Monday, January 21, 2013

Art sources

I'm an art snob, admittedly. I try to buy and display original art whenever possible in clients homes, but especially in my own home. The penchant for 'originals' is not often shared by others, as they are perfectly happy with reproductions, prints and photographs.  As an artist and art historian, I covet the real-ness, the smell, the texture, the beauty and process of originals.  So when I saw this ad, I delved further. Zatista is a great site, check it out.


I know original art can be pricey, but not if you favor 'up and coming' artists as found in local galleries, art shows, college art exhibits, fairs, antique and thrift shops, friends of friends, etc.   It takes some footwork and time, which you may not have.
The internet has made art more accessible ( isn't everything?) and more affordable.  Here is an opportunity to get some unique prints from artists you may not have heard of.  

Here's my list of some online sources:

Be Original and own an Original!

My best advice in selecting art is to 
BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS and look outside of your comfort zone, but chose art that strikes a chord inside you and that you love, if for no other reason, just because you love it!


1

What sources do you use?
Nancy

Powell Brower Interiors specializes in making your house a home.  Our favorite accessories are furry feet and a well-lived life.  We offer both e-Design services (virtual) and complete interior design services for clients in the DC, MD and VA areas. We'd love to work with you, so contact us today!

23 comments:

  1. I am right there with you in art snob club. If its a print in my house it is an antique. I just found Zatista too and was accepted to list my paintings there. Unlike Etsy and Saatchi it is a juried site.

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  2. My friend, Jennifer @ The Pink Pagoda has been great for beautiful art. One day, I will buy one of Kerry's paintings.

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  3. I was just thinking of doing a post on this subject yesterday. I was at an antique store and they had a wonderful and affordable selection of antique drawings and paintings. I would also include some prints such as monoprints, wood block prints, engravings, etc., as original art since they've been touched by the artist's hands. Original art retains to tiny bit of the artist's soul that stays with it and gives it a personality.

    Since there's such a huge amount of art in the world, I try to concentrate on vintage art that's local or contemporary art made by artists that I can meet and talk to. The personal connection makes the art all the more special.

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    1. Agreed! As a former printmaker I had to educate the public that signed and numbered silkscreens, block prints, etchings, engravings, intaglios, etc are originals too! They are all hand pulled by the artist from a plate that was made by the artist's hand. Thanks, Steve!

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  4. I also love original art! I'm so grateful though, that there is a market for prints since I sell them on Etsy. In fact, I have lots of printing, packing and shipping to take care of today. Thank goodness not everyone is an art snob.

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  5. I couldn't agree more. It's the one thing I have "ordered" my clients to do over the years. Buy orginial art. It doesn't have to be expensive at all. I love etsy for art.

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  6. I am with you, Nancy! Funny you said the smell, because I am the same.
    Great post.
    Happy Monday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  7. Nancy I could not agree more...original is the only way to go!

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  8. I agree with you 100%!! There is nothing like real art. Another source I like is Buy some damn art. They have a rotating artist feature with great stuff.

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    1. Thanks Albertina, I added it to the list. I want to compile the best sources so let us know if you hear of anymore.

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  9. I couldn't agree more. I' always buy local from up and coming artists. I hope to buy another one while I'm out here in Manila.

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  10. Bravo Nancy! There is fabulous original art everywhere you look! I work in many mediums and love to see how each work of art has a different piece of me in it.

    xoxo
    Karena
    2013 Artists Series

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  11. You can't match the energy and emotion contained in a piece of original art. My favorite piece of original art is hanging in my Master. It is a painting by artist Katherine Steiger. Yes, it was pricey but there is no price to compare to the joy it brings me each and every day. I am spending tomorrow at Duke University's Nasher Museum of Art at the Matisse and the Modern Masters exhibit. Can't wait Nancy--wish you could join me!

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  12. I couldn't agree more ... when I was a young mother and really had NO budget for Art ... I chose to frame and hang my children's art. It sounds silly, but I didn't want to go buy a print at a big box store just for the sake of hanging something. Now, I have some really nice originals ... many from up and comers so that I can afford it!! And ... I still display some of my babies' art!! xo

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  13. Well you know I love and crave art!!! Thanks so much for sharing another great site for us to add instant charm and interest to our homes!!!
    xo Karolyn

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  14. I feel the same way...an original is the way to go!! But understand why people choose to select giclees because of cost. I say save up and then buy that gorgeous piece!!

    Donna

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  15. Totally agree. And often you can find them at a more affordable rate than people think.

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  16. I totally agree....Its hard to find good art these days. It all looks like Home-goods. Its hard to find original looking pieces....I will check out the web-site.

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  17. Thanks for sharing all the great sources, I'd love to find an abstract one of these days!

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  18. I am so glad I'm over the phase of posters and art prints. One thing my hubs and I do on each and every trip...we buy art...so many times it's very affordable...sometimes less expensive that a large print. Great idea to go to the art students and up and comers!

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  19. Although the water of the sea does not look very clean but it is a very serene scenery for my eyes.

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  20. See Art periods for a chronological list.. This is a list of art movements in alphabetical order. These terms, helpful for curricula or anthologies, evolved over time to group artists who are often loosely related. Panting Artist

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