art contains minimalist elements, as pictured by the tightly-bound appearance of George Ortman’s works, perhaps the most famous being ‘Narcissus.’ ‘Narcissus’ may look like two diamond shapes whose tips touch surrealistically, but the geometrical quality of the flower is outstanding and the white discs inside the center of the rows of primary colored stripes, which make up the middle of the diamond shapes, take the naturalistic shape of a flower and glean the clean shapes from the curves. Ortman’s works use symbolism, not normally the case in abstract art, yet the meanings of his shapes are plain: a square equals intellect, a circle means sensuality and a triangle signifies ethics. His work has a tremendous moral and spiritual weight that feels authentic. Ortman has embraced abstract art in his artistic vision of minimalism and his use of primary colors is masterful.

Why not peruse the differing ranges of abstract art and find just the right genre for your taste? You may want to think out of the box or you may want the reassurance of quality that comes from a well-loved genre, but the piece of art on your wall will have a good home with someone who can think and learn about the fascinating steps that abstract art has taken lately. Abstract art on the computer is another genre, not something to hang on the wall, but to enjoy every time you boot up and visit your favorite museum site or individual artist’s gallery. Of course, if you are adventuresome, you may take a Photoshop tutorial or two on the internet and create your own art!

Most of us use the words art and paintings interchangeably. When we thing about these creations, usually what comes to mind is of gallery’s or where we can place these paintings inside our homes. For the outdoor areas what comes to mind is of sculptures or plaques. Outdoor wall art offers the same opportunities for you to decorate outdoors as you would indoors. You can have beautifully designed replicas of famous paintings right in your own back yard.

These outdoor wall paintings can safely be hung outdoors for year round enjoyment. They have a look of stretched canvas and it has UV inks that are printed directly on to the aluminum. The artwork wraps around the sides giving the picture an amazing three dimensional quality. The reproduction quality is so precise it is almost impossible to tell it is not a real canvas. The surface coating has been scientifically tested to with stand the harshest weather conditions. The canvas can be smooth or faux finish texture. Aluminum is a lightweight metal with a bright silvery luster. It is strong and resistant to the elements which make it perfect for outdoor use.

You can now be confidant decorating your decks, patios, pool areas and garden walls with outdoor wall art. It is resistant to fading, moisture, oxidation, peeling, freezing temperatures and UV rays. This is the perfect way to add character and color to your garden walls. It will add elegance and prestige of fine art to any outdoor setting.

One nice feature is that it requires very little maintenance. If any dirt or dust accumulates just wash with mild soap and this can be hosed off with water. Most paintings come with mounting brackets and fasteners. It secures virtually to any outdoor surface including brick, stucco, wood, stone or siding.

Outdoor wall art allows you to create an open air gallery as large as your imagination will allow, while adding another dimension to your garden area. This decor brings the gift of wonder back into your life and your surroundings.

Finding the right piece of art can be a daunting task. Here are a few of examples you should look for to complete your style of decor. If the rest of your decor is of an antique design, look for romanticism or impressionism. For a more traditional outdoor wall art try vintage or retro art. For contemporary or modern you can select art deco, pop art or abstract. Whichever style you are certain to find a variety of colors, shapes and sizes to fulfill your needs.

By my pool area I have hung upon the walls a piece of art of a beach front scene. There are sea gulls flying around with the view of rushing waves. Whenever I am gazing at it I seem to be transported into total relaxation. Around my fence I have outdoor wall art of hummingbirds feeding, cardinals bathing and blue jays in flight. Last week I added a small picture of a fury mother and baby squirrel scampering up a tree with an acorn in the mom’s mouth.

If you’re seeking that special gift, this can also be your answer. I have a good friend that moved away and I had a piece of art custom made for her. From a photograph a company was able to replicate her family standing around her old house. To this day whenever we talk there is always a comment about that painting and how much it meant to her.