I'd like to know who did all the paintings for this movie. They were gorgeous! Kudos to the artist who painted them!
20 Reviews
The art work gets an 8
kathytexan-125857 January 2020
Three reasons i like this more than usual Hallmark movies.
economopoulos-786607 September 2019
- Taylor Cole and Steve Lund. In some Hallmark movies i don't like any of the lead actors, in some just one of them and in others both. In this case it's certainly the latter.
- The art. Hallmark makes movies about photography and painting all the time. Too many times the work of supposed talented or successful artists is just ridiculous. Not this time though.
- The twist. You know how in every Hallmark movie the stars break up with ten minutes left in the movie and get back together three minutes before the end? Hallmark does it because it works, it adds a dramatic effect that usually makes the entire movie better. But after watching hundreds of Hallmark movies, this not happening for once is a very welcome twist
Good Chemistry, fun watch.
Victor-J-196415 January 2018
Dr. Harper Higgins (Taylor Cole) is an art adjunct professor hoping that an upcoming art show could be what she needs to earn her tenure. Because of her busy lifestyle she hires dog walker Tom Becker (Steve Lund). When the artist scheduled to do the show becomes unavailable by accident she discovers that Tom is an amateur artist, and she convinces him to be the feather artist for the show. There is only one hiccup because Tom said that his family line came from the same hometown as Vincent Van Gogh and rumor was he may be related to him. Harper uses this to help get the approval for Tom to be feathered. Taylor Cole is as lovely as ever and being starred with Steve Lund created a believable courtship. My favorite part of the movie is how they work together in dealing with the Van Gogh falsification. This is one that I could watch again.
Review submitted 1/15/2018 --- Victor J.
Review submitted 1/15/2018 --- Victor J.
A gentle watch
linda-plant222 February 2019
Taylor Cole is always an easy watch, and Steve Lund ? - I mean, who wouldn't want to date him ? A nice 'arty' film, but I'm biased towards the little dog - because I own the same make and model myself - a Border Terrier. The smartest and loveable of all little dogs. Is it any wonder he has a career in films ?
Not a piece of art, but enjoyable and refreshing.
MIssM1931 May 2017
I have seen both actors before and none of their movies were THE movies. Typical Hallmark to enjoy during and hour and a half. So, I decided to give the pair a chance.
This movie was enjoyable. It's not outstanding. It is still within Hallmarks parameters but it still felt, somehow, REFRESHING. The characters were good. The chemistry was quite good - The chemistry between Steve Lund aka Tom and Vincent was even better -
(I have seen this dog in quite a few Hallmark movies by now)
Some may find it boring and I would totally understand why, apart from the scenes with dogs and maybe one with the leads there were no major scenes/moments to react to. However i'm glad how the plot turn out: they didn't throw any pre-ending drama at the leads to tear them apart, but instead they faced it together - even though it's predictable -
One aspect about the movie: What bothered me was how certain someone discovered the secret. Just because he "is" who he said he was, doesn't mean he can't have the life he has and do the things he does. He can be both. (I know it doesn't make so much sense: if reading the comment before it won't be understood, but it will after)
To sum up: it is worth the watch, specially if you enjoy these types of movies as much as I do. Giving it a 7 because apart from what I mentioned in the last paragraph, they didn't ruined it. But I wished it was funnier.
This movie was enjoyable. It's not outstanding. It is still within Hallmarks parameters but it still felt, somehow, REFRESHING. The characters were good. The chemistry was quite good - The chemistry between Steve Lund aka Tom and Vincent was even better -
(I have seen this dog in quite a few Hallmark movies by now)
Some may find it boring and I would totally understand why, apart from the scenes with dogs and maybe one with the leads there were no major scenes/moments to react to. However i'm glad how the plot turn out: they didn't throw any pre-ending drama at the leads to tear them apart, but instead they faced it together - even though it's predictable -
One aspect about the movie: What bothered me was how certain someone discovered the secret. Just because he "is" who he said he was, doesn't mean he can't have the life he has and do the things he does. He can be both. (I know it doesn't make so much sense: if reading the comment before it won't be understood, but it will after)
To sum up: it is worth the watch, specially if you enjoy these types of movies as much as I do. Giving it a 7 because apart from what I mentioned in the last paragraph, they didn't ruined it. But I wished it was funnier.
The Art of Us
studioAT18 November 2020
Hallmark anomaly
MickyG33324 March 2023
7.4 stars.
