original art in the home

by Sharon Santoni

kitchen with artwork

As my children were growing up, one of the things I tried to instill in their minds, was the pleasure of hanging original artwork on the walls.  It doesn’t have to be expensive, or by a famous artist, or even signed, but the difference between having a ‘real’ work of art as opposed to a print is undeniable.

Today, whenever I visit a house for the first time, I notice the art on the walls and the books …. they both say so much about who lives within the walls.

When my husband and I were young and moved into our first apartment, we didn’t have much in the way of furniture , friends invited for an evening would joke about having to bring their own seating .  One weekend there was a brocante fair in our town, and we went down determined at least to find a table and a couple of chairs, we wandered around the fair, umming and aahing until finally we came back with ….. this painting,  a striking portrait of two women,  but still no furniture!

 What can I say?  It’s just a question of priorities.  Incidentally those two ladies have followed us around from home to home over the years, and have sort of become part of the family.

inside home with atrtwork

My daughters are both at the outset of their professional lives and share an apartment.  They are at that stage where they are still living on a student budget but aspire to greater things.   To my delight, one of the first things they purchased for their flat was an old painting.  It came from a consignment store and only cost a few euros, but it is still an original painting, a 1920’s portrait of a handsome young man, who has been named ‘George’ … happy days.

inside home with atrtwork

Apart from the photo of my sitting room, all these pictures are taken from my book, and show how some of my friends have used original artwork in their own homes.  I love the way they mix paintings with sketches, framed and unframed.   Each picture treasured for its beauty and also for the particular link or memory of an artist friend, or a painting bought while travelling.

inside home with atrtwork

And how about you?   Maybe you have your own paintings on the walls, or maybe you prefer to frame exceptional photos.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on artwork.  Do you think it is influenced by interior design fashion?  Could you love a piece one year but find it outdated the next, or do you just prefer plain walls?   Do tell us, we’d love to know.

inside home with atrtwork

70 comments

Elizabeth@pineconesandacornsblog January 20, 2016 - 3:45 pm

I think you made the perfect choice when you purchased the painting instead of furniture! Art is timeless, it speaks to us and makes us feel. I have collected art for years, not one style but things that speak to me when I see them.

I love the rooster art in your girlfriends house!

Thanks for sharing.

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Becky Stephens January 20, 2016 - 3:49 pm

I’m so glad that you wrote about those two “stylish French girlfriends”. I love them too. I love original art and try to buy something every time I travel to remind me of the trip.
I also have a suggestion for you. When the Texas girls were in Normandy, everywhere we looked there were lilacs. We don’t have them here and I miss them. I would love for you to write about them this spring.

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Sharon Santoni January 20, 2016 - 8:26 pm

with pleasure, Becky, thank you for the suggestion

please send my warmest wishes to all the lovely girls,

Sharon
x

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corrina Tough January 21, 2016 - 8:18 pm

I agree Sharon, I love original art and also photography as I am a photographer. I just gave my husband three beautiful paintings by a local artist from my village of our village and area arround and I have one oil painting from a vide grenier that looks like a ‘Toulouse Lautrec’ and was painted maybe 1940’s the colours are glorious and it is a lady and man at a table in a bistro- looks like the man is a bit drunk and the lady isn’t impressed! Belle Epoque era. My house is in the throws of renovation and the funny thing is I love the bare walls! How bizarre- now I am too scared to hang anything! ANyone else have that issue? xx

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joie lynn January 20, 2016 - 3:57 pm

I so agree with you on the subject of original art. I am very fortunate to have close to 40 pieces of original art. My oils, water colors and charcoals are between 100 and 125 years old from family members. I have photographs, etchings, paintings on wood and even a couple of sculptures (two in the garden). And I have them in every room in the house including the bathroom and the kitchen….and I have a small house….only 1000 sq. ft., so I do change them with the seasons so I can appreciate all.

