When it comes to decorating your space with real art, you don't have to break the bank and you don't have to settle for faux art from Hobby Lobby. Here are five budget-friendly ways to incorporate real art into your home:
1. Local Art Shows and Markets
Support local artists and find unique pieces at affordable prices by attending art shows and markets in your area. You'll be able to discover hidden gems and support the arts community in your neighborhood. Pro tip: visit at the end of the day or on the last day of the show when the artist would rather make a sale than lug home her art!
2. Online Art Marketplaces
Explore online art marketplaces where you can find a wide selection of original artwork at various price points. Websites like Etsy, Saatchi Art, and Society6 offer a range of styles and mediums to choose from, making it easy to find pieces that fit your budget.
3. Thrift Stores and Estate Sales
Don't underestimate the treasures you can find at thrift stores and estate sales. Keep an eye out for paintings, prints, and sculptures that catch your eye. You never know what hidden gems you may uncover for a fraction of the cost. These places can also be a gold mine for beautiful frames. My friend Anna Weaver does this well. https://www.annaweaverinteriors.com/collections/artwork Or follow her on instagram. @annaweaverinterios
4. DIY Art Projects
Get creative and make your own art pieces to display in your home. You don't have to be a professional artist to create beautiful artwork. Experiment with different mediums, such as acrylic paint, watercolors, or mixed media, to add a personal touch to your decor. You could even find a beautiful leaf or flower and press it in a book like our grandmothers did! They knew the value of beautifying a home in a frugal way. If you're going to paint something, my advice would be to stick with something abstract or a simple line drawing, such as a charcoal figure drawing. Keep your expectations low and your mindset positive! Give it a good frame, and voila! (Almost) free art!
5. Frame Postcards and Prints
Transform inexpensive postcards, prints, or photographs into stylish artwork by framing them. Mix and match frames in different sizes and styles to create a gallery wall that showcases your favorite images. Today's prints are not yesterday's prints. Printing technology has come a long way. I use a professional art printer that can handle everything from building wraps to fine art giclees. When you put one of my original artworks next to the prints they produce, you literally can not tell the difference. Their graphics team takes time to color match my paint choices exactly and the inks are vibrant and preserve the transparency of watercolor.
I hope these budget-friendly options give you some inspiration and allow you to break away from the art you purchased at Bed, Bath and Beyond in your twenties!
XOXO,
Anne