Thirteen Interior Design specialise in luxury end to end interior design solutions and project management for show homes for leading property developers, as well as private and residential clients.
The company was founded by design duo Lois Street and Jazmin Clark who have a wealth of experience within the luxury property sector.
My brief involved creating an original painting which incorporated some of the colours of the high-end textiles selected by the team to create a finished look.
"We commissioned the very talented Omar Obaid to create this abstract artwork for our latest project. He worked the colour of the upholstery and soft furnishings into the piece. We love the result."
Feedback from Thirteen Interior Design.
It is always a pleasure working with the team. I work on a lot of projects with interior designers, architects and project managers.
If you are looking for a custom original painting, please do get in touch and you can request a quote here.
]]>The project is a 550,000 square foot conference centre which marks the latest addition to the Ceasars Entertainment group.
If you look closely, you can see two of my original paintings in the boardrooms.
The project was expertly curated by Benjamin West, a world renowned furniture, fixtures and equipment and operating supplies and equipment firm and I cannot wait to pay the centre a visit to see my work in person.
]]>Discover the best abstract paintings of all time, as well as the artists that changed the course of art history.
While we set the scene, think about the most recognisable abstract paintings you have seen in a museum or art gallery. Can you describe what was most striking about the painting? Whether it was the colour palette or the shapes and movement of the piece, abstract art has carved itself as one of the most unique art styles due to it's ability to define emotions with little direction due to the nature of the art form.
The work of abstract art is truly in the eyes of the beholder. But, by carefully inspecting the body of work, you can begin to unveil the artist's vision as intended and see the painting come to life.
Mark Rothko's exhibition at Tate Modern, London.
Abstract art is a visual art form defined as a non-representational practice which uses colours, shapes and gestural marks to conclude it's work.
The origins of abstract art can be traced back to the early expressionist painters such as Wassily Kandinsky and Hilma af Klint who were pioneers of the art form.
The abstract expressionist movement which began in the 1940's in New York City unveiled the brilliance of abstract artists Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko and more.
It is no surprise the most recognisable abstract artists and abstract paintings are listed in our guide, some of which lie in museums, galleries and private collections around the world today.
Image courtesy of Jackson-Pollock.org
Image courtesy of WassilyKandinsky.net
Image courtesy of WassilyKandinsky.net
Image courtesy of PietMondrian.org
Image courtesy of KazimirMalevich.org
Image courtesy of Jackson-Pollock.org
Images courtesy of Joan-Miro.net
Image courtesy of Willem-de-Kooning.org
We hope you enjoyed our guide to the most famous abstract paintings in history.
These modern masters are the ultimate inspiration for any art admirer, and we love browsing their vast collection of works which formed the foundation of the abstract expressionist movement.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on the most famous abstract paintings. If you are looking to start a collection of affordable original abstract paintings, feel free to browse the collection of art by best-selling British artist Omar Obaid. Follow us on Instagram to find out more.
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I had the pleasure of working with a client alongside Adelene Keeler Smith Interior Design to create a custom painting for a residential project in the US.
The project design was submitted to the American Society of Interior Designers for their annual Interior Design Awards in 2018 and won the IDA Award for Excellence.
The design is now recognised as an outstanding interior design by the top 5 judges in the industry in America.
The image is copyright Adelene Keeler Smith Interior Design.
]]>Here is a sample of some of the press coverage Omar Obaid has received for his work recently.
"Gallery-worthy Art".
"An original artwork is much more than just another decorative addition to your home. Find the right piece and it will last a lifetime, giving you something to admire every day and transforming any room into a unique space".
"A talented painter, Omar’s career had been heading in a very different direction, until he resigned as a a Senior Associate at the New York Times. “It was a bold move but I had to wake up and pursue my dream,” he says. “I was fortunate to realise my path early, and with much hard work and determination, I achieved my ambition”.
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This is a large two-piece (diptych) canvas painting measuring 2 metres wide!
You have invested in a beautiful piece of artwork and want to ensure it is displayed for maximum exposure and that your lighting compliments your one-of-a-kind piece in your home or office.
It is important to note that by finding the right lighting, you can ensure you will have the opportunity to admire your art with the same resolution and colouring that first made you fall for the piece, at any hour of the day.
One of my original paintings displayed in my client's private residence in Hong Kong.
Size of artwork
A good starting point is the size of your artwork. Whether your artwork is small or large can impact the choice of lighting. Small artworks, including paintings or photographs can be displayed well using LED picture lights.
The benefits of using LED lighting includes low UV emission and added protection of your art as the lights will not emit high temperatures. Plus, you want the focal point to be the art itself rather than the lighting, and this solution is discreet.
This example is an LED picture light from The Lighting Company with prices starting from around £50.
For larger artworks, it is important to have strong ceiling lights that not only spread light evenly throughout your room, but also compliment the style of your artwork. This large elegant, modern chandelier would be the perfect choice for an original abstract painting, and could even bridge the gap between more traditional interiors.
This chandelier comes from The Lighting Company with prices starting from around £800.
An example of one of my original paintings displayed in a residential space designed by an interior designer.
Style of your artwork
If your room design and art is more monochrome, you could find a ceiling light that blends with your style, such as this art deco ceiling light.
It comes from The Lighting Company with prices starting from around £600.
Alternatively, you could use a contrasting colour to attract attention to your space, such as this copper trio of lights above an extra large monochrome abstract painting.
