1.26.2012

Get Artsy With It

Art can be an intimidating thing. How do you know what good art is?  How much should you pay for it? While I'm sure we can start a strong debate on this subject, with 20ft, nearly blank walls in the loft, I've gotta get on it. Just without shelling out thousands of dollars....









That's why I was intrigued when I spied this painting {in the home of Kelly Wearstler no less}. I find it striking. I find it appealing. And it leaves me thinking a line across a canvas - I can do that!

So I'm turning to you luvies, for your brilliant opinions. What say you of homemade art? Have you tried it? Have you had good experiences with it?

Or do you have yet to be discovered artists that you love? The sea of Etsy can get a tad overwhelming sometimes so if you have any recommendations, I'd love to hear them!

And should I pick up a brush {scary thought!} I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!

image by jamie beck

36 comments:

Sara said...

I just included a round up of my favorite Etsy artist on my blog! http://projectsoiree.blogspot.com/2012/01/fab-5-etsy-artists.html

Emily Davis said...

Oh girl! You CAN do that and you should do it! I am a black and white DIY art advocate myself:

http://mainstreetchic.blogspot.com/2011/07/oops-i-did-it-again.html

It always ends up looking fab- just don't overthink it! Can't wait to see how it turns out!

xoxo, Emily

amy b.s. said...

i too am looking for wom original art that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and can no longer sift through etsy. it makes my head hurt. if you find something let me know!

kate funk said...

That bed looks divine, the painting makes the room!

velvetcupcakes

Chelsea said...

Well, I love Etsy of course, but I have really wanted to be doing some of my own art. For me the biggest challenge is setting aside the time and just getting it done. xo

Courtney K said...

We have a lot of art in our home (helps that I'm a painter) but we also love picking up art from places we visit. Whether it's a watercolor from Florence or a cheap sparkly Vegas postcard, everything brings back a great memory. I can't wait to see what you do!

Molly said...

Do it! Sally and I have done lots of DIY art projects and as long as you don't skimp on the framing no one will ever be able to notice! I also loooove the art Nicole of Sketch 42 makes: http://sketch42blog.com/art/
xx and good luck!

Kirsten said...

I love creating my own art for around my apartment. I love to change things up quite frequently so it is easier to create a new piece (and less expensive). Plus, if you are changing up colors, you can match your own work perfectly.

Sarah O'Brien said...

I'm very intrigued by art work, which is why I studied art history rather than art in college. I thought I wasn't very artistic, but my professor shared with me art is an expression of who you are not what the world thinks of the finished project. So I became inspired.

Now I'm no Krasner or O'Keefe by any means but I have come to love creating art. Now when putting up my own work in my apartment, I look up at it and think hey I made that. And strangely almost everytime someone comes over they say that is a cool painting where'd you find it, I'll respond oh I made it.

L.A. in the bay said...

Love art. So many amazing artists out there.

India Banks said...

you have impeccable taste and talents and i don't see any reason why you don't buy a stack of canvases and pick up some paint & brushes - you have my blessing xx

Beth of designPOST Interiors said...

I recently attempted homemade art and I was happily surprised by a.) the fact that I could create anything resembling art and b.) that it was so fun! Here's my creation...
http://www.designpostdaily.com/2012/01/crafting-craziness.html


Can't wait to see what you decide!

CorinneM said...

I'm totally giving this a try...definitely personalized ;) http://www.loveisartkit.com/

Brenda Watts said...

Go for the DIY Art..your take on the world is art for sure. Also if you have an art school or visual arts college in your town..MANY students have wonderful pieces they will sell at a reasonable price..before they are discovered..LOL Have been there and the money from your work can go a long way for a student to buy supplies...Buy pieces that speak to you or touch your heart..you will love them always.

Jamie said...

I'm working on a list of (less) expensive and trustworthy art dealers now actually! I will be happy to email when I get it together... So many of us have the same problem finding "good" art and not have to pay a million dollars.

sampenner said...

I think you should try to recreate the Kelly Wearstler one. Looks great and it will cost next to nothing to try.

Good luck!

