Overview
Garden sculptures are an individual choice. They reflect the tastes and values of the homeowner. But there are a few things for anyone to consider before purchasing a sculpture. The following information should serve as a helpful tool in deciding exactly what a person wants out of his garden sculpture.
Attraction
The beauty of garden sculptures, like any painting or mosaic, is in the eye of the beholder. Some people can look at a metal sculpture of a butterfly and find it calming. Others can see the same sculpture and think it is a little tacky. But garden sculptures, regardless of what others think, are a way of both drawing attention to the surroundings and showing off one's unique sense of style.
Materials
Garden sculptures can be made of recycled materials.Garden sculptures are subject to the elements, so the construction has to include sturdy materials. Sculptures can be made of metal, dead trees, clay, stone or concrete. They can also be made of recycled materials, which can show off not only a person's sense of style, but also her commitment to recycling and reusing.
Designs
Garden sculptures come in every shape and size imaginable, from small metal plants to huge concrete Apollo statues. If a trip to the local garden sculpture supplier does not yield the desired results, a few quick Internet searches will show exactly where a person can find any sculpture they desire.
If someone wants a one-of-a-kind garden sculpture, commissioning an artist who specializes in outdoor art is always an option.
Costs
Garden sculptures tend to be very heavy because of the material with which they are made. The cost of shipping can make even lower-cost sculptures be very, very expensive. Depending on how detailed the sculpture is or how large it is, it might be cheaper to commission a local artist.
But it is important to remember that this sculpture will stay outside. With everything that is left outside, unattended for the better part of the day, there is a chance it could get stolen or broken. In heavy winds and rain, there is always a chance it could be damaged. These are things to keep in mind before spending a lot of money on garden art.
Placement
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering the placement of a garden sculpture. A person would definitely want the sculpture to be seen, so putting it behind shrubbery or leafy plants may not be the best idea. Also, placing it in the middle of the yard can detract from the rest of the garden. Many people want art to add value to the existing landscape. Unless the person is trying to deflect attention from the plants, it is important to consider how a large or colorful sculpture will fit into the bigger picture without being gaudy or distracting.
Lighting
Solar yard lights are an environmentally friendly way to show off a sculpture.The addition of a garden sculpture usually leads to a discussion about lighting. Does a person want to be able to see the sculpture from the patio on a warm summer night? Or is it something that can be fully appreciated during the daytime?
If the sculpture needs to be seen at night, as well as in the daytime, there are a few lighting tips to keep in mind. Solar lights are a great option because they do not require electrical wiring from the house. Bulb lights are another option, but they will require electrical wiring and will have to be replaced on a fairly regular basis. However, the advantage of bulb lights is that a person can switch to a colored bulb if it would better enhance the appearance of the garden and the garden sculptures.
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