I recently purchased my first original artwork, and I am delighted. My friend Marian created the painting. For years I have admired the landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and animals she painted. They are all beautiful. A few months ago, Marian shared a vintage-looking geranium painting she had just completed. It immediately captivated me. I’ve always had a fondness for flowers, all things vintage, and pretty art, so having all these come together in one painting – along with knowing the artist personally, was the perfect combination. A bonus was seeing her actually painting it, which you can see here (in the second image). You can see other images of the painting on her IG account here and here.
Vintage Style Shelf
I found the new-to-me shelf on Facebook Marketplace for $30 a couple of weeks ago. It isn’t an antique, but it fits nicely with my decor and this space. It’s also the perfect companion for the painting and elevates the painting so I can see it from all angles in our great room (the painting is hanging on the wall but resting on the shelf). The shelf replaces vintage hooks that have been in the space for years. I already have some ideas about where I will move them to. It’s always a shuffle and change around here with decor – and always has been that way for me.
Shelf Collections and Meaningful Decor
The Selbu mittens hanging on the basket – also art, made by Marian and gifted to me. The Santa wind-up toy belonged to Kirk’s paternal grandmother. She gifted it to him after we were married. He has fond memories of playing with it when he was a little boy – and now enjoys sharing the Santa with our grandkids when they visit. The French market basket was a gift from my cousin, from a French market. The vintage leather camera case belonged to my father-in-law.
Purchasing Original Art
Art is personal and expensive. I looked at many paintings waiting for “the one” that would be a good fit for my style, my home, and the place I wanted to hang it. I was pretty sure I wanted flowers with a vintage look, so I waited. I recommend looking at a lot of art to find your style and the painting that speaks to you. Unless you have a large decorating budget, I recommend saving for original art. Instead of buying lots of little decor and items that are fads, save those dollars to purchase art that is meaningful and has value.
