#arttwo50

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ARTtwo50 Grows Up and Relaunches as Vango

Nine months after our initial launch, ARTtwo50 is reborn as Vango and brings you a more revolutionary version of our original product. After working around the clock to innovate, grow, and connect artists and buyers across the country, we realized that there was something holding us back -- our name! To be honest (which we always pledge to do), we were pretty tired of explaining how to spell our own name and knew that the company needed something that bounced off the tongue in a memorable way. It may be a nonsense word, but that's part of the reason we love it. Vango has that non-stuffy, super-original ring we needed and we know our artists and buyers will now be able to spread the (much more fun) word.

Ethan Appleby (our CEO) described it like this:

“We wanted a new name that was catchy and didn’t box us in on price, and we were mashing up things that take two people like a marketplace (Tango) and key components (Visualization), and Vango just came out and we loved the sound and the energy.”

With our new name there's no more confusion with spelling and our artists and buyers are not limited to staying within a single ($250) price point. As Vango, it is our hope that expanding the art-buying experience to new price tiers will also increase the variety and size of artworks, as well as lead to more creating. Take a look at our blog to find everything you need to know about the new pricing structure.

Vango on iPhone

Here's where it gets REALLY good. Initially launched as an iPad-only app, we decided it was time to think big, go small, and put works by 2000+ artists in your pocket. Our mixed-up team of tech wizards, design gurus, and art enthusiasts dreamed up Vango for iPhone.

The iPhone app retains the best of the core art-buying experience, while also including improvements in the visualization technology and recommendation algorithm. Basically, we didn't just grow up, we got smarter, too. While you browse through art, favorite pieces, and interact with the app, our program takes notes. That way, the app can learn from you and use that data, along with other inputs such as geography and room color, to give you the best recommendations possible. With Vango on iPhone, your virtual curator of original art is never far away. 

Logo

With a new name comes a bunch of other equally fun stuff, like a colorful logo. The new app icon will look just like the one below, and was created in hopes slipping a piece of art into the sea of apps on your home screen.

   The Team

Don't worry, the same familiar faces (plus a few great additions) are still working behind the scenes, and our goal of shaking up the art world and spreading original art has not changed. We've had a blast getting to know our artists and buyers and have become pretty big super-fans in the process. Yes, we've grown up, but we're still the same fun loving team. So, be sure to say hello and share your thoughts.

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What you Need to Know (and probably don't!)

We’ve got some big news to share and a few things to clarify to make your art hunting ever-so-enjoyable. But first, pat yourself on the back for being original and buying original. Bare walls and boring sameness should be banned, and we’re glad that so many of you agree!  Thanks to those of you who have loved a piece from the Vango collection and made it a new (awesome) part of your happy life, we were able to learn a ton and make some changes that will better suit artists and art buyers alike. So whether you’re the one with paint permanently staining your fingertips or the person staring at that design-dilemma of a blank wall, listen up!

  The important stuff…

For starters, we’ve done our research, we promise. And along the way we’ve found that many artists find the $100 price perfect for some of their works, and $250 suitable for others. Yet, both levels are still comfortable for a beginning art buyer, like someone who wants to begin to build their collection or decorate their home without buyers’ remorse.  

Also, there’s no arbitrary pricing. If an artist is selling artwork at the $500 price point, then there’s good reason. This likely means that a handful of people have bought pieces from this artist and have had overwhelmingly positive results. It’s like friends you haven’t even met are giving you the thumbs up – “Go for it, this art is worth it and needs to be hanging out in your space.”

Plus, we want our artists to grow and keep creating.  With the money earned from a single $250 sale, an artist is able to purchase four canvases, five paint brushes, and six tubes of paint…leading to $2000 in future revenue. Now imagine what that means at $500…we’re guessing about double.

Our transparent pricing model has recently expanded and there are a few key points: 

All artists may begin to sell their work priced at either $100, $250, or both! (When you find a beauty for $100, we’re not April fool-ing you, it’s real life.)

Once an artist sells a total of $500, they can begin to sell works art for $500.

However, when an artist has reached the $500 price point, they can still list art at all $100 and $250.

Artists always receive 80% of the sale, and we cover shipping!

We’ve begun to shake up the art world thanks to your fantastic taste and revolutionary like-mindedness, but we plan on growing even more. In the future, look forward to more pricing options, always without the anxiety of deciding exactly what the price tag should read. 

Remember, we don’t choose when artists unlock a new price point — you do! So now more than ever, just be original. Buy what you like and what feels right for you and your space. 

