THE SKM MAGAZINE
Here you’ll find a wide variety of articles on the subject of art. From interviews with our artists, through articles on art history, to fascinating topics such as ‘Investing in Art’ or ‘Collecting Art’ – there’s something for everyone. The art world is an intuitive one, but a new perspective, a framework or even some background knowledge can change the way you view art and help you place works in context. This can be a fascinating process, and we hope that one or two of these topics will appeal to you and inspire you.
How much does an original painting cost? – Painting prices explained
There is no single, definitive answer to this question. The price range for original works of art extends from a few hundred euros to sums running into millions or even billions. Painting prices are determined by various factors: the artist’s reputation and market standing, the quality and craftsmanship of the work, its rarity, and whether the artist is still alive or already established in art history – put simply: demand on the art market. An original work by an up-and-coming, as yet little-known artist can therefore hardly be compared with a work by Pablo Picasso.
Which works of art are popular at the moment?
By 2026, it will be clear that the question of which works of art are popular can no longer be answered solely on the basis of names or periods, but rather in terms of their impact and relevance. What is in demand is art that moves people, tells a story and, at its best, creates a personal connection. Current favourites reflect precisely the major art trends of 2026 – from emotional depth and tangible materiality to exciting colour palettes that balance earthiness with digital intensity.
Understanding art prizes – the ‘artist factor’ explained
If you’ve ever stood in front of a work of art and asked yourself, “How is the price of art determined?”, you’re not alone. For buyers in particular, pricing often seems hard to grasp. Unlike with property, for example, or in many other sectors, there is no ‘art price index’. Instead, there is another concept that provides greater clarity: the artist factor.
Flower paintings – timeless works of art brimming with life
Flowers are more than just pretty splashes of colour in a vase. They are symbols of beauty, transience and sensuality – and they have been inspiring artists for centuries. No wonder, then, that flower paintings are among the most popular subjects in art history. Whether it’s Monet in a French garden, Van Gogh with his famous sunflowers or Georgia O’Keeffe with her intense close-ups: flower paintings tell stories, capture emotions and bring a piece of nature to the canvas.
Artistic periods as a reflection of human history
Art is more than just an aesthetic experience – it is a mirror of its time. Artistic periods mark important stages in art history and help us to trace the development of ideas, styles, techniques and forms of art across the centuries. Each era tells its own story, shaped by cultural trends, social upheavals and the visions of individual artists. Yet art periods are far more than a mere sequence of dates. They enable us to understand the values, worldviews and realities of life that shaped a society. Thus, paintings, sculptures, architectural works and artistic styles reveal not only something about aesthetic preferences, but also about religion, politics, social hierarchies and technical innovations. Whether it is the spirit of renewal in the Renaissance, the splendour of the Baroque or the interplay of light in Impressionism – every artistic era has its own language.
Famous artists in art history
Art reflects the human experience, and throughout history, famous artists and their works have left an indelible mark on the course of time. From the distinctive brushstrokes of the Renaissance to the bold experiments of the modern era, they have shaped the way we perceive and interpret the world. But who actually counts as a famous artist – and can one even speak of the ‘best painter’? Whilst it is open to debate which names will remain unforgettable in art history and who was the world’s greatest artist, it is also worth taking a look at the present day: Artists such as Gerhard Richter, Georg Baselitz and Anselm Kiefer are shaping the international art scene today. And last but not least, the artworks of tomorrow’s famous artists may well be taking shape right now in the studios of young talents – whom you can discover at the Student Art Market.
Graceful, provocative, famous – "The Birth of Venus
Discover the significance of Botticelli’s *The Birth of Venus* and find out how this Renaissance masterpiece has shaped the world of art. Read it now!
Between everyday life and reality: the world of realist art
Discover the key features of Realist art and learn about some of its most important artists. Read more about this fascinating art style!
Unique, one-of-a-kind pieces for your home – discover and buy them now
What exactly is a ‘unique piece’? The term is derived from the Latin ‘unicus’, which means ‘unique’. That pretty much sums up its meaning, because according to the Duden dictionary, a unique piece is ‘something that exists only once’. In art, this means: a work that cannot be reproduced, that has no identical copy. There is only one original – created in a single moment, by a specific person, with its own unique history.
Salvador Dalí’s melting clocks – “The Persistence of Memory
Melting clocks that seem to flow from a piece of furniture out into the landscape – however abstract this description may be, an image immediately springs to mind – not just any image, but Salvador Dalí’s clock: ‘The Persistence of Memory’ by Salvador Dalí is one of the most famous paintings in the world. The artwork is regarded as one of the key visual creations of Surrealism and conveys a disturbingly still, almost dreamlike scene in which time literally melts away. The famous melting clocks, which drape limply over branches, tables and other objects, have become universal symbols of transience, subjective perception of time and the unconscious. With masterful technique and poetic imagery, Dalí manages to delve deep into the psychological dimension of human memory.
Artworks by Claude Monet: Impressionist masterpieces
Discover Claude Monet’s most significant and unique works of art. Dive into the world of Impressionism now!
From the pavement to the gallery – street artists
From Banksy to KAWS: street artists who are making a difference around the world. Discover their cool artworks and fascinating stories now – click here!
Acrylic paintings: colour, freedom and expression on canvas
Acrylic paintings have enjoyed great popularity for decades – not only amongst professional artists, but also amongst amateur painters. The versatility of acrylic paint, its vibrant colours and quick drying time make acrylic painting a fascinating medium in the world of art. Many renowned artists, such as Andy Warhol, David Hockney and Gerhard Richter, have used acrylic paints to create new forms of artistic expression through bold colour contrasts and innovative techniques.
A Life Devoted to Colour – Artworks by Emil Nolde
The fascinating world of Emil Nolde’s artworks – between Expressionism and a riot of colour. Be inspired now! ✓
Oil in Art – the Fascination of Oil Paintings
For many people, oil paintings are the epitome of classical art. Some of the world’s most famous works of art are painted in oils, such as the ‘Mona Lisa’, ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ and ‘The Starry Night’. Oil paintings are among the most impressive forms of expression in the visual arts. Their intense colour brilliance, the nuanced rendering of light and shadow, and their durability have made them the medium of choice for great artists for centuries.
Girl with a Pearl Earring: the story behind the painting
A captivating glance over the shoulder, a serious, almost mysterious expression, and a glimmer by the ear – the moment you hear the words ‘The Girl with a Pearl Earring’, this striking image immediately springs to mind. But why is this painting so famous? What is the source of the great fascination it inspires? What is the story behind the subject, and who is the Girl with a Pearl Earring?