Harper (Cole) is a Ph. D artist who teaches art, and hosts exhibits for an art museum. Also as a hobby she used to paint, but in the not so distant past her confidence was dashed upon the rocks of critical review. Tom (Lund) is an amateur artist who paints as he feels the inspiration, with no formal training, and a dog walker by profession. Eventually they meet by luck, because she has a dog, he walks dogs, and they happen to both be painters. By coincidence she discovers his paintings and sees they are brilliant and she wants to showcase them in one of her exhibits.
The rest of the story is semi-tragic, not life ending, not necessarily traumatic, but life altering nonetheless. I won't spoil any details, but I will say Harper and Tom fabricate a story and it blows up in their faces.
The passion between Cole and Lund is entertaining from a romance perspective, however this film falls short in many areas and it's too slow. The "villain" is a cranky do-gooder professor whose character doesn't match the actor's interpretation. At one point he is sympathetic and familiar, then he comes off as being disconnected from who we thought he was and a possible third side of him emerges. The rest of the supporting cast have very ordered and robotic roles, no personalities to speak of.
"The Art of Us" is a strange title for an even stranger movie. Another negative is the lack of object lesson or theme. The story takes us on a journey but we are left hanging. It's not that the plot leaves us in the lurch or on a cliffhanger, but the ends seem to justify the means, and I don't like it. Otherwise, this film is fine for a one time viewing, and since it's Taylor Cole, I'll watch it again in 5 years.
Harper (Cole) is a Ph. D artist who teaches art, and hosts exhibits for an art museum. Also as a hobby she used to paint, but in the not so distant past her confidence was dashed upon the rocks of critical review. Tom (Lund) is an amateur artist who paints as he feels the inspiration, with no formal training, and a dog walker by profession. Eventually they meet by luck, because she has a dog, he walks dogs, and they happen to both be painters. By coincidence she discovers his paintings and sees they are brilliant and she wants to showcase them in one of her exhibits.
The rest of the story is semi-tragic, not life ending, not necessarily traumatic, but life altering nonetheless. I won't spoil any details, but I will say Harper and Tom fabricate a story and it blows up in their faces.
The passion between Cole and Lund is entertaining from a romance perspective, however this film falls short in many areas and it's too slow. The "villain" is a cranky do-gooder professor whose character doesn't match the actor's interpretation. At one point he is sympathetic and familiar, then he comes off as being disconnected from who we thought he was and a possible third side of him emerges. The rest of the supporting cast have very ordered and robotic roles, no personalities to speak of.
"The Art of Us" is a strange title for an even stranger movie. Another negative is the lack of object lesson or theme. The story takes us on a journey but we are left hanging. It's not that the plot leaves us in the lurch or on a cliffhanger, but the ends seem to justify the means, and I don't like it. Otherwise, this film is fine for a one time viewing, and since it's Taylor Cole, I'll watch it again in 5 years.
THE ARTWORK
dawnn-9416814 February 2020
8 stars for the beautiful art work. Many people are searching for the name of the artist of the original paintings. I searched as well, until I actually looked at the credits. The artist IS given credit for the original art. Her name is Lori Goldberg. Well I cannot find the painting of "The Kiss", (which I am sure is not only my favorite, but for many others, as well), many of her pieces can be found.
It was pretty good
pennylily23 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
One of the reviews mentioned that the ancestry research on Vincent Van Gogh was inaccurate and that the actor held the paintbrush incorrectly. I hope this was a simple oversight. It is very important that we try to be as accurate as possible. Our best shouldn't become mediocre. I think the dismissive term "whatever" has permeated into society. We accept things without question and cut corners because challenging our minds has become a chore.
Also, there was no real emotion or portrayed seriousness to the potential consequences of this huge lie. Basically, once it was revealed, it was like, "oh well, whatever!"
Other than that, Steve Lund was refreshing.
Also, there was no real emotion or portrayed seriousness to the potential consequences of this huge lie. Basically, once it was revealed, it was like, "oh well, whatever!"
Other than that, Steve Lund was refreshing.
