DECOR Shop for artwork when in cyberspace

The Internet is full of sites that offer every style.
By ROSEMARY SADEZ FRIEDMANN
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Art is a personal thing. You either like it or you don't. At least that's what most people seem to think. But there's more to art than just liking it or not. Art can be healing, calming, exciting, boring, argumentative or alluring, just to mention a few adjectives.
Psychiatrists have been known to use art as therapy. Hotels use art to attract patrons. And art galleries are never in need of visitors. So there must be something to this art thing.
But you're probably wondering what you have in common with the psychiatrist, hotelier and art gallery owner. Many things. Psychiatrist: You want the art in your home or office to be enjoyable, and that is something that is therapeutic. Hotelier: You want art that is attractive and complimentary to your surroundings. Art gallery: OK, so you might not want constant visitors, but real art collectors do have galleries of sorts just for personal enjoyment.
As an interior designer, I know the high point of the design process is at hand and at stake after the furnishings have been selected and the time has come to look at art. Accessories make or break a room, and art is a major accessory. What rooms are more important than others? Well, that depends. If the art is formal or otherwise special, the living room and dining room would house it well. Which rooms do you spend the most time in? Put your favorites in there. Calming art will do well in the bedroom.
So where do you go for art? Many furniture stores and design studios display nice complimentary art in their vignettes. Fine art stores are certainly full of beautiful pieces. There are accessory shops that are dedicated to selling artifacts of various forms. But what if you want to shop and not even leave the comfort of your home? Try some online viewing of art. Here are some suggestions for your viewing pleasure.
UNicole Pascal has some interesting art that is new and unique combining conventional commercial art with feng shui and color therapy techniques. There are literally hundreds of designs in her collection. Visit www.nicolepascal.com and see some interesting concepts.
UWhat about art that is painted onto walls such as in faux painting, murals (on walls or on canvas), trompe l'oeil and such artistic sundries? A must-see Web site for this is www.sweetartstudios.com.
UThen there's www.art.net, which offers a variety of artists' works. This is a virtual space where artists join together in sharing their art with others on the Internet.
UDo you like splashes of color? Then visit www.nancyhall.com for bold and bright art.
Most of the above Web sites also have hyperlinks to other Web pages, so you might want to have that morning cup of coffee with you or that evening cocktail when you log on and visit these sites. You're in for some enjoyable viewing.
XFor a copy of "Investing in Fine Art", send $2 plus a long, self-addressed stamped envelope to L & amp;M, PMB 229, PO Box 413005, Naples, Fla. 34103-3005. Be sure to mention the title.