Thoughts on (secondhand) original art

Like a lot of people, I am a big art fan. I don’t have a substantial budget for originals, however, and to be honest, I’ve had a hard time finding local artists with work that is a good match for me.

But I have had some luck buying secondhand original art. There’s just no denying that original art has depth a print does not, so if I can find good stuff and a reasonable (or even ridiculously low) price point, I’m there.

My favorite is this mixed-media piece my husband bought while we were in grad school. Found at a consignment shop, it wasn’t as cheap as something you’d find at a thrift store, but the colors and texture are beautiful. I usually keep it above the fireplace March through September.

I bought this canvas at a thrift store when we lived in Reno, Nevada. It reminded me of the landscape where I grew up—water, fields, hills, and blue sky.

This good-sized painting came from a thrift store in Jackson, Wyoming, and it cost $10. I love how abstract it is and how it tells a story of people who live on an island, work hard, and love each other. The colors are vibrant and rich, and the texture is gloppy and great.

This little guy was a few bucks at a local thrift store, and I love its abstract city scene.

I rotate a few more pieces onto my walls during different times of the year, and now I have quite a collection of secondhand art. Which leads to my question: Do I have too much? Is my house looking like a thrift store? Not all secondhand art is “good.” So I’m trying to be selective and not bring home every canvas I find.

Portraits are another matter entirely, and I’m working on a post on the topic. It’s a subject that fascinates me and that has shaped culture for centuries. You’ll notice I don’t have a single portrait in my house, however. I’ll explain why next week.

Do you have any original art in your home? Did you commission a piece, find an artist online, or buy it secondhand? And if you’ve got favorite sources for art, please share. •

Save