Today, Betsy Wills of ArtStormer, joins us with some great suggestions for making original art an integral part of your home decor.
Betsy:
What’s old is new again.
In Medieval Europe, churches used stained glass windows as instructional cartoons to teach the largely illiterate faithful stories from the gospels. Think of it as liturgical SNAPCHAT. In some ways, we have essentially returned to those simpler times. Instagram is by far the most popular mode of communication that, more than ever, supports the idea that a picture IS worth a thousand words.
This is why I LOVE art.
I’ve been blogging for the past several years with a focus on emerging artists of all types of genres. You name it, I’ve seen it–from a Joel Brochu, who created a wonderful portrait from thousands of cupcake sprinkles, to the less sweet Wim Delvoye, whose tattoo work on the backs of live pigs created quite a squeal from PETA.
Today I present a sampling of works from some of the artists I have featured. Whatever your budget, I believe everyone can afford quality art if they know where to look. I’ve found some of my favorite pieces on sites such as dailypainters.com, www.zatista.com, and www.etsy.com for less than $200. For those with a bit more to spend (note: I am not using the word “invest” because that gets tricky), I also present some artists’ work priced up to $5000 for consideration.
(Exact pricing noted where available. For more information on particular works, click on the hyperlinked artists or galleries to visit their websites.)
Ali Cavanaugh
Ali Cavanaugh is fast rocketing to prominence in the art community. You can see her work in Nashville (my home base) at Tinney Gallery, but galleries all over are besotted with her ethereal style. This piece puts me in mind of the iconic “Betty” by the less attainable Gerhard Richter.
Modern fresco
12” X 12”
Amy Kaufman
Amy Kaufman’s work is delightfully abstract and would lift the look of any room. I’m a huge fan of her supporting gallery, Traywick Contemporary in San Francisco.
Conte crayon on paper, 2 panels
30” X 44”
$3800
Susan Simons
Susan Simons, Tennessee artist and colorist extraordinaire, paints with a fresh point of view on the still life. Be sure to go see her show this August at Bryant Gallery in East Nashville.
Alex Roulette
Alex Roulette is getting a lot of attention these days. Recently graduated from Columbia Universities’ MFA program, his works are large in scale and detailed in execution….with a twist. On my wish list.
Oil on panel
36” X 36”
Mary Wagner
Mary Wagner, an etsy.com find, puts a fine point on it with her “parametric drawings.” To many, they look like spirographs but I can assure you they are hardly child’s play. I’ve even bought some of her small works as special gifts for under $35!
Pen on paper
11” X 14″
$300
Hunter Armistead
Hunter Armistead is a fixture in the fine art photography scene. Tennis anyone?
Photograph
24″ X 36″
$1000
Christopher Stott
Christopher Stott is a realist painter. Many of his pieces have a vintage feel to them.
Oil on canvas
20” X 40”
Lane Bennion
Lane Bennion has spent the last several years chronicling department stores. I love his makeup counters for their unabashed reflection on consumer culture.
Oil on canvas
32” X 36”
Dean Mitchell
Dean Mitchell’s watercolors are classics. Saavy collectors might invest in this piece.
Pencil and Acrylic Wash
9″ x 12″
$850
Regina Scully
Regina Scully’s work is mesmerizing and beautiful. She’s one of my recent art crushes.
Acrylic on Paper
22” X 30”
$1800
Lauren Kussro
Lauren Kussro caught my eye during a Downtown Art Crawl where she was showing at Twist Gallery in the Arcade in Nashville. Her paper sculptures are both beautiful and organic.
Kevin Peterson
Kevin Peterson gives new meaning to graffiti art. His paintings look so real you can hear the spray paint.
Oil on canvas
47”X71”
$5600 (but smaller works are below $2000)
What I encourage you to do is explore and let go of the idea that your artwork needs to match your sofa.
Thank you, Betsy, for this visual feast! Our blank walls are begging for adornment!
Follow Betsy’s art explorations here: artstormer.com.