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Janice Dauksch January 20, 2016 - 4:10 pm

I have 4 painting hanging on my wall behind my sofa wall. A painting of sheep in a barn, a painting of a famous woman painted by an famous artist( repo) and then a painting of a very old man and a young girl painting all different eras, all on canvas however I love each painting so they hang as a family on my long sofa wall, gallery wall ?

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Nancy January 20, 2016 - 4:23 pm

We have a variety, not much wall space left.
Some things have changed over time, but some of my favorite pieces are those we found at an estate sale…sepia prints of an old European farm of sheep being herded.
We also have inherited some gorgeous paintings, oils mostly that have brightened our walls and make the spaces cozy. I don’t think I could ever have “naked” walls….even if artwork were to change, something has to fill the space….
Nancy

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Cheryll January 20, 2016 - 4:29 pm

A bare wall is like a smile with a missing tooth, no matter how attractive the smile, that blank spot is what you see first and with every glance! That said, I populate my walls with subjects that call to me. Floral and still life, women with children, and in a purely ironic context, pictures with snow. I dislike cold weather, snow is like nails on the black board but the serenity invoked by fallen snow makes up for that. I just recently rotated the current works and put two snow scenes in the powder room. A friend remarked that she became rather meditative while visiting the loo!

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patti brimer January 20, 2016 - 4:50 pm

I have framed photos of my own in the living room. Autographed photos of fave celebrities in my hall. I do have 2 framed paintings of roses in my bedroom-and a Tom Canty print

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Darina January 20, 2016 - 5:16 pm

I am waiting for a painting that I ordered, can’t wait when it will be delivered! I love it as decoration in my livingroom.

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Laura January 20, 2016 - 6:33 pm

Thank you for this post! As an oil painter, I love it when people appreciate original artwork. Years ago we did start out with prints, but have replaced some of them gradually with original work, including some of my own.

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Julie Blumberg January 20, 2016 - 6:56 pm

Two of my favorite pieces of are are 8X10 still lifes, in fabulous gold frames, purchased at CH. Louis’ art gallery in Orange ten years ago. Painted on olivewood, the oils are of (1) figs and a glass of Port, and (2)pears, a few walnuts, and a knife. They are displayed on a small section of wall in my living room. Above the mantel is a huge gold Rococco-ish frame, surrounding a farm girl carrying the “fruits of her labor” in her apron. That’s all that is necessary, in the living room !

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Emm January 20, 2016 - 8:18 pm

I love your two-lady painting! You’ve shown it before, and I thought they must surely be one’s ancestors of some sort. 🙂
I have above my desk a still-life of pansies done by a great aunt I never knew, and it cheers me every day. You’re so right that “real” paintings have quite a different feel than prints.
A couple of months ago, I lucked into buying a rather large maritime scene by Antoine Blanchard, on which I am still doing research. Apparently, he painted mostly in Paris with occasional forays to a wider world.

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Alice January 20, 2016 - 8:28 pm

Have often told family and friend that if the house was burning down to grab my oil painting. I adore them as they were painted by my cousin who is no longer with us. She would search through architectural and other magazines and paint to her hearts content what she saw. She lived in an old southern antebellum home that she lovely restored and in the front hall there were painting all the way to the ceiling, up the stairway, and into the upstairs hall. She had a God given talent that was unbelievable and had no idea she was that good. If for some reason I lost these painting I would not only cry I think wouldn’t even try to replace them. They ARE not replaceable and would leave a hole in my heart as well as an empty place on the wall.

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Anneke Boks January 20, 2016 - 8:28 pm

Yes we did save up for a mutch needed fridge ! But a very good friend and wonderfull artist in a Chagall kind of style .had a exibition and we did buy a painting from our fridge money ..and lived in a very hot summer inAustralia with a kaput fridge .And lived happy ever after not dying of food poisening .And now 40 years later we are stil lovlng iT .

