Choose colourful original paintings for your home.
When I have a chance to show my artwork in person, I often get asked, ‘which prints will go together?’ or ‘what will look good in my living room?’. I’m very happy to chat through what kind of furniture and colours a person already has in their room but my main answer is always the same; ‘Choose the piece you love the most’ I reply.
I love to see homes filled with colourful original paintings – there is always a story behind where the pieces were purchased, a story of far off places visited or in some cases the story of an artist that is a friend or relative. And it’s our stories that make up our lives and these pieces become part of our individual story of who we are and what we like and what makes us unique. There is a special feeling when you purchase an original artwork – there is only ever one original and it gives you some kind of connection to the artist and the knowledge that you own something exclusive.
I have a few tiny originals from artists I have gathered over the years – usually pieces picked up at a market or gallery where I have had the chance to meet the artist or from an artist I know. But I dream of being able to own many more one day and so I curate little lists of artist’s whose work I greatly admire and would love to purchase. My lists are long and many so the following is just a snippet of the painters whose work is on my wish list.
One of the first artists whose work I fell in love with is Jennifer Davis. I think I discovered her work through Etsy many years back and have followed it ever since always waiting to see new originals she shares and wondering which piece might one day be mine. I love her use of colour and quirky characters and unique style. Her website describes her work as ‘colourful, imaginative paintings of surreal and whimsical creatures’ and they are filled with so much happiness and fun. Her work would be sure to make you smile each day.
Another artist I have followed for a similarly long time is Betsy Walton who creates magical, imaginative landscapes filled with symbolism. I recently took a short online drawing class taught by Betsy and it was wonderful to see the way she works so freely with her drawings. I love her use of vibrant colours paired with more muted areas in the works and also her use of pattern-like areas and small details. I would love to add an original to the print I already own.
Another artist whose prints I am lucky to have a couple of is Janet Hill. Her works are like scenes from a movie set in a different era and each one tells a story. Viewing her paintings is like entering another world which you would love to explore further. I think you would have to be very fast to snaffle one of her originals as it always reads ‘sold out’ whenever I have clicked on a link to a newly released painting!
Also high on my wish list is an original work by Australian duo, Inaluxe. The work of Kristina Sostarko and Jason Odd caught my attention on a greeting card in a bookshop one day. I love their bold colour combinations and ability to mix simple shapes into warm and inviting pieces. Their style is instantly recognizable and they would be a beautiful addition in my home one day. I confess I do already own a couple of their prints but of course an original as well would not be too much!
I was lucky to meet the next artist, Todd Romanowycz at one of his exhibition openings a few years back. I love his clean, graphic style and process of painting in reverse onto acrylic sheets to reveal these glossy finished pieces. I was exhibiting in the adjacent gallery space at the time when I first came to know his work and there was a piece of his that I really wanted. I kept thinking that if it was still available at the end of the exhibition, then I would buy it but of course it had sold well before that time – a good lesson in not hesitating when you find a piece you love.
I discovered John Santucci’s work through Instagram and have been following for a good few years now. I enjoy the everyday scenes he paints and appreciate all the little details that go into each piece as well as his beautiful choice of colours. I think this one could quite happily hang in my kitchen.
And for our living room perhaps I would choose a piece by Belynda Henry. Her beautiful landscapes with colour and texture would be perfect to create a relaxing and soothing atmosphere. I think the problem would be choosing just one so I might need to find another space for a second one.
Well it is very difficult to stop at just seven but I have enjoyed this little escape into my dream home filled with art I love. I’m keen to know which artists works are on your wish list?
