Just like with my furniture, I like my art to be a mix of modern and traditional. We’re doing another gallery style wall in our living room, similar to what we had at the loft, but I want to mix the pieces up a little. I’m always on the hunt!
A couple weeks ago I found this ice blue with red splatters painting at the flea market. It’s an unmounted canvas so the vendor gave me a smokin’ good deal. I picked up a black canvas to staple it to, and I’ll probably frame it using my old trick.
If you’re ever in NYC over a weekend, you should stop by the Antiques Garage (or this place!) in Chelsea. It’s literally a parking garage that they lease out to flea market vendors on weekends. Two giant floors of awesome finds. If you see me there on Saturdays, I’d be happy to point you to the best vendors. But go early! They are usually set up by 9:30 or 10:00 am and the good stuff is pretty much gone by noon.
I would say about twice a month one or two of the vendors has brought in an artist’s collection. It usually means the artist has passed away and the family is selling off their estate. So while you won’t get any of the artist’s masterpieces probably, you can usually buy a great piece from a moderately sucessful NYC artist for a great price.
Much of the art in my home, including both of the pieces above and below, were sold at the flea from an artist’s estate sale. The pastel was $5 and the giant, framed watercolor was less than $100.
You have a great eye -As an artist, there is joy in creating and so be it if it my art one day is found at a flea market….I hope it brings joys to many.
That to me is art….love your collection.
pve
you have fabulous taste in art….can't wait to see your new gallery wall. hope you are feeling better! xo- Shannon
Love all your flea market art! Makes for a really interesting gallery wall. And the story about your large watercolor is too cool! Wish I lived in NYC sometimes….
I always love all the pieces you have. And i love how you mix them.
Would you show how you stretch that painted unmounted canvas? I have been holding onto some old painted canvases myself, nervous about how to put them on a frame without cracking the artwork.
Your how-to's are incredibly helpful! Thanks for sharing!
An artist's story can make art so much more meaningful. It is a beautiful medium to share and evoke emotions. I love that you found out about the artists.
I love that small pastel that you matted in light blue! I am going to start looking for cool art at the flea markets from now on!
Beautiful post, and thoughtful insights. Your trick to cut down frames is genius. Using a paper template for me would be the best, as I am a klutz with sharp objects.
Gives me hope that my love of art-filled walls is not in bad taste.
XO
As a painter I am always so glad to see stories about people buying original art instead of grabbing some mass produced canvas at Target. You can always feel the personality in something handmade.
i am so envious of your access to such amazing flea markets {and obviously of your great eye}. the gallery wall above the striped couch is perfection!
The Garage really is amazing, but I still miss the big outdoor lots on 26th Street! I love living vicariously through your scores there – the art you have found is really special and you display it in such a personal way at home.
would love to read that obituary!
I would love it if you posted about how to choose mattes – sizes, colors, proportions…
You have a great eye!
Thanks!
I find the pictures not all hanging straight. That enhances the chaotic impression due to all the differnet frames and images. Can it be improved or is it ment to be?
I have a friend, the choreographer and former principal dancer for the Royal Swedish Ballet, who insists I take him to the Garage whenever he hits town. A great place; one needs to look closely, past the junk, and treasures will reveal themselves.
I would suggest that people looking for original art try art schools. They often have shows throughout the semester and the works, often of very high quality, are for sale at reasonable prices and you would be helping an art student to boot. The venerable Art Student's League on West 57th Street in NYC is a perfect example of this type of school; one can call to ask about the next scheduled student show. Here's a link: http://www.theartstudentsleague.org/
the anonymous comment above made me laugh! It is very Dexter-esque, however i think it's going to look great! You do have great taste! I really love your blog!
i wish you'd come help me with my walls!! love the eclectic collection.
Those artworks are spectacular. You do have a keen eye for great stuffs. Thanks for sharing you collection.
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Sometimes, it is nice to go to yard sales and flea market because you will never guess what treasure you could find there. What seems to ordinary others can be just the thing that you are looking for to make your home more appealing.
Hi Jenny!
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I like your stripy sofa and the idea of mixing old with new.
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I'm so glad you mentioned the Antique Garage! I was just looking up their hours and details about them yesterday so glad to hear it's worth checking out. The art you've scored is great. It's on my list for one weekend this month.
I've always had a hard time with artwork but am trying to get more adventurous! love your gallery wall and settee~
I would name your blog the dreamland! While Santa knocks at our door just once per year, you blog is open the whole year – wow!
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The bronze bust in the second to last picture looks almost exactly like one my great-grandfather made of my uncle when he was a kid (other than it being of a girl, of course), can you tell me more about it? So curious where you found it!