You can check out all of our works for sale through our carefully crafted Pinterest Boards or get recommendations and visualize the art on your wall in the Vango iOS apps. Either way, keep keeping the original alive. 

Here are some works from each price tier to help you get an idea of what each one might look like:

I am a Rainbow by Robert and Michelle Casarietti  ($100)

Portraits by Shant Beudjekian ($100)

From Above and Below by Eric Siebenthal ($250)

The Good Read by Elizabeth Jose ($250)

Orchid I by dyd art ($500)

Volta by Elizabeth MD Vuong ($500)

Have any questions? Email [email protected] for a friendly reply. 

[vangoapp]

Say Hello to Spring

If you read last week's blog, you know that we have adventure on the brain. Spring is officially here, and with more daylight, comes more opportunity. As we zero in on some of the longest days on the calendar, we want to make sure you are ready to take in every glorious sun-soaked hour.  We set out on a mission to find the best possible ways to ring in the grass-greening, bird-chirping, flower-budding months of the year, and came up with some pretty colorful (no pun intended) results. 

Mark your calendars and put your party hats-- we're offering up some of the most unique parties from around the globe and pairing them with artworks from the ARTtwo50 collection for some added inspiration.

1. Holi Festival 

Traditionally celebrated in Northern India, this color festival sends powdery bursts of seasonal hues into the air in honor of Hindu mythology. This year's celebration has passed, but check out all of the Holi-inspired events around the world for a piece of the action.

Thin Section 2 (penetrating rainbows) by Blake Brasher

2. Songkran Water Festival

photography by Getty Images

This wet fest takes takes place April 13 and marks the Thai new year. Splashing, throwing, and spraying water at one another is fully encouraged, as it marks the washing away of negativity in preparation for a fresh start. 

Rain by Devika Keskar

3. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 

Second to only Mardis Gras, the New Orleans Jazz festival blends all of the smooth sounds of jazz with new-age music influencers and a fun-loving care-free southern lifestyle. A party that helped launch the careers of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, Jazz Fest in NOLA promises show stopping entertainment on the last weekend in April and first weekend in May.

Joy of Bass by Darlene Newman

4. Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling and Wake

photography by Getty Images

Originally an annual tradition for Brit's only, the free-wheeling Cooper's Hill competition has opened its arms to one and all. If racing after a 9 lb wheel of cheese sounds like your thing, rally some friends and grab a patch of grass this May 26.

Evergreen Meadow by Ron Pentz

5. Queen's Day

As if the city of Amsterdam needed a reason to party... Nonetheless, Queen's Day erupts every April 30th and takes place on the birthday of Queen Beatrix's mother. For an undisputed good time, just throw on some orange and join the Dutch in celebrating her highness. 

Orange Tutor by Technicolor Audiohistoric

6. Bay to Breakers

photography by Getty Images

One of the world's largest and wildest races, this San Francisco tradition is part fitness and part fun. You can come in running shorts or in a tutu-- either way, you probably won't have the craziest get-up there. The 12km course starts along the Embarcadero and stretches across the cityscape until the crashing breakers cheer finishers across the line. Head to SF on the third Sunday of May to see what the city is really all about.

SF Street View by Willy Owens

We find that we never feel so alive as in the Springtime. So get going and knock one (or a few) of the world's best and most outrageous celebrations off that bucket list. And, if you have a rollicking good time happening in your neighborhood this Spring, let us know, and email [email protected] or invite us to the party on Facebook.

For more art inspiration, just click on any work to find out more details and stay tuned for our seasonally inspired Pinterest board.

Happy Spring!

[vangoapp]

The Art of the Bachelor Pad Upgrade

Your college beer posters are sort of impressive. You look at them and are immediately whisked back to fall of '04 and lugging an ingeniously disguised keg across the quad  (you covered it with a sheet and called it a ghost). We get it, those were the glory days of beer for breakfast and cereal for dinner. But we have to believe that times have changed. You're probably not cutting class to play dizzy bat anymore, just like you're probably not listening to Usher. 

So we're guessing the sweet bachelor pad you've called home for a few years now could maybe use an upgrade or two... something that says, I'm a real, full-functioning person now. And although we respect your nostalgic poster-art, we can't imagine the frayed edges and persistent wrinkles are casting the vibes you'd like. 

Don't know where to start? We're here to help and good news, upgrading is simple. We've come up with some tips and guidelines to finding the right art for the sacred walls of you bachelor pad, man-card well intact. 

Swap beer for wine. 

