It is said, "Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his paintings." If true, then there must also be a soulful connection between the artist, the art, and the admirer. For when a painting speaks to you it's like sharing an experience or an emotion with the artist, across time and distance.

Of all the details of decorating a room, nothing communicates more naturally than artwork. Artwork for your home should be a reflection of your own personality or, perhaps, an expression of who you long to be. Whether your character is contemporary, modern, or traditional, artwork should inspire the design and feel of your living space. Of all the wonderful local artists we have in Northern Virginia, I am drawn particularly to the unique artistry of Pamela Steuart of Ashburn and of Kevin Chadwick of Waterford. These two artists have two very different styles but both are driven by emotional expression, whether it be impressionistic country landscapes, still life, or European cityscapes.

Pamela Steuart is as expressive as her paintings. "I like to paint contemporary trees and landscapes, then set them against very traditional (even impressionist) skyscapes. I also paint from a "fisheye" perspective and apply that technique to home portraiture." Pamela Steuart offers this advice for homeowner art admirers, "… the only criteria I think is worthwhile is that the piece speak to you personally. Art shouldn't "match" and obviously a Picasso would be an investment, but why would you want to look at anything unless it makes your heart swell, puts you at peace, reminds you of a place, a time or a person. Art has to evoke some emotional response within the owner."

Independently, Kevin Chadwick agrees, "… you should also never buy a painting or work of art for the signature alone looking at it strictly from an investment standpoint. No one can predict the values and styles that fade in and out through the years. Art speaks to everyone differently and it doesn't matter if you are looking at an old water painting or your son's crayon drawing. If you respond to it and the art stirs an emotion, the painting is for you and will be treasured for years to come."

Kevin Chadwick varies his style from impressionistic to tight realism, and is also a talented 'copy' artist. If given a painting technique to reproduce he can recreate most anything for a client.

However, both artists also agree that their best work comes from within their own souls. Chadwick says candidly, "…I find that when I am working on a canvas for a specific client's need or request I tend to tense up a bit. A painting can easily show this tightness and I have to relax, trust my talent and let my creativity flow. When working on my own personal paintings I am free to express myself and I can push myself in any direction. In the end, the only critic for those works is myself. I feel an artists best paintings are the personal ones done for only for themselves with total unbridled spontaneous emotion."

Pamela Steuart concurs. "When I am working with a client, I have to take the requirements that they have given me, find a focus that "catches" me and work in that direction until I feel the personality of the piece begin to form. When I paint for myself through my own instincts, I don't have to find that at all. It's just the opposite. Something will "make" me paint!"

There are people who want to decorate their house once and for all by filling the space with some things that fit and look nice. On the other hand, many of us love the hunt.

Collecting art over time can be exciting and adventurous. For collectors, patience finds that special piece that returns rewards for a lifetime. Auctions, country fairs, and antique shops are great places to find a certain artist or the unexpected. Of course originals or antique pieces usually hold their value, but, for me, if it's something my children drew or painted, it's priceless. At the end of the day, artwork for the home is truly personal. Sometimes it takes one piece inherited from a family member, or stumbling on something when you least expect it to find a certain interest in a style or particular artist.

Sofas and chairs, curtains and pillows come and go, but a work of art must reach into the soul to stand on it's own. If you love it, you will find the perfect place for it!