Category Archives: Uncategorized

Breaching Whale

World Whale Day

Breaching whale

“For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it.” – Jacques-Yves Cousteau

As nature photographers with an emphasis on the ocean and marine wildlife, we spend a lot of time on the ocean. The earth’s largest mammal never ceases to take our breath away… each and every encounter is so special.

Fascinating facts about whales

  • Gray whales have one of the longest yearly migrations of any mammal…up to 10,000 miles round trip.
  • Killer whales can live more than 100 years
  • The Blue whale is the largest animal on the planet…weighing as much as 200 tons.
  • Male humpbacks are known for their songs which can be heard for miles underwater and repeated for hours during breeding season.
Transient Orca hunting near Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park.
Gray Whale off the coast of Ventura, California with Anacapa Island in the background.
Wave Art

Using Art to Create Emotion

AFTER- Energizing workspace. 30″x60″ “Winter Storm” Metal Print

We underestimate the impact that our surroundings have on us.  The clutter, emptiness and everything in-between, all change how we move and respond in our space.  Have you ever noticed how your body responds to visual stimulation? We feel happier when we see a reminder of pleasant memories, relaxed when we see landscapes, or pain when we see images of suffering.  Art connects you to the experience you wish to create in the space.

Take the time to think about how you want to feel in the room.  Do you want an oasis for your master suite because it is the only space that is yours?

AFTER- Your own oasis.  33″x33″ “Lovely Petals”

 

Is your work space uninspiring and you never seem to want to be in it?

AFTER- Inspiring and inviting workstation.  33″x50″ “Sunstreaks” Modern Wood Print

 

Do you spend hours on end in the kitchen and need a rich view of the outdoors to keep you from going stir-crazy?

AFTER- Transporting scenic for daydreaming. 30″x60″ “Lasting Layers” Metal Print

 

Are your patients cringing by the time they see you because they have been staring at stressful medical posters?

BEFORE- Treatment room overload!

Studies show local scenic photography calms patients and reduces the need for medication.

AFTER- Relaxing escape. 30″x90″ “Purple Mountain Majesty” on Canvas

What do you want to feel?  Create your own reality, with art!

 

Ocean Abstract Art

Art as Your Design Inspiration

55″x55″ “Maui Shorebreak” Acrylic Print

Sometimes a room is just uninspiring and we don’t know how to break free from the “blah”.  Other times we just want a change but don’t want to buy a whole new room.  Art can be the inspiration you need!

“Liquid Crystal” on Acrylic 50″x33″

Take a room with a neutral color palette, add a piece of art, and pull colors and textures from the art into the space with small textiles like pillows and throw blankets, or decor items like candle holders, vases or trays.

27″x40″ “Blue Sky Palms” Wrap Canvas

You can also create a color palette from a few colors, and then later, mix it up by swapping out the accent colors with a new combination taken from your art. By pulling the art into the room with color, you create a rich, 3-dimensional experience.

Horses Galloping in the Ocean

Art as the Finishing Touch in Your Space

30″x60″ “Champagne Curl” Metallic Acrylic

Most of us don’t have the luxury of creating a room all at once.  We often piece it together, incorporating heirloom pieces, unexpected treasures, and functional purchases.  How do you make all of these pieces feel like they belong?  Art.

36″x72″ “Aftermath” over a sectional sofa.

Wall art has the unique ability to tie a room together, incorporating all the little elements and making the room look cohesive and intentional. Our in-house designer can help you find a piece of art that hits all the checkpoints.  Contact us today for your complementary consultation and get ready for the transformation!

Breathtaking Moments in the Camargue

“Moments that take your breath away”… As a photographer, this is what I live for. I recently was so fortunate to get to travel to the south of France and join a small group of photographers on a weekend filled with awe inspiring and breathtaking beauty.
I was immediately enamored with their powerful beauty and playful curiosity. This ancient breed of horses are semi wild but cared for by the guardians (cowboys) who dedicate their lives to these amazing creatures. It was so special to observe the relationships between the horses and also the bonds with the guardians.

After galloping through the water they would take breaks by playfully rolling in the sand, or soaking up the sunshine as the salt water dried on their glistening coats. Other more curious horses would come up close, nudging for a scratch or give us a little nibble. They are known for their intelligence, agility and stamina.

There were lots of foals… ready and eager to get in on the fun. The babies are born a darker color and lighten as they get older.

Being marshland, it was best to dress for deep water so we could get in close. One misstep and that would be the end of my camera gear.

       

This guy had a sense of humor and enjoyed sneaking up and tugging on my scarf when I wasn’t watching!

Images are available now in the Ventura, California, gallery and on the website.

