Got art?

Finding affordable artwork can be a challenge for my clients and also for myself. For most of my life I have had "place-holder art" - cheap reproductions or cut out pages from calendars or art books.

Having a piece of original art feels different. It feels like you are a part of someone's soul. But it can be expensive.

You Can Be Cool, Too - Michelle Armas

One of my favorite artists right now is Michelle Armas. I would love to own one of her paintings - like this one for example, and at $2,000 it is a good price for an original painting. But not in my price range.

Save