With his extraordinary eye for detail, sense of exquisite style and love of storytelling, fine artist Rino Gonzalez has amassed a great following.   Many around the world admire the artist's skill for creating such striking realism.  His much sought after oil paintings are usually acquired even before completion.  In addition, he has been commissioned to produce numerous paintings for art collectors both locally and abroad.  Romance combined with his eye for detail, allows his work to tell a story with a true emotion that has entranced numerous admirers around the world.

Gingerbread Cottage is based on a real 19th Century house I discovered in Southern England. The whimsical structure with its brick, stone, wood filigree, shingle siding, awnings, dormers, and spires, revels in a spirit of romantic excess. Here is the fairy-tale charm of Hansel and Gretel's Gingerbread Cottage brought to life.

My wife has been telling our clients "sheetrock the garage" for years as an answer to "I have no wall space".  Well, according to the latest edition of Décor magazine she was just ahead of her time.  Here are their ideas for places to hang artwork.

The article reads:
I see more and more people hanging art in their garages.  There are things that you love, that make you laugh or remind you of a fun trip, but they just don't work with your home's design statement.  I had one client who blew up fun photos in black and white and framed them all in thin black metal.  Their garage turned out to be a fun room that you park you car in.  We use that room almost everyday, so why not?

Most people look for something to go over the sofa or mantel.  Bookcases, especially the larger and deeper openings, are another spot. Adding artwork, instead of books, gives more interest to the space.

Hands down, artwork over the fireplace in the great room or living room still remains the main focus.  However, artwork is now being used throughout the entire home, especially in kitchens and baths.  There is also a trend toward artwork in specially designed garage interiors.

• Repeat a color at least three times in a room.
• Relate your art to its surroundings.  Art placed six to nine inches above a sofa will create a unified look.
• Cover two-thirds of the space above a piece of furniture with one or more pieces of art to achieve pleasing proportions.
• Position artwork at "eye level" --approx. 64" to the center of the art.
• Vary the height of tabletop accessories for balance and interest.
• Create a formal look with symmetrical groupings of art.  Create an informal look with asymmetrical groupings.
• Place mirrors so they reflect something beautiful.  Use them to add dimension, expand space or reflect light in a room.
• Display art on easels to create interest in corners, bookcases or on tabletops.

Next time your looking for somewhere to just get away to during the day visit Murhut Falls.  From THE GALLERY go north on Hwy 101 past Shelton to Hoodsport, approx. 22 miles north of Hoodsport on 101 turn left on Duckabush Rd. go 7.7 miles to the trailhead (it is clearly marked but not a very big sign) the trail is .8 miles to the falls, moderate hike, nicely cared for trail through beautiful timber.  This time of year there is lots of water pouring over the falls so go as soon as you can.   Remember to take your camera (and bring in those pictures for framing) to THE GALLERY.