An example of one of my large, original paintings displayed in a commercial premises.
Build your room decor
Another way to draw eyes to your artwork is through the use of floor lamps. Adding a contemporary floor lamp can instantly direct viewers to your new piece. This works well for smaller pieces that are placed on adjacent walls.
This tall, wooden floor lamp from John Lewis is a subtle choice which would compliment a vibrant, modern artwork.
An example of one of my original paintings in a residential setting.
Similarly, adding a simple yet modern table lamp beneath an artwork can also add to the ambience of the space, while also enhancing your artwork's placement.
This table lamp also comes from John Lewis.
One of my art prints, "Abstract 27", displayed on a desk.
I hope you found this article useful. If you are interested in finding original art, please feel free to browse my original paintings and art prints here, or get in touch if you would like a custom artwork created for your space.
]]>A piece of stunning contemporary art has the power to transform the appearance, feel, and atmosphere of a room. But how you hang it is just as important and shouldn’t be overlooked if you want to achieve maximum impact for your new art investment.
A photo from my client of a recent commission I completed, now hung in her stunning home in the US.
The process of hanging contemporary art covers many areas – a process of considering and balancing space, proportion, style, and colours. Modern, original art that is displayed well can make you enjoy it even more in your home by integrating it flawlessly with your aesthetics.
From avoiding the common pitfalls of hanging art to trying something different, these tips can help you hang art to achieve the greatest impression:
"Patience", a new original painting from my collection. Available now.
All of my original paintings come with two professional framer's quality hooks on the back.
A collection of three of my limited edition prints starting from just £49. Now available here.
A recent custom painting I created, pictured here in my client's home in London.
A custom painting I created, pictured here in my client's home in Hong Kong.
If you would like advice on how to hang your artwork, or are looking for a custom painting, please feel free to contact me here.
]]>Whether you are a seasoned collector or just have one or two pieces in your home, you will know that framing art, and framing it right, can add a stunning new dimension. Everything from the type, size, and colour of the frame to the way it’s mounted can change the look and feel of a piece entirely, thus altering the mood of the room in which it is hung. Here is a complete guide to framing it to ensure that you showcase your artwork perfectly.
Type of artwork
The type of artwork you are framing, whether a painting or a print/photograph can determine the type of frame you can have.
For original paintings, you can choose a traditional frame where the canvas painting sits to the inner edge of the frame, 'the lip' of the frame, and the painting is mounted through the back of the frame. Or, you choose a floating frame where the frame doesn't have 'the lip' and the canvas is mounted through the front of the painting. The painting, therefore, sits on top of the frame and appears to be 'floating'.
Here are some recent examples of my paintings framed using traditional frames and floating frames, so you can see the difference.
A photo of one of my custom original paintings in a floating frame in my client's home.
A photo of one of my custom original paintings in a traditional frame in my client's home.
Choosing your frame colour
The frame you choose is incredibly important, and it can alter the mood of the picture entirely. Choosing a contemporary frame in a matt, block colour can add drama to a piece. Going for an elegant, thin frame in metallic gold or silver gives a much more delicate look. There is a wide variety of frame choices on offer for standard-sized artwork. If your original art is in an unusual or larger size, you can also get a custom frame made to fit its dimensions exactly.
Here is a sample of some of the frames offered by my local framer. I have seen an increasing demand for authentic wooden frames and chrome or golden frames with my clients, which are currently trending.
Matting
For art prints and fine art photographs, beyond simply framing your piece of art, matting can provide an additional border. The matting is a piece of board which acts as a ‘window’ to display your artwork. The mat board can be cut to any thickness, and can be any colour. This is particularly useful for highlighting a certain tone in a piece of artwork, helping it to suit the room where it is going to be placed.
If you want to add matting to your new piece of contemporary art, you will need:
First, cut your mat board so that it is the same size as the frame you want to use. Most off-the-shelf frames come with a backing – use this as a template to help you cut the correct dimensions.
You then must measure the window or opening that your artwork will show through. How big or small this window should be depends on the look you are wanting to achieve. Be careful, this requires a steady hand and good use of a ruler!
Once you have marked, in pencil, the lines where you want to cut, use the mat cutter to carefully cut the mat board. After cutting four straight lines, push the rest of the mat board through to create a gap.
Place the newly cut mat board on top of your art, print or fine art photograph and secure in place using your frame.
All of my art prints come with a 1-cm classic white border, as pictured, to make matting more simple.
Trusted framing experts
Of course, if a piece is particularly valuable or if you simply would rather leave the framing process down to the experts, there are a number of reputable framing businesses that can help you to make your new piece of art look stunning, and perfect for its environment. I use a trusted local professional framer with over 20 years experience for all my framing work.
This is a photo of one of my recent custom paintings which I had framed for my client.
One thing I love about my local framer is that I know that they will always be made using high-quality materials. I check all of the frames in person at the framing shop before sending photos to my clients, and then packaging the artwork safely for transport to my clients worldwide.
Want a custom framed artwork?
If you are interested in purchasing an original painting from my collection, or having a custom painting created for you, please get in touch here to find out about my framing options and get a quote.
For more framing ideas and a vast range of artwork, please visit my partner website abstracthouse.com. Shop abstract art prints amongst other beautiful artwork on Abstract House.
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If you would like to have a look at my paintings in person, please feel free to visit the showroom at 107 Pimlico Rd, Belgravia, London SW1W 8PH.
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