We all know nothing says sophistication like a glass of red wine (and be honest, you like the taste now too). Try a twist on an traditional still-life to show off your upgraded pallet and eye. 

Wine - Ding Down by Iris Forbes

Highlight a Vintage Toy. 

There's something too cool about motorcycles-- edgy, fast, dangerous. This piece mixes a badass piece of machinery with a sweet vintage feel that adds a tinge of style. 

1924 Borough Superior Profile by Paul Lockhart

An interesting cityscape.

But actually, make it interesting. Your first attempt at decor may have been a standard New York City skyline poster, but don't be afraid to be original. An original piece gives a unique perspective at a city's landscape.

Downtown (San Francisco) by Gretchen Andrus

Go for Abstract. 

Explore and discover. Test out the abstract waters and latch on to whatever feels right for you. Sometimes a pop of your favorite color or some in-your-face texture will catch your eye. Go with your gut here. 

Good things are happening by Dan Bunea

Pick a passion. 

Let your walls say a little something about you, your passions, and your goals. Art can do everything a poster can, plus the added bonus of originality and maturity points. If you're attached to a sports venue or hobby, there's a piece of art out there for you. 

Surf on by Sonali Kukreja

For more original art download the Vango iOS app and get the right works recommended for you. Killer updates are coming up that will bring the perfect art to your wall(s), so stay tuned.

In the meantime, email [email protected] for more insight into the art of the bachelor pad upgrade. 

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An Homage to Art's Oldest Subject

Our behind the scenes work at ARTtwo50 rocks. We get to preview every single piece of original art and get it ready to hang out in the marketplace and hang up on your wall.  We feel like we're talking to our artists, catching a sneak peak of the ever-changing art world, and getting to know each creator through unique lines, brushstrokes, and details. And it's not entirely uncommon that we refer to our favorite artists by first name (we take these relationships pretty seriously!). So when the masterminds are trying to tell us something, we listen! 

The Longhorns by Elizabeth Sullivan 

As we took in the waves of artwork headed our way over the last few weeks, we found ourselves encountering furry four-legged friends, colorful plumes, and creatures of the outdoors alike. A little baffled we hadn't paid more attention to one of art's favorite subjects previously (thank god for our artists), we didn't waste any time giving them a big shout out.

After all, animals appear in the first artistic renderings on the cave walls of Lascaux and they've been popping up around the art world ever since. Just think of Durer's studies, royal hound portraits, and Rauschenberg's seemingly incomprehensible combines. Animals --jumping, running, posing, playing cards, or just sporting a waist-tire -- everywhere.

Monogram, (1955-59) by Robert Rauschenberg

Whatever medium they may take, our animal friends are here to stay. Our latest Pinterest board brings you all of the original works in the ARTtwo50 collection inspired by the animal kingdom. Follow to see how this generation of artists incorporate and celebrate one of art's oldest (and furriest) subjects. Find a piece you like? Go straight into the ARTtwo50 iPad app and find its artist to see how the work adds a little originality to your space.

Follow ARTtwo50's board ARTtwo50: Animals on Pinterest.

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A Year of (awesome) Firsts

Quite simply, 2013 rocked. For us, it will forever mark the year we started to ARTaREVOLUTION and shake up the sleepy art world with an iPad and some originality.

It’s been a radical, awesome year of breakthroughs, innovation, and most importantly, art. We started out chalking the streets of San Francisco and ended up featured in a handful of Apple App Store collections. If we’ve learned one thing, it’s that art can take you anywhere you want to go. 

As the year comes to a close, we want to party like it's 2013 one last time. Here's a look back at what we've accomplished thanks to a lot of passion and a fantastic group of artists and supporters.  

1. The Core Four all relocated to San Francisco to attack ARTtwo50 full-time and put art on your wall.

Co-founders Brandon Flayler, Ethan Appleby, Patrick Coughlin, and Win Raguini pictured above. 

2. Some San Francisco-based Artist Ambassadors hit the pavement to chalk it up. 

3. We talked to our artists and captured it on video. Then we kept talking to them and let the hands behind the art drive our iPad app. 

4. ARTtwo50 tracked down a few helping hands (interns) and affectionally dubbed them the "Summer Saviors"...even when they hacked the blog. 

5. We hit the pre-launch grind, clocking long hours, running on caffeine, and using artist inspiration to keep us going. 

6. LAUNCH! On a lovely Wednesday afternoon in sunny San Francisco, we popped a bottle of champagne and celebrated ARTtwo50's entrance into the App Store...and then we got back to work! Now you can visualize original art on in your space before you buy. 

