Sculptures

Your inner Picasso

Leonardo DiVinci had his Mona Lisa, Schubert had his Serenade, Hemingway had his Kilimanjaro, and Michelangelo had his David. Yet, for great inspiration, many of us need look no further than our own backyards. Lawn sculptures and garden statues have become, for many, the perfect way to express their artistic creativity. The enormous array of outdoor sculptures is an indication of the growing number of garden Picassos who've discovered that the best way to create their very own work of art is to start with outdoor sculpture. Before beginning your artistic journey, it's helpful to have an idea of the following:

Setting

As any designer will tell you, where you place a sculpture is as important as the sculpture itself. Much about your selection, such as shape, size, and color will depend on the setting you choose. Remember, too, that garden sculptures don't have to be obvious. Sometimes the most delightful sculpture is the one hidden in a bank of ferns, or waiting secretly behind a tree.

Material

Think carefully about what material will best harmonize with your landscape. Not only is there an endless variety of styles, shapes, and sizes to choose from, but outdoor sculptures can be made from almost any material. Below are some you'll want to consider:

Size

Sculpture sizes range from small enough to fit in your hand, to those that will require special transportation. Have a general idea of your size limitations before you start looking, and keep in mind the extra effort and expense of transporting and anchoring larger items.

Style

Traditional statues feature the lifelike sculptures of plants, animals, humans, dwarves, angels, etc. Designed to give your landscape a classic feel and include many inanimate castings such as fountains, sundials, and bird baths.

Abstract sculptures tend to be more imaginative and highly stylized depictions. They are often inspired by geometrical shapes as well as traditional life forms. Totems poles, windmills, mobiles, and gazing balls, although traditional in many ways, are generally thought of as abstract art and allow you more ways to improvise with color and form.

Whether it be your favorite patron saint or a geometric wind whistle, statues and sculptures are an awesome way to give your home a distinctive feel.