# Photo-Realistic Stationery Art Paintings of Paperclips by Dan Golden Beautifies a Common Staple By Meghan Young | Published 2013-04-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paintings-of-paperclips References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2013/04/09/dan-goldens-photo-realistic-paper-clip-paintings/) & [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/dang) While some people might concentrate on Paintings of Paperclips series' medium, especially since it is so deceptive in its [photo-realistic nature](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawing-series), others will be consumed by the subject matter. It centers around contorted, isolated paperclips that are in essence portraits of the manipulators. The results are simplistically beautiful [miniature sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/experimental-pencils). Living and working in Boston, Massachusetts, artist Dan Golden surprisingly uses [watercolor paints](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1) in place of acrylic or even oil for the Paintings of Paperclips series. Golden observes, "At one point or another, practically everyone has either consciously or not turned this ubiquitous everyday object into something other than what it was intended for. Is it possible that these miniature ‘sculptures’ somehow carry with it the distinct personality of its creator?" ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.4/10 - Popularity: 2% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Watercolor Art:** The use of watercolor paints in art opens up possibilities for creating photo-realistic images. - **Miniature Sculptures:** Creating miniature sculptures offers a unique and visually appealing form of artistic expression. - **Subject Matter Portraits:** Exploring everyday objects as subject matter in portraits allows for deeper insights and interpretations. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fine Arts:** The fine arts industry can benefit from blending traditional techniques with innovative materials to create stunning artwork. - **Home Decor:** The home decor industry can incorporate miniature sculptures as unique and eye-catching decorative pieces. - **Art Education:** Art education can incorporate the exploration of everyday objects as subject matter to encourage creativity and personal expression. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Paper Curvature Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-curves.md) - [Sculptural Paper Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragmenti.md) - [Vibrantly Colorful Dynamic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kayla-rumpp.md) - [Paper-Made Mosaic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/real-life-architecture-exhibition.md) - [Painting-Inspired Office Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-accessories1.md) - [Note Clip Organizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/note-clip.md) - [Origami-Inspired Ceramics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-series.md) - [Clipping Pen Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-clippen.md) - [Glass Beaded Intricate Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition.md)