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LA CONTESSA January 20, 2016 - 8:29 pm

SHARON,
BY any chance are you close to this village and museum?First of all, I am back in France. Finished (halleluja!) the first part of the Master, and now I am doing the second one – the internship.
I am currently working at the Galleria Continua, a very cool contemporary art gallery in Boissy-le-Chatel, a (VERY!) little village in the French countryside, about one hour away from Paris.
This is from an email I received from MY LITTLE CONTESSA IN TRAINING!!!SHE is adorable and lived with us to improve her english years ago and since has gone on to Italy and France.She is 100% ITALIAN.Her name is FRANCESCA………..if you have time or the notion GO find her and take her tour!SHe is off MON and TUESDAYS!!She is an absolute delight………….her FATHER was my husbands BEST MAN at our wedding!XX

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Susan Crane January 21, 2016 - 2:59 am

So nice to hear your voice, Contessa. I have now got some wonderful images of Francesca in my head. We are in Australia with our smart, funny, inimitable 3 yr old grandchild. Miss you!

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Pauline January 20, 2016 - 8:36 pm

I am an amateur artist and have always been painting and drawing for my own satisfaction. My children love seeing my pictures around our home. Once I was going to get rid of one of my pictures and my son told me to keep it because it was his heritage. Who knew?

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Marilyn McPheron January 20, 2016 - 8:52 pm

I think you made the right choice — the two ladies are wonderful and I am sure you got a table and chairs soon after. I am fortunate to live in a rather large home at the moment with lots of walls to cover–their is work in every room, even in the coat closet. I am also fortunate to come from an artistic family and have painting by two sisters, a small painting by my mother, photos by my daughter and my own work (paintings and prints) on my walls as well as work we have purchased (some in Paris). I also have some textiles framed and printed. I love looking at them and our guests seem to also. Several have said they feel like they are visiting a gallery when they come because of the variety (both in technique and subject matter). Everything hanging seems like old and dear friends.

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Our French Oasis January 20, 2016 - 8:58 pm

As you know we have moved around the world, and our paintings have come with us. Made up of a collection of inherited pieces, I had a great great great cousin, or something like that, who was quite a well known Victorian watercolour artist and we have four of his paintings. My later Mother-in-law was also a well respected artist and we have many of her paintings on our walls. Add to that some original oils on canvas we have bought on our travels and a collection of Parisian etchings and you will see we have quite a diverse collection. They are almost impossible to group together as they are so varied, but every piece tells a story and even here in the depths of France they are remarked upon for their uniqueness! Go with what you love and what holds dear, not what fashion dictates is my motto!!

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Susan January 20, 2016 - 9:02 pm

My art is a mixture of inherited paintings, Rookwood framed tiles, botanicals of all sorts, still life and landscape oil paintings from a talented Southwest artist, and lately my own photos mostly taken on vacation. As I’ve gotten better at photography, it has become a real pleasure to properly frame and display these mementos. I love photography apps and programs. It keeps you young to learn new skills!

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Kathy Andersen January 20, 2016 - 9:05 pm

My sentiments, entirely! I adore art that speaks to me. Whenever we have moved house, the first thing I do is put up the art on the walls ?! I cannot cope with bare walls. It is also the last thing I take down when moving from a house.
I have lived in many countries so my art and furnishings are eclectic reflecting our lives from Norway, UK, USA, Australia to New Zealand. They evoke wonderful memories of hunting out that special piece! Now that I am settled in NZ I focus on enjoying the garden! Thanks so much for sharing your life. Regards, kathy

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Karena January 20, 2016 - 9:05 pm

Sharon, Original art gives us so much pleasure every single day of our lives! I have pieces that have also followed me from home after home for decades. As you mention, it does not need to be expensive, simply what speaks to us individually. Art can encompass paintings sculptures, textiles, photography and so much more! Thank you for a wonderful feature!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
New Spring Collection from India Hicks!

