Art for All

Filed under Be Creative Decorating Ideas on Feb 16 12 by Allison Forshey

I am a firm believer in the power of art. It has the ability to transform your outlook and mood, which is why I always encourage friends to hang something their bare walls. In spite of (or maybe because of?) my degree in Fine Art, my walls are covered with some pretty random things (I don’t just hang paintings!). Here are my top three sources for unique, conversation-sparking art for your home:

1. Thrift stores
Your local thrift store is a great place to find interesting paintings, but you will have to sort through some hideous pieces to find a few gems! Even if the picture or painting isn’t your cup of tea, check out the frame. Most times, all a thrifted frame needs is a quick coat of spray paint to freshen it up.

2. Etsy
Etsy is a website that houses millions of artists’ stores that sell handmade objects, and is a terrific source for unique pieces of art at great prices. Here are a few that I’m loving right now:

3. Farmer’s markets
These are a great place to find local artists! Many artists will have tables and have inexpensive prints available for purchase. Some will even take commissioned work for way less then what you would pay a more established artist. (Plus, when they become famous your piece may be worth lots of money!)

My Own Walls

Art is what you make it! If I’ve learned anything in my Art Theory classes, it is that you can make art from anything. Here are some vignettes from my house that I would consider unconventional art.

1. A map
I got this at a thrift store and spray painted the frame gold.

2. My own paintings in redone thrift store frames

3. An old burlap feed sack and a vintage painting

4. Vintage Pepsi crate from a thrift store
I use it to store my cameras

5. Stacked abstract paintings
Just mix around some acrylic paint on cast off wood or cheap canvases.