Join us for an opening reception for this new collection:

July 21, 2018
6-8pm
Light Refreshments
Latitudes Fine Art Gallery
401 E. Main St.
Ventura, CA 93001
805-642-5257

 

“Horses of the Camargue” – Arts & Eats Downtown Ventura- Art Reception

For July’s Arts & Eats reception, photographer, Stephanie Hogue will be here to share images from her latest project, “The Horses of the Camargue”. The marshlands of the Camargue in southern France, provide an exquisite backdrop for this ancient breed of horses. Experience this world through her eyes and discover their majestic and ethereal beauty.

Saturday, July 21, 2018
6pm-8pm
Latitudes Fine Art Gallery
401 E. Ventura, CA 93001
805-642-5257

Click here for Facebook event page

Arts & Eats is a free bi-monthly event in Downtown Ventura where participating galleries, restaurants and shops provide a special event for the evening including art and small tasty bites for guests to enjoy and stroll from stop to stop.

Click here for the Arts& Eats Ventura facebook page with other participating venue information.

Art for your Wall

Artwork Lighting

We often get asked how to properly light our artwork.  When artwork is lit well, it becomes the focal point of the room and can look lit from within. There are many ways to light art, this is the method we prefer.

Distance from art:

Based on your ceiling height and artwork hanging height, angle the light down at a 30° angle to reduce glare.

Spread of light:

Cross directional lights mean wider spread of light, less hot spots, more even coverage. Once you have determined the distance from the art to install your lights, you need to determine how many lights are needed.  Our rule of thumb is pieces 40″ and less in width require only one light, 60″ wide requires two lights, and 80″ wide requires three, 100″ requires 4 lights.  This is a good starting point, adjust for your specific location and lighting type.

Light bulb types:

Generally, LED bulbs are preferred for artwork because they provide little to no heat or UV damage to the art.  Look for a color range of 3000-4200 K (Kelvin) often called “Bright White” (3000) and “Cool White” (4100) to provide the most accurate color.

Lighting types:

We utilize track lighting in the gallery because we have many pieces on our walls, change our displays frequently and they allow the greatest range of motion.  In residential settings, recessed can lights are more popular.  Look for a style with an adjustable eyeball that can angle down to meet your need of 30°, like these or these.  If overhead lighting isn’t an option due to installation or ceiling height issues, try art lights like these from Modulightor or Academy Light.

Enjoy your new, fabulously lit art!

 

Employee & Corporate Gifts

Employee & Corporate Gifts

Let your employees know just how much you appreciate them with a gift of art.  We have many small items you can mix and match to create a custom package for every member of your team.  Some popular company gifts include our Coffee Table Book, and the Book Bag Bundle (Ventura Gallery exclusive), 10″x10″ Modern Wood Prints, Gift Certificates and our NEW Latitudes Calendars, available in desktop and traditional wall mount styles.  Give a gift that lasts all year and makes your team even stronger.

 

Need more ideas? Check out our Stocking Stuffers post and our master Gift Guide.

Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide  Give a gift that will wow this year, and find something for everyone on your list! Our images are available in any size and finish, with many available in stock and ready to grab & go.

Few things can transform a space, as simply and quickly as art.  It has the power to change the entire feel of any room, and since many of our days are spent indoors, it is the perfect way to change your world.  Surround yourself with things that you love.

Art gifts for Her
Art gifts for Him
Art gifts- Photographer Picks
Art gifts- Designer & Consultant Picks
Art gifts- $100-$500
Art gifts- Customer Favorites
Art gifts- Stocking Stuffers, Certificates and Gifts Under $150
Art gifts- Employee & Corporate Gifts

 

To receive your artwork by December 24th, be sure to place your order by December 12th.

Need more help finding the perfect works for your loved ones? Please contact our consultants today, and let us help you “find yours”.

Art Gifts- Designer & Consultant Picks

Art gifts- Designer & Consultant Picks

Stephanie and Steve are constantly taking new photos so each year we like to ask our designer and consultants what pieces stand out for them in 2017. Here’s what they had to say!

Our designer’s favorite: “Rainbow Eucalyptus” on metal in 25″x50″. “I love pieces that you can get lost in.  There is so much to discover and it’s new every time I look at it.”- Tasha

Our Consultant, Kelsea’s pick, “Fire & Ice” on Metal. “I love how the glowing lava pierces through the image and the vibrant contrast it creates with the water and rocks. Definitely a powerful statement piece!”

Our Consultant, Brianna’s pick, “Happy Honu” on Metal. “I love how this piece attracts guests of all ages! It’s like watching a high def television on pause.”

Our Consultant, Alex’s pick, “Orca at Arch Rock” on acrylic. “I love seeing my favorite creature through Steve’s eyes and the acrylic really makes it come to life!”