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bonnie groves poppe January 20, 2016 - 9:06 pm

I have quite a few oil paintings, all vintage, and cannot imagine not having them. I do have a small collection of vintage prints of Paris, collected by a family member in the 1960s from the boquinistes along the Seine, and I do like them very much also. And a few antique Japanese prints (hiroshige, hokusai) which are technically not original art at all, but (like Monet and the impressionists) I find their designs very pleasing. Keep on collecting, there’s always room for one more brocante find.
bonnie

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WENDY January 20, 2016 - 9:21 pm

I agree, and even better still if there is a story behind the purchasing of the painting. Thirty years ago, in the days of little money but plenty of wall space, I coveted a charcoal drawing hanging in a small gallery. I could not afford it and for many months could only walk by and wish I could buy it. Then one day I decided that if it was still there, that this was a sign that I was meant to have it. When the curator heard how much I loved the piece, she said she would accept ten post-dated cheques to make it possible for me to own it. In addition, she promised that it would be valuable one day because the drawing was a simple self-portrait by an artist who was ailing but whose work was in demand. He has since died, and now I sit with an artwork which is not only valuable but which remains my favourite in my humble collection.

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Freda January 20, 2016 - 9:43 pm

As a student at Glasgow School of Art I sold a design to Ptingle of Scotland. I wanted to buy a print by David Hockney but we had no cooker…..I bought the cooker, now probably rusted away in a hole in the ground somewhere. The Hockney print is now worth about £6000! I do now have a lovely art collection, having learnt my lesson, but I still regret that Hockney!

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suzana rose borlovan January 20, 2016 - 9:51 pm

Sharon I just love this post and it has come in such a timely manner. I have had a Roger Duval print of a French Manor since I can remember, it hung in our bedroom and I would wake each day to stare at it and dream of living there. Recently a friends mother who is a self taught remarkable artist admired it and actually took it home and has painted the exact copy of my beloved print. How can I say thanks that would portray what this gift actually means to me, the texture, the colours, the overwhelming joy it gives me is beyond words. I still wake each morning to admire it, but now I touch its beautiful textured surface and can actually feel the flowers and stone walls. I’m in love.

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Deb January 20, 2016 - 10:06 pm

Original art can take a room to a whole other level. It’s magic!

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Jae January 20, 2016 - 10:06 pm

I often take a painting home as my souvenier from trips. Something i love, regardless of the style, purchased directly from the artist. Each piece decorates my home and also reminds me of wonderful days strolling new places with family and friends. I think if you truly love a piece, you dont worry about the style or trends.

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Jennifer from Glen Rock, Pa. January 20, 2016 - 10:09 pm

In our house artwork is most important. We have beautiful wildlife acrylic paintings, fabulous watercolours by my husband, also beautiful, is the fashion-illustration type artwork by our daughter, we also have most interesting watercolours by one of our two sons. Our other son is a photo journalist and is a two time Pulitzer Prize winner, consequently we have quite a collection of his prize winning photographs. Unfortunately I am not an artist like the rest of our family however, fortunately, I do have a great appreciation. Oh I should mention we have several bronze sculptures which we really like. I love being a part of your blog and always enjoy seeing new posts. Thank-you.

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Heather in Arles January 20, 2016 - 10:15 pm

Well, of course I am entirely in agreement with you on this – right down to the portrait of the “lost” relatives that we aren’t related to in the least but everyone asks about. They survey over our kitchen in this house, a good place to be if ever there was one and if I can ever get you down here you will meet them for yourself! There are lots of others in every room, not one worth a sou save for the happiness they bring us.

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Afn January 20, 2016 - 10:21 pm

Art is so important in my life. I wish I had the funds to purchase more originals. As a young girl I spent many hours in museums. I have several originals. Pictures. The subject is a personal one. If you love it, buy it. Don’t ask your friends what they think.
The important part is how you feel. I love theater, music, opera, some film, photos too.
Art….so important, it speaks to our inner selves.

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Reyes January 20, 2016 - 10:26 pm

Great post! My favorite original artwork (oil on canvas) were found at estate sales and I bought one for $5 and the other for $15 ! They are both large pieces of landscapes, signed and make me so happy!

