I want to introduce you to two new pieces of art that recently joined my household. First of all is Beulah, whose simple yet skilled floral painted flower presented itself by way of the main Goodwill right here in Portland, Oregon. At $7.99, she was a bargain too good to pass up. (Not to mention that my mother and I were shopping together, and she insisted on treating!) The painting is signed by a Ms. Beulah Lee, and the back says 1974.
She now lives in a centrally located corner of my dining room. I could not have asked for a more perfect painting for this tall narrow spot.
My second new piece of artwork is a signed and numbered original Elizabeth Harris print that perfectly pairs with the framed poster I already have. (The artist is a friend of the family, and the poster itself was a wedding gift.) Unfortunately, it’s framed by the ghost of 1980’s past, with multiple mats, brass accents and a super shiny red wood frame. (I am of the camp that believes that a frame should not overwhelm the art.) The print was priced at $40, but I pulled a 30% discount card from a container, which brought the price down to $32. (Thank you, William Temple House Thrift Store!)
Ignore the hideous frame and enjoy the beautiful print!
I placed the print in our entryway, where she will have the same sightline as her sister-wife.
And later today, I will take advantage of the rare Oregon sunshine to spray paint the hell out of this awful frame for a more neutral look.
I like having original art in my home, and see no reason why a limited budget would ever get in the way of my aesthetic leanings. From $1 paintings to a $18 Maxfield Parrish print, I get exactly what I want without breaking the bank.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s weird that I’m an artist and can’t stand anything on my own walls. I do love your relaxing blues colors and most especially the perfectly posed cat! >^..^< Wonderful pictures!
I noticed the cat right away, too. He/she must approve of the art!
She’s a definite photo-bomber!
😉
Katy
Lookin’ good:)!
The painting was a wonderful score! Would like to see another photo of the print, perhaps after you update the frame. There’s too much glare/reflection to see it properly. Although if you like it, that’s all that really matters 🙂
I repainted the frame and mat today, so an updated photo is soon to come!
Katy
Congratulations on your finds — we just saw you on the channel 8 news. 🙂
I love scoring art. One time, in Columbia, SC i found an artist portfolio with 10 signed and numbered prints for $200. Turns out each is worth $500+ each. Score!
Since, I am somewhat of an artist I usually find something I like than paint it for myself. Cheap art is great.
I see people on the internet doing the oddest things to make wall art. I wonder why they don’t want real art?
Katy
I have an amateur painting of Mt Rainier. i purchased it at a rummage sale for $1. I love it.
Like rosarugosa said the reflection makes it hard to see your print but I LOVE how the floral painting looks, it does a nice job of tying the two wall colors together.
Until I was inspired by you to look, I had no idea goodwill had original paintings. My son and I scored a cute little dog painting for his room for $3.
I’ve always found hanging anything on my walls quite daunting. And now we are in the process of attempting a gallery wall of ‘art’ (ha!) on our newly re-decorated living room wall… So far, so good, we’re still married that is! I don’t think that frame is that awful and while Beulah’s picture isn’t scintillating in itself, the colours are incredibly beautiful against your walls. I’m in awe of the bold colours you’ve used on your walls…we’re very neutral around here on the walls as a rule. However, having 10 foot ceilings, I tend to paint the ceilings quite boldly, which is fun!
I lived in enough bland rentals to enjoy some real color.
Katy
It looks like you have a wall going up the stairs that lends itself to a natural gallergy space. I would love to have something like that. Looks great!
The flower painting appears to be cherry blossoms or maybe pear.
um, 30% of $40 is $12. so $40 minus $12 is $28. if you paid $32, you’ve been robbed!
Ha, you’re right! I think the print was actually priced at $45.
Katy