MY HEART FOR ART: AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPE ART
Jennifer Mejia
When Studio McGee launched their latest collection with Target, I was one of those crazies who set my alarm for 3 am. Prior to that, I had “hearted” everything I wanted in my online Target account so that all I had to do was click “add to cart” when everything went live. In that group of favorites were two pieces of landscape art. Being from Target, neither was original art. But it’s hard to beat framed art for under $30, even if it is a print. I love small pieces like this for bookshelves and even to lean on dressers and bedside tables. Unfortunately, by the time I went to checkout at 3:01 am (no exaggeration), the landscape art was GAWN! You can imagine how disappointed I was, along with half of the other design nuts who also woke in the middle of the night for the chance to score these bargains.
A highly coveted, sold out landscape from Target x Studio McGee
But there is life beyond Target. If you wish, you can head to McGee & Co. to purchase one of many pieces of landscape art on Studio McGee’s original online store. The offerings are prints, but they’re terrific quality. My two favorite pieces are this watercolor, which would pair nicely with this one. Unfortunately, the low low prices are typically reserved for Target, which is why they sold out in under 60 seconds. But we all have to face the harsh reality that almost everywhere on this planet demands higher prices than Target for fabulous on a budget.
If you insist on Target, Project 62 and Threshold have a few amazing pieces of landscape art at extremely affordable prices. I love this piece for over a bed, which is how Studio McGee often styles landscapes. This foggy tree landscape also has a very Studio McGee vibe, in my opinion.
If you’re looking for the option to purchase framed or unframed art, the latter which I often do because I love to dress these pieces myself, then I recommend a few online shops that give you the option. Artfully Walls has more art than you can imagine. So I’ve chosen three favorite pieces of landscape art from their collection. The first is a more modern landscape, followed by this traditional piece and this one of the California Coast. Minted.com also has a huge collection, and I love this moody landscape, available framed or unframed.
Digital prints are an extremely affordable way to fill your walls. And two of my favorite shops for this are Juniper Print Shop and Collection Prints. They will also print and ship the art to you if you don’t have a quality source to print it yourself. One of my favorites from Juniper is called Montauk (even though I live in Southampton)…doesn’t it look like Montauk? My favorite from Collection Prints might be this beautiful view image of the horizon, along with this vertical landscape.
Juniper Print Shop carries a few prints by Laurie Anne Gonzalez. But a larger section of original art, along with prints, from this uber-talented lady are available directly on her website. One of my favorites may be North Shore — I just love the palette!
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m an Emily Jeffords junkie. Between original art and prints, I have seven works by her in our home. And when it comes to prints AND frames (on some), you don’t get much better for quality. The image above is actually a square print on canvas, and her prints on canvas look like originals. You really have to examine them closely to tell they are prints. The piece at the beginning of the post is also by Emily. Many of her prints have the option to come framed, and I have always been more than thrilled when purchasing a piece with this option.
Brynn Casey’s beachscapes and seascapes are truly unique. You’d swear they are photographs, but instead, they’re paintings and drawings created with her insane talent. This print of a graphite drawing on paper is one of my favorites.
If you think you can’t afford original art, think again. Well & Wonder presently has an amazing collection of landscape art by Sallie Robbins Strickland and a few other artists. This might be my favorite of the collection, and at around $100, how can you lose? Makes you wonder why you ever lost a wink of sleep over missing out on any Target launch.
An artist I love for her landscapes that often include houses is Donna Walker. This small painting on canvas is affordable and so charming.
About 15 years ago, I discovered an amazing gallery in San Francisco called Lost Art Salon. And I left with a few pieces of art for my walls, along with a few sculptures. I still adore each of them so much. The gallery carries “lost art” by artists lesser known than Picasso and Matisse but some just as talented. The owners of the gallery, Rob Delamater and Gaéton Caron, are not only gifted in curating art—they create it, as well. This beautiful gouache on paper landscape was painted by Rob. The gallery also has a collection of vintage and contemporary frames, and you (or they) can choose one perfect for your art to make it truly unique and special. Since I discovered this gallery many moons ago, others like Serena & Lily have, too. But the gallery itself, along with its owners, are still so charming, despite gaining popularity.
And last but not least, one of my favorite artists of all time is Alexis Walter. She often launches “smalls” collections, in addition to having more affordable works on paper. Follow her on Instagram for collection release dates. This beauty is perfection, and you can always increase the presence of it or any other work by using a larger mat when framing.
FRAMING OPTIONS
As for framing, there are a few options. I have used Framebridge more times than I can count. It’s the best deal in town. Shipping of your art and finished/framed piece once the job is complete are free. They’ll even send you packaging to ensure it travels safely to them. If you purchase a digital print, you can send them the file and they will print it and frame it. That’s service. I can remember the days when I’d spend more on framing than the artwork itself, but services like Framebridge made that a thing of the past. Thank goodness! I shared more about my experience with Framebridge here. Simply Framed offers a similar service, although I haven’t personally tried them yet.
These ready-made frames from Blick were recommended by Alexis Walter. I LOVE an old-world style thick gold frame to make any piece more substantial. The gold leaf option is my favorite in this line, but other finishes are available, as are a variety of sizes—so you don’t always have to spend a fortune on custom framing. Stores like Blick, Michael’s, and Hobby Lobby are great for ready-made frames.
Art is such an important part of creating a warm and welcoming home. People often ask how I know what to buy. And it’s really not rocket science unless you’re buying it as an investment to resell one day. Buy what you like. Pay attention to how you feel when you look at it. And if mean that literally. If it evokes some emotion that is positive, take it home.
xoxo,
Jennifer