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Florence Rowell January 20, 2016 - 10:45 pm

I can’t imagine living without art on my walls. I am a New Mexico pastel artist and have many Southwest landscapes, portraits and a favorite cat painting hanging on my walls. I am living in an apartment for the first time in many years and I find the paintings increase my enjoyment of my small space and give me the feeling of being settled and at home in my new state of Arizona.

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Vicky from Athens January 20, 2016 - 10:47 pm

I do love having original art in the house! Some of mine is family art, a few are painted by a very talented friend and some are just things I picked up because they reminded me of a special place and/or time. I’ve been told that a very distant relative was a fairly famous local artist – to SW France, that is – and I’d love to find something of his. His name is Marcel Jambon from Barbezieux. What fun to own a piece of his art!

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Colleen Taylor January 20, 2016 - 10:52 pm

Being an artist, it does my heart good to read the posts above about how many people have paintings in their homes! Sharon, as you might guess, I have my own paintings hung here but only 5 I think. I do have a few other pieces hanging from other artists which I treasure. Most people wouldn’t believe but I have really no paintings left to sell at home. Yes, I know, I’m very fortunate that I don’t have stacks sitting here because most of my work is commission based so that’s the reason why. I don’t like clutter so no huge gallery walls full of artwork for me.
I’ve always thought those two women in the painting were of your ancestors, so interesting to discover how they were purchased. X

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Catherine January 20, 2016 - 10:52 pm

You are spot on about original art work. Too often people are intimidated by it because they think it will be too expensive. Some of my favorites are pieces my children have done in local art classes that I have dressed up in a beautiful frame. My kids love seeing their works displayed as well. We also enjoy supporting local artists in our community and always bring something back from special trips. Art will definitely bring a uniqueness to your home.

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Hilary January 20, 2016 - 10:59 pm

Unknowingly I have been hanging original art! We have a collection of art from our travels and art by family or passed from family collections. Each piece carries a memory that we treasure. Now my sons are buying art when they travel, our youngest at 16 starting with a canvas from his first trip to Bali.

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Renee January 20, 2016 - 11:06 pm

I am a lucky Mom to have two grown sons, both of whom are accomplished artists. Our home is our own art gallery with their works happily on display.

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Nancy Brantley January 20, 2016 - 11:22 pm

I love oil on canvas. I have a few paintings in every room of my house. I prefer paintings instead of prints. I buy what I enjoy seeing in my home and don’t change with trends. If the painting is lovely and works for my taste that is what I buy.

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Cindi Brumpton January 20, 2016 - 11:37 pm

I love art. Original paintings on huge canvases line my walls. I love sculpture too and photography. To me, it makes a home and expresses the owners personality; it’s almost as revealing as books!

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Debrashoppeno5 January 20, 2016 - 11:43 pm

I agree with you 100%. Some of my artwork is mine. Some are pieces I have picked up here and there. Even though the work isn’t by a famous artist it still brings joy to look at.

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San January 20, 2016 - 11:56 pm

What an interesting story, pictures instead of furniture! Lovely. For many reasons I moved 24 times in 30 years, mostly to places that didn’t allow nails in the walls. So no pictures. However, I figured out how to display my quilts using push pins and curtain rods. Very simple, very transportable. Now, having lived in my house for 5 years, the only picture hung is my parents wedding photo. Timeless.

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Marla January 21, 2016 - 12:31 am

Yes! My walls have wonderful artwork from talented friends. We even bought an off the street “Eiffel Tower” painting signed “Jacques” that I’m sure was painted in China and sold to tourists. But it is so pretty and fits in a niche by our bar. I’m certainly not an art snob! You’re blog is so encouraging…it makes me feel like I’ve “done the right thing” in our home. Thank you. Love the gorgeous photos every week and your new book!

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Nancy January 21, 2016 - 1:03 am

I love the old with the new and mixed up with cherished photos and a few old antique finds.
In Seattle, there is an antique mall called Pacific Galleries. Here I have found oil paintings done by students of masterworks. Apparently the canvases are sold flat for very reasonable at flea markets in Europe. I have especially enjoyed an unframed self portrait of Rembrandt in his younger years….which my Bookclub friends thought was a relative at first.
We laughed and agreed it adds a je-ne-sais-quoi sense of style outside my powder room door.