Cute romantic comedy
dikojelev6 January 2020
Cute movie
paintthrower25 January 2020
The movie caught my attention, as I am a professional artist, but I was disappointed that the writer and producer did not get the facts straight about Vincent VanGogh. He never had any children. His brother Theo married and had a son, but Vincent never had any children of his own. For an art institute teacher, the director of the art institute, and the modern art gallery owner, including the VanGogh scholar NOT to immediately recognize the error in the storyline that VanGogh had no direct descendants, was a HUGE error, and immediately took away from the movie's enjoyment. Errors like these need to be fixed, just as books are edited and re-edited before publishing. In addition, it is a shame that nowhere can a viewer find information about the artist(s) who provided the paintings in the making of the movie. The original artist(s) deserve recognition for their contribution, without which there would have been no movie. Nowhere can I find on IMDB or elsewhere the artist information, or the information about the paintings. Secondly, when portraying an actor as an artist, it would be wise to show them how to hold and use a paintbrush. Professional artists do not hold a brush like a writing instrument. Whoever you have as a research assistant needs a lesson in observation. Cute movie and storyline. Bad research, lacking of artist information, inaccurate facts, all made for a less than quality movie. I hope you will take this into consideration when creating movies with actors portraying visual artists, and sharing facts about a world renowned artist such as VanGogh. Thank you.
Great movie!
thematicsny29 May 2020
My dog woke me up to this movie that kept saying his name...his name is Harper. He was named after Mama's Family...and come to find out the leads last name is Higgins ( Unice Higgins) is Carol Burnette s character....I loved it and so did my dog! LoL
Hallmark
SnoopyStyle1 June 2019
Dr. Harper Higgins (Taylor Cole) is an art expert. She hires Tom Becker (Steve Lund) to walk her dog. An exhibition falls through when an artist pulls out. She is desperate for a replacement and Tom happens to be an amateur painter. She recruits her to do a show for her college.
There isn't enough heat generated from a meet cute. The two leads are perfectly bland. Taylor Cole has more charisma but the combination struggles to break out. I don't hate any of this but there isn't much to generate any feelings. It's a rather flat Hallmark romance. It's for background watching only.
There isn't enough heat generated from a meet cute. The two leads are perfectly bland. Taylor Cole has more charisma but the combination struggles to break out. I don't hate any of this but there isn't much to generate any feelings. It's a rather flat Hallmark romance. It's for background watching only.
Artwork: In the Style of Leonid Afremov
smithlifeplan25 September 2020
I can't confirm, but the luminous painting of the kissing couple is reminiscent of the style of the recently deceased Leonid Afremov. Check out Google Images for more examples. I believe the estate is liquidating his personal collection little by little, so there may be some available to purchase, at least as prints. 9/25/2020
Who does the research for these plots?
delgadata22 February 2021
I admit to an addiction to good Hallmark movies. Unfortunately, they are few and far between. Based on the comments, I started to follow Lori Goldberg on Instagram (the real artist), and had high hopes for this one. I made it through the first three minutes and gave up, because: Only a really insecure Ph.D. would insist on the 'Dr." title, and no one (even a Provost) is going to tell an adjunct faculty that booking a high profile artist for an art show will "earn you a permanent position on the fine-arts faculty" no matter what 'Board' they are on. If it were only that easy. Sigh. I might try again, but the high hopes are gone.
Beautiful art, film not as beautiful
TheLittleSongbird31 December 2021
Am familiar with Taylor Cole and Steve Lund as lead actors, more so Cole due to seeing more of her filmography. Cole has always been variable to me, sometimes she is charming and easy to like and at others she comes over as cold and it does depend on how her character is written. What has been seen of Lund has been nice enough if not wow worthy. Have always liked looking at paintings and was interested in seeing whether Hallmark would do an interesting story out of it.
'The Art of Us' is a bit of a mixed bag, with some good things but also some underwhelming ones. When it comes to Hallmark's 2017 output, it is not one of the best and it is also not one of the worst. Personally put it in the middle of the pack category, and it is a case of the art being better than the film itself and it would have been a better film if the female lead character was likeable and if the story had been a lot more engaging than it turned out.
By all means there are good things. The best thing about 'The Art of Us' is the art, which is absolutely gorgeous and luckily showcased in all its glory. The production values are very nicely done, Hallmark nearly always delivered when it came to the scenery which is very nicely complemented by the photography.
Lund is charming and has a subtle charisma, and his character is a lot more likeable than Cole's by some considerable distance. Also thought that the dog was adorable, the most likeable character in the film, and the supporting cast solid.
Cole however doesn't work. Will agree with those that found her too much of an ice queen, and this is not the first or last time where that has been an issue for me with her. Also really disliked her character, where she comes over as too cold, too spoiled and too deceitful. Lund's character is not near as much of a problem, but he also started to frustrate later on when he comes over as too naive. Didn't really detect much chemistry between them personally, at times too distant and then in the latter moments when the lie becomes increasingly out of control it becomes forced and hard to believe that Lund's character still saw appeal in Cole's.