7. The App and our Artists saw their name in print next to some favorable reviews and stellar commentary. 

8. The first sale!  Stars aligned and our first artist-buyer connection was made.  A fine art major and recent college grad, artist Gina Sciannameo sold her painting Lagoon of Stars to Trisha Derr, a mathematician with the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Lagoon of Stars by Gina Sciannameo

9. Apple put us at the top of a list of New and Noteworthy Apps.

10. To Pinterest! No iPad, no Problem.  After some helpful user feedback, we decided to give you more art at your fingertips all the time, and we took to Pinterest to form an online marketplace.  

11. Then, we threw a little originality behind gift giving and created ARTtwo50 giftcards. Wedding, housewarming, Christmas, Birthday...we've got you covered with a unique and memorable present.  

12. And to round out the year, Apple calls us one their Great Free Apps!

WOO, what a year. And now with only hours left in 2013, the revolution is in full swing. We could not be more thrilled with the past twelve months, and we're ready and rearing to kick of the next dozen. 

Join us in taking on what we expect to be a whirlwind of a 2014, and keep up with us at every step. Share your art, your design dilemma, or just say hi via Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest,

Here's to an artful 2014. 

Happy New Year!

The ARTtwo50 Team

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Cozy up at Home for the Holidays

As temperatures descend and the first snowy signs of winter appear (for most of us, anyway), we thought it might be the perfect time to remind ourselves of the most important place in the wintertime - home. Let's face it - shopping lines aren't getting any shorter and the winter chill has is here to stay. So why fight it? Sit back, cuddle up, and revel in the holiday spirit from the comfort of your own abode. 

After some lively holiday-induced debate, we've concocted a step-by-step plan for cozying up at home. Hop on our Winter Wonderland Pinterest Board to see some of our inspiration, or start relaxing right away. 

Step 1: Warm your walls.

We firmly believe that a home with blank walls just isn't so cozy.  So, we've filled our newly created board with artwork inspired by the season. All original, all $250.

Wintry Blast by Nancy Williams

Winter Rhapsody by Lana Wynne

Step 2: Get your hot cocoa fix

Step 3: Knock out last minute shopping. Looking for something original, meaningful, personal? Stuff stockings with art this year.

Get 3 free $30 giftcards with a purchase NOW - December 16. Look here for more original works.

Step 4:  Snack on holiday treats. Maybe even make them yourself!

(here's the recipe!)

Step 5: Curl up by the fire. 

Step 6: Revisit some classics. Dr. Seuss's The Grinch (we prefer the original) and A Charlie Brown Christmas rank among our favorites. 

Relaxed yet? Just because the holidays often bring unnecessary hustle and bustle, shouldn't mean you you don't get to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year. Follow these holiday musts and enjoy every bit of this season. 

While you're at it, be sure to update your ARTtwo50 app to our latest version (with BIG updates) and keep helping spread the original art love. 

Happy Holidays! 

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Ten Pieces We're Thankful For this Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! 

We all have a lot to be thankful for this year, which makes celebrating this holiday all the better. Big or small, the good things in life deserve a special shout-out on a day like today. For many people (and definitely for us), art is one of those great aspects of life that we might take for granted in hustle and bustle of everyday living. But just think-- a world without art?! How boring! 

So as you slip into your post-third helping slumber, relax and take a look at ten works that we're thankful for this Thanksgiving.

1.  Trove by Nire Nah (18"x 6")

2. Pines by Carlynne Hershberger

3. Twins by Bryan Dubreuil (24" x 24")

4. Untitled (Think for Yourself, black, red, & yellow) (17.25 x 21.25)

5. Boots Motel Deconstructed by Jeffrey Sass (10"x10")

6. Elk by Kathleen Ney(15" x 12")

7. None of us are free if one of us are chained - figure 1 by Walter Wilcox (24" x 24")

8. Ballet by Linda McCarthy (12" x 24")

9. Pueblo Sunset by Leana Gadbois-Sills (48" x 36")

10. Avoidance by Margaret Park (20" x 16")

There's a lot more where these came from, and it was pretty tough to narrow it down to just ten. To see more, check out our Pinterest page and browse all of our artists' works. There's everything from oil to mixed media, so if you find something you like, just click on the image to enlarge it, then once more to buy it!

Remember, all artwork is also right at your fingertips in the iPad app, and you can try each piece out to see how it will look in YOUR space. If you haven't already, download the app today and never leave a wall art-less again.

Now enjoy your Thanksgiving and go get that pumpkin pie!