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Catherine D January 21, 2016 - 1:06 am

Bonjour, je fais du dessin botanique, mais je n’accroche pas beaucoup d’aquarelles sur mes murs à la fois, c’est un peu le problèmes de beaucoup de gens qui peignent eux-mêmes, le too much Il n’est pas facile de faire l’équilibre…
Bonne journée

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Lorrie January 21, 2016 - 1:47 am

When we travel, I like to bring home a piece of artwork – a handmade plate from Mexico, a watercolour from Salzburg, and another from Quito. Art not only decorates our walls but tells our stories. Our artwork is not expensive, but we love it. There are blank walls, too. I like some rest for the eye.

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Marilyn January 21, 2016 - 2:11 am

I have about three paintings, but many photographs on my walls. Then also some vintage pieces.

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Bev January 21, 2016 - 2:33 am

What I have learned about myself is reflected in, as you say, what I have surrounded myself with. I have had fun collecting all the pieces, It brings a warm memory every time of how and when I brought it home. I get an extra serge of excitement if it has a beautiful frame. My children’s art was framed and hung and I still have a sculpture from my daughters grade 11 art class in my living room. A well hung piece or pieces together makes all the difference in the enjoyment. They are a part of my every day and how I see the world.

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Sally January 21, 2016 - 2:41 am

Your post today speaks directly to me. I am a painter, mostly watercolor, and had a small show last summer. Several pieces sold, and with a share of the proceeds, I purchased an antique French painting of sheep, a favorite animal. I can’t seem to be content without color and pictures in my daily environment. I so enjoy your blog and look forward to your lovely photos of your corner of France. Merci!

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JaneEllen January 21, 2016 - 2:52 am

I loved reading all the comments. On top of getting to read your wonderful posts, viewing your photos I get some education, who could ask for more?
I don’t have any original art on our walls, when our daughter cleaned out my Mothers’ home (we lived in MT and daughter closer to her Grandmother) so by time we got to CA all Mother’s possessions were gone including a wonderful oil landscape my Dad had painted. It went to a used furniture store daughter told me. So I missed out on having one of only 3 original paintings by my Dad. THis still bothers me after all these years.
Couldn’t very well be unhappy with daughter as she had 2 very young children, lived completely on other side of San Diego county from where her Grandmother had lived. Thousands of irreplaceable slides and photos went I don’t know where also. My parents were really big on photography. What they had was chronology of both their families and ours with friends thrown in. What a loss.
So people that are able to keep paintings done by relatives no matter how far removed are very lucky and glad to hear they treasure the art made by them.
I guess I got some of my Dad’s artistic ideas as I love to make my own art, love to decorate our home, have excellent sense of color and composition. I wonder sometimes if my Dad is watching me and approving of how I apply what artistic talents if any he bequethed to me. Without crafting, etc. I am not myself at all, have to create, do whatever. I love to look at an old beat up piece of furniture and imagine what I could do with it. Can’t afford to buy many pieces but do what I can when I can.
I sure enjoyed this post. Happy daze to you.

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Judi January 21, 2016 - 4:45 am

You’ve given me a goal for when I return home. I’m going to buy an original painting and replace a print I have in the den. You are so right, I love my original art we have (and photos), even though I must say a print my husband and I bought in Paris in 1969 still warms my heart, for the memories of the time, place, purchase, and of my husband. Heck, I think I might go into town tomorrow and see what they have at the Art Center in little Columbus, Mississippi! They have a fabulous WPA mural in the old post office which is just a wonderful old Southern building.