XO,

Sam
www.ThePeakofTresChic.com

Entirely Elizabeth said...

DIY can be great! Here are two artists that I love- one being a good friend.

http://kfddesigns.blogspot.com/

http://armasdesign.blogspot.com/

Good Luck!

Allison Young said...

great DIY inspiration. i made some DIY painting with my friend to decorate her place recently!

www.absurdlypeculiar.blogspot.com

B.Weber said...

I love this! Simple Beauty.

HauteStandards

Tobe | Because It's Awesome said...

do it!!! why not give it a shot at least? you don't have to tell anyone if you decide not to keep it - but i think you'll surprise yourself. ox

Ann Marie said...

This is a bit strange, but I decided to just go for it, and bought it over xmas: http://www.loveisartkit.com/. When my bf and I move in together next month we plan on making our painting for the bedroom! It seems like a cool idea -- a unique, abstract painting with a hidden meaning ;)

Ms. Peach Plus said...

I'm finally at the stage when I'm looking for art for my new place. I'm working with a severe budget, so I've been painting my own pieces. I like it because the pieces are unique and fit my space. Good luck in what you choose!

Liz On Luxe said...

i love homemade art! I do it all the time, in fact all of the art in our apartment is by me from photography to paint projects!

get at it girl!

mfd said...

As an artist I tend to cringe at the DIY idea, but at the same time I totally understand it. I agree with an earlier comment to seek out local art students for work. Not only can you get some amazing work for cheap, it helps pay those crazy college expenses and they can maybe even put it on their resume.

Support your local artists!

Elisse said...

I LOVE this DIY abstract art on Oh Happy Day:
http://ohhappyday.com/2011/07/how-to-make-abstract-art/

I want to try and create one someday. Homemade art is awesome.

www.thefrenchtoast.net

Samantha said...

check out 20x200.com. They have really affordable and unique artwork

Artplay by Vivian Hawker said...

I found I had a passion for creating art when I started painting with my toddler (just to keep her busy). I fell in love with it and now my home is filled with my own original pieces. I wanted something different that I couldn't find anywhere else and that is when I started creating my graphic word play paintings. I just recently opened my online shop on Etsy (very affordable)and can be found at http://www.etsy.com/vivianhawker. You can definitely try it and who knows you may find you too have a passion for it.

Erika said...

Go for it. Art is an expression, it isn't like math, there is no right or wrong. If you buy art go to the artists colonies around town. Buy what you like not what you think is right for your house. Be creative and DIY. Can't wait to see how it turns out. We framed kids art, my husband's former company Art Hause crafted silk screen versions of famous paintings onto canvas. We framed and hung remnants. Don't be afraid to experiment. Check out my blog for inspiration! http://wwww.urbanchiqueness.com

Little Red Book said...

Love this idea. One time when I had no money to spend on hanging art, I took a blank black canvas with a box frame, stuck all these random buttons, and I got the most compliments.

http://www.designers-artists.com

Girlie Blogger said...

This space looks so elegant in black and white.
www.thegirlieblog.com

a. said...

You should 100% do it! My house is filled with homemade art, either by myself, my friends or relatives and I love it. It adds more of a story to each piece that you look at.

Go for it!

http://the-makingofthings.blogspot.com/

Ferren said...

Finding art for the home can definitely be a scary thing for some. Especially if you don't feel like you know enough to choose. I say you have to find something to fit your personality, which usually comes out in how you choose to decorate your rooms. I have a whole blog just about picking art to suit your décor bc it can be intimidating for many. http://www.easyart.com/trends

Hope you have a lovely weekend! I've been reading your blog for ages, but this is the first time I've commented :)

Ferren

JDAZDesigns said...

I've done my own art for years. AND received compliments on it - before they knew it was made by moi!

Go for it!

Sarah Jane said...

Love this bedroom - and I'm in the same boat - I really need some more art and photography for the home front! let me know what you find;) I'll do the same. x0

THE-LOUDMOUTH said...

Sounds like a good idea to me, go for it!

Stripes-ON-Stripes said...

Do what I do...have a child do it. They don't think about it as much as we do! White canvas, black paint and a young child!

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