Garden Decor Art Sculpture at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

Be careful always to choose garden decor art sculpture sculpture that is in keeping with the architecture of the house and general surroundings, and with the overall atmosphere you are trying to achieve in the garden decor art sculpture. For example, a small statue of a pig or a cat, say, which is definitely rustic and informal in character, will look out of place against the formal outline of a grand, dignified house. Such a building calls for a more formal treatment and demands a grand, impressive statue that is more in keeping with its style. The most dramatic results can be obtained by positioning a sculpture at the end of a vista. Alternatively, it can be placed at the sharp bend of a path, or at the junction of two paths, so that the piece can be seen from both directions. Sited centrally at the back of an area, it can act as a focal point, but set asymmetrically to offset the curve of a flower bed, the object will create a more relaxed and informal effect. For greater formality, doorways and stairs can be flanked by sculpture. Sculpture can also be used as a counterpoint to a particularly bold plant, or it can be used to distract the eye from an unsightly feature such as a garbage can or a compost pile.

Sculpture of the Late Renaissance in Italy followed two paths : one which exaggerated Michelangelo's use of pronounced muscles, twisting poses and elongated figures; and the other which more clearly was inspired directly by the antique. The Michelangelesque manner was used mostly for large works: architectural sculpture, fountains, public monuments and tombs. The classicizing tendency was pronounced in garden decor art sculpture sculpture and bronze statuettes. Important sculptors of the period venuto Cellini, famous as a goldsmith (1500-1571), Bartolommeo Ammanati (1511-1592), the Italianized Fleming, Giovanni da Bologna (Jean Boulogne, known as Giambologna, 1529P-1608), and the Venetian, Alessandro Vittoria (1524-1608).

Contrasting a single pattern with a limited number of solid colors requires thought and planning. The size, style, and colors of the pattern all need to be selected carefully so they harmonize with the rest of the decor. When it comes to combining two or more patterns that match or contrast with one another, the challenge is that much greater. However, by following a few guidelines, you will quickly see how to use a variety of patterns to create a strikingly successful decorative scheme.