Bare walls are the enemy of a well-decorated home. They look empty; they make your home feel empty. Those big spaces loom over your furniture, drawing the eye away from your furnishings to this gaping, unloved space. Artwork really makes a difference.
I don’t mean you should tack some posters to the wall, and I don’t mean you should invest thousands of dollars on a piece by a well-known artist (though you can if you want).
The trick is to buy pieces that say something about you. I’m a big fan of art and illustrations on the walls – my own collection goes on rotation so that even my vintage Christmas prints get some love. I like certain themes – cute Scottie dogs, friendly bears in fairy tale lands, ultra-feminine dresses hanging in a wardrobe, and illustrations of fancy ladies in their finery.
So how do I find all these artworks? Firstly, I am blessed with friends who are artists and are happy to share their talents for a small fee. If you’re not this lucky though, you can go with my other plan for acquiring art: buy print versions from your favourite artists online. This is an inexpensive way of getting some beautiful artwork on the walls while supporting artists to create something they love for a living. Then, take the prints to the local framers. You’re keeping them in business too!
Here’s my round up of some fabulous Country Home Ideas-worthy artworks for your walls available online. The best bit is, none of them are over $50.
1. Gracie was a natural born leader, Janet Hill, fine art giclée print of an original oil painting.
$38US + shipping. (www.janethillstudio.etsy.com )
2. The Bird Cage Dress, Samantha Battersby, print created from an original charcoal and pastel drawing.
$17US + shipping. (www.matouenpeluche.etsy.com)
3. The Lady Daisy, Catherine Campbell, print of an original ink drawing.
$30US + shipping. (www.myfolklover.etsy.com )
4. Biscuits, Caitlin Shearer, Print of original painting.
$50 US + shipping. (www.caitlinshearer.etsy.com )
Let us know you go on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/countryhomeideas We’d love to hear your feedback on hanging art in your home. Any suggestions? Favourite artists?
By Ellen Driscoll, Country Home Ideas Location Coordinator