Did feel too that too much of the script was awkward and silly and while appreciating that the music wasn't over-scored or too much it made the mistake of being samey and completely unmemorable, also too soft. The direction is not amateurish but has no distinction. The story is too thin and formulaic, as well as difficult to connect to emotionally. Also found it unrealistic and not always tasteful, how the secret is discovered could have gone into more depth and the reaction is handled far too indifferently. The final quarter is both contrived and whatever and considering the way Cole's character acts and the events that happened not long before the ending is far too convenient and pat in an undeserving way.
On the whole, didn't come together for me sad to say despite the art. 5/10.
'The Art of Us' is a bit of a mixed bag, with some good things but also some underwhelming ones. When it comes to Hallmark's 2017 output, it is not one of the best and it is also not one of the worst. Personally put it in the middle of the pack category, and it is a case of the art being better than the film itself and it would have been a better film if the female lead character was likeable and if the story had been a lot more engaging than it turned out.
By all means there are good things. The best thing about 'The Art of Us' is the art, which is absolutely gorgeous and luckily showcased in all its glory. The production values are very nicely done, Hallmark nearly always delivered when it came to the scenery which is very nicely complemented by the photography.
Lund is charming and has a subtle charisma, and his character is a lot more likeable than Cole's by some considerable distance. Also thought that the dog was adorable, the most likeable character in the film, and the supporting cast solid.
Cole however doesn't work. Will agree with those that found her too much of an ice queen, and this is not the first or last time where that has been an issue for me with her. Also really disliked her character, where she comes over as too cold, too spoiled and too deceitful. Lund's character is not near as much of a problem, but he also started to frustrate later on when he comes over as too naive. Didn't really detect much chemistry between them personally, at times too distant and then in the latter moments when the lie becomes increasingly out of control it becomes forced and hard to believe that Lund's character still saw appeal in Cole's.
Did feel too that too much of the script was awkward and silly and while appreciating that the music wasn't over-scored or too much it made the mistake of being samey and completely unmemorable, also too soft. The direction is not amateurish but has no distinction. The story is too thin and formulaic, as well as difficult to connect to emotionally. Also found it unrealistic and not always tasteful, how the secret is discovered could have gone into more depth and the reaction is handled far too indifferently. The final quarter is both contrived and whatever and considering the way Cole's character acts and the events that happened not long before the ending is far too convenient and pat in an undeserving way.
On the whole, didn't come together for me sad to say despite the art. 5/10.
The premise is this story is absolutely absurd and horrible.
ffxaxrx15 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I don't like HM movies and find their movies ridiculous from method or one-dimensional acting, outrageous plots, actor miscasting, weak scripts, and formulaic premises. The Art of US has to take the mantle of the most deceitful plot. Cole, an Instructor at a local painting school, wanting to land an promotion LIES, LIES about Lund's character being related to Van Gogh.
Taylor Cole who is not a good actress oversells the absurdity of her character and her dilemma. Lund on the other hand is a capable character who occasionally becomes one-dimensional goes along with this farce. He obviously falls in love with a liar and becomes more entrenched in the lie.
HM does the smart thing to center on the budding relationship rather than dealing with Cole's character's lies. They pretend to be bothered lying to ppl but forget about it when focused on the relationship.
Yadda, Yadda they are getting ready for the coming out party for Lund's character. The soft music to heighten the sexual attention and affection between them.
The foreplay is the increasing tension and stress continuing from the lie they are experiencing. The climax is getting caught in the lie and she is asked to leave her position. But lo and behold, she ends up with the guy. What message is Hallmark making with this movie? It's okay to lie but punishment is nonexistent. It is a constant complaint I have about Hallmark movies and the movie plots that are horrible and oftentimes ridiculous.
...two pretty people in a long line of near identical storylines
bjarias19 February 2018
Most all Hallmark productions comes down to deciding do you want to spend the time watching the two leads in the film. In this instance Taylor Cole is a most attractive young woman (her still images on bing show her better looking than in this film..longer hair suits her much more), a majority men (or women) would be willing to roll the dice for a short while, and she should they wish to continue watching. Would be interesting to search out a work where she would not be constrained by a PG13 rating.