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Lillian Plummer January 21, 2016 - 7:51 am

Hi Sharon, love your post and particularly the two ladies. I went to a home for sale inspection some years ago. It was a deceased estate and still completely furnished and a lovely large oil on canvas portrait of a young woman in her 20’s, obviously deceased owner of the house. Imagine my shock when all the furniture and paintings appeared at an auction some months later. The deceased woman had three children and not one wanted to keep the portrait of their mothe! A beautiful woman in a divine evening dress! Needless to say it came home with me as did her chaise and oval library table.
luvL

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Elizabeth January 21, 2016 - 8:24 am

I am gathering art for my next project. If the frame is ugly, I take it off.

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Lyn January 21, 2016 - 9:32 am

I am reading your lovely book at the moment. I am really enjoying it. I was lucky to study art at University in the 80s and have some great paintings and ceramics done by my friends and fellow students. Every one of them reminds me of a special time together. I also have a beautiful portrait of me done by my youngest grandson, it’s just wonderful.
I love your beautiful flower arrangements, your garden and the pups who always seem to be having fun.

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Joanna Callander January 21, 2016 - 10:15 am

Hi Sharon I couldn’t agree more, apart from supporting artists in however a small way, i choose original paintings because they tend to have some meaning to me. We have lots of originals by very talented family members (a talent not passed to me I’m sad to say) of the Lake District where my parents ashes are spread and places we’ve walked as a family. And then apintings we’ve bought – my favourites are a group of men in trilbys standing at a bar and one titled Falling Across The Dance Floor which makes me feel like dancing even though it’s really about falling in love. Its so much joy to see them every day! Love your paintings, wonder who the women were …

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Elvie January 21, 2016 - 10:32 am

My husband is a very good artist so we have many paintings around the rooms at home.he paints Ausralian Landscapes and some loverly French paintings of French homes and cafe shops etc ,so have lived with art for many years.The painting of the two ladies is really nice ,and moving with you and your family makes them part of the family as well.

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Esther George January 21, 2016 - 10:53 am

Hi Sharon, my husband bought me this painting that I insisted I was in love with for many years this was the only picture on my dining room wall and of course I had a black and white picture of my daughter at age 3 this was when I was still working, out the front door by 6.30 am, back by 7.00 pm so I did not pay much attention to my empty walls. When I had my son I stopped working and the walls started to speak to me. I found an online poster store called Allposters in US, so Monet’s garden was the start, then came Hassam Childe Boston Common, New York 1940, Paris 1930, Montmartre, Spain by this time my mum and my sister think I’ve gone bonkers…. Apart from Monet all the other pictures are black and white including one of my son at age 3. Whoever comes to visit they get taken by all the black and whites of places I dream about. I took the painting my husband bought off the wall, it’s stored away (I fell out of love) my mistake was I fell in love with the colour not the picture that was an expensive lesson. I don’t like movie posters but this one I could not dismiss it’s Charlie Chaplins, The Kid it always makes me smile (they look so mischievous). Thank you for sharing beauty. Till next time, regards Esther from Sydney. PS I still look at Allposters, problem… I’ve run out of walls…..

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Sophia Wadsworth January 21, 2016 - 11:16 am

Lovely post Sharon, and I agree, original art is so special….and as you say, it does not have to be expensive. We are fortunate to have several beautiful large paintings here at home….each one bought in a different place on our travels….mainly France and Canada. They not only bring me joy to see each time I pass them, but they also bring back the added memory of a wonderful trip away, and that is an added beautiful bonus!

Sophia x

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Pamela January 21, 2016 - 4:11 pm

I have so enjoyed this post , I love art and have some type of art on my walls , I mostly have photos and black and whites which I love. I decided at a young age I would not
bye a print. But I think also being in artist has something to do that. I only purchas what speaks to me or has meaning to me. I enjoyed reading all the posts and sounds like we all share the same feelings about having art in our lives. Love the painting of the young ladies.
Have a great day.