Hallmark pumps out movies faster than most can keep up.. this one is no better or worse than all the others. With all typical Hallmark product the ending is always a given, it's just if getting there is not too eye-rolling shtick or boring. There is even now again one that is a bit more intriguing, Art of US just happens to fall in line with the fairly ordinary category.
Art of us
krichter-2472417 September 2019
Horror Show
msarajoy26 July 2020
This is just my personal view.
Bleah! There was no, zero, zilch chemistry between the leads and the story line is really absurd.
We have a grown man, Tom Becker, who doesn't have PTSD (or so it is not mentioned in the show), who is a strong and intelligent man but who is drifting through life in a broken down houseboat with the only actual job he has as a dogwalker. What?! Are we supposed to find this kind of Hallmark lead actor romantic or attractive in any way? So the premise is thrown in that he is an army Vet. I think that insults Vets. I don't think vets would come home and be as happily unemployed as he is. And certainly nowhere close to being as dishonest. I would like to think that Vets are men of integrity and who would look to take on responsibilities in society - hey I could be completely wrong but regardless, this Tom Becker is presented to us as a lazy and deceitful man. Yucks!! Who wants to fall in love with that character?
I always think Taylor Cole should be renamed Taylor Cold. She is an ice queen and I have no idea why or how she is cast as the romantic actress in Hallmark movies. Her smile never reaches her eyes and she is stone cold. She also always acts the role of a spoilt woman who feels somehow entitled to whatever she wants. In this show, she wants to be tenured so she will lie to get what she wants and betray people who have put their trust in her. If I knew a person like this in real life, if I saw her headed my way, I would turn tail and run.
And the person in charge of wardrobe should be counselled. Harper wore what appeared to be football gear to the cocktail party. The straps of her dress made her shoulders look so bulked up, all that was missing was the face paint below her eyes and her helmet and she would be ready for a touchdown. Really horrible to the point of shudder to see her come down the stairs in that dress. And Tom says she looks beautiful. I didn't know if I was supposed to laugh or cry in horror.
The only bond the two leads have in this show is in the shared lie and the threat of mutual destruction they both live under. And mutual destruction is bestowed upon them sure enough. And if you can believe it, the movie ends on that note. Whaaaat?!
Come to think of it, both Harper and Tom deserve each other. They are both peas in a very rotting pod.
Seriously, don't bother watching this show. Other than the beautiful art pieces, the human beings in this show are so far from beautiful, this might as well be a horror show.
Bleah! There was no, zero, zilch chemistry between the leads and the story line is really absurd.
We have a grown man, Tom Becker, who doesn't have PTSD (or so it is not mentioned in the show), who is a strong and intelligent man but who is drifting through life in a broken down houseboat with the only actual job he has as a dogwalker. What?! Are we supposed to find this kind of Hallmark lead actor romantic or attractive in any way? So the premise is thrown in that he is an army Vet. I think that insults Vets. I don't think vets would come home and be as happily unemployed as he is. And certainly nowhere close to being as dishonest. I would like to think that Vets are men of integrity and who would look to take on responsibilities in society - hey I could be completely wrong but regardless, this Tom Becker is presented to us as a lazy and deceitful man. Yucks!! Who wants to fall in love with that character?
I always think Taylor Cole should be renamed Taylor Cold. She is an ice queen and I have no idea why or how she is cast as the romantic actress in Hallmark movies. Her smile never reaches her eyes and she is stone cold. She also always acts the role of a spoilt woman who feels somehow entitled to whatever she wants. In this show, she wants to be tenured so she will lie to get what she wants and betray people who have put their trust in her. If I knew a person like this in real life, if I saw her headed my way, I would turn tail and run.
And the person in charge of wardrobe should be counselled. Harper wore what appeared to be football gear to the cocktail party. The straps of her dress made her shoulders look so bulked up, all that was missing was the face paint below her eyes and her helmet and she would be ready for a touchdown. Really horrible to the point of shudder to see her come down the stairs in that dress. And Tom says she looks beautiful. I didn't know if I was supposed to laugh or cry in horror.
The only bond the two leads have in this show is in the shared lie and the threat of mutual destruction they both live under. And mutual destruction is bestowed upon them sure enough. And if you can believe it, the movie ends on that note. Whaaaat?!
Come to think of it, both Harper and Tom deserve each other. They are both peas in a very rotting pod.
Seriously, don't bother watching this show. Other than the beautiful art pieces, the human beings in this show are so far from beautiful, this might as well be a horror show.
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