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Maude Smorthwaite January 21, 2016 - 4:54 pm

Hi Sharon
I hope you are doing fine. I love original art. I try my best to collect them too. I am so glad you brought up this topic at your blog today. I do read your blog when I have the time, am so busy these days, and I always pop in at your fb page. I hope you are doing fine. Take care now. Maude

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Iris January 21, 2016 - 5:29 pm

I also have a few cherished pieces. And it’s funny how certain memories stay with us. My prized pieces were purchased or gifted during milestone moments throughout my life. I love them and they will always have a prominent spot in my home. Love art and truly it’s not the price associated with a particular piece but what it means to me.

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Jennifer January 21, 2016 - 5:31 pm

When I was a young girl, I remember finding a portfolio on a shelf in our living room, full of art! My mother explained that the art was done by my great-grandmother, who in the late 1800’s took a correspondence art class. There are study lessons involving perspective, shading, and color: as well as watercolor still-lifes and landscapes. I have this treasure now, and have framed several of the paintings, and inherited 2 other large oil paintings from an aunt also done by my great-grandmother. These are my most treasured possessions and certainly help to make our house a home!

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Ali January 21, 2016 - 6:14 pm

Oh Sharon….this post makes me so happy. My home is filled with art. All original. From oil paintings on the walls…hung salon style to sculptures of my own creation. Art is like breathing to me…..necessary.

I live on Salt Spring Island…a small Island of the West Coast of Canada, which is an Arts Mecca. It is one of the top 10 Arts communities in North America. We all need beauty in our lives….even though it is in the eye of the beholder.

Love your blog.

Ali

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Angela Muller January 22, 2016 - 10:15 pm

Sharon, art and books dominate my design sense and my walls. My first piece of artwork was a Henry Tanner print of an old man balancing his grandson on his knee as he taught him to play the banjo. I saw it in a chain drugstore forty-five years ago, and it still reigns alongside my original paintings. When I see an original work of art, I can feel the passion, the brushstrokes, and the hand that imagined its being…it lives!

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Dorka January 24, 2016 - 10:05 am

As a daughter of a renowned collector our family is indulged with artworks .I grew up with all the tales stories and knowledge of the paintings and mainly graphic art on the walls at home.I tried to plant this love to my daughters not much success at first but by the age they mainly care for original works for their homes too.We are lucky to select from the really very huge collection of etchings, woodcuts and maily incunables of lithographies of my father.Many thanks for him to teach us for this love. All the knowledge he has in his mind cannot be on internet today! With love from the snowy Plain in Hungary Central Europe from a warm and cosy little cottage. Dorka

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Michele January 24, 2016 - 1:46 pm

When I was first married I worked on the same block as a gallery I would visit at lunch. I fell in love with a piece that called to me daily, but was out of the question based on our newlywed budget and needs. The gallery owner noticed my passion for the work and volunteered that while she was not pushing, I could purchase the piece and pay a bit for a very long time. I began to forgo my lunch and secretly paid a pittance on it each week. Months later when my husband and I attended a gallery event the owner unknowingly congratulated him on his first purchase of original art. I was mortified! He was sad that I would hide something from him, and even more so that I thought he would not understand my love for the work. He insisted we forget saving for couches chairs and dishes and bring the art home immediately! 39 years later, through 8 different homes of varying sizes and style, we love it still, the first of others acquired over the years, but always our first.

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Sally February 5, 2016 - 12:43 am

Original art hanging on the walls is such a part of life and home. I was an art history major in college so this came naturally to me. My home has art work i.e. sculpture, ceramics, photography, oil and watercolours in every room. They carry a history, and I smile and remember when they came into the home.

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scott patrick. January 17, 2023 - 2:48 pm

Greetings to you,
I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop
and i guess she likes some of your art piece, I must also say you are
doing a great job. I would like to know what inspired that work. I am
very much interested in the purchase to surprise my wife.
Regards
scott patrick.
scottpatrick1754@gmail.com

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Ada July 26, 2023 - 7:09 pm

Real art is one of the best options for decor, but not always available on a budget. Now there are a lot of cool posters on sites like https://soposters.com for different interiors, or in the form of beautiful art and paintings that will decorate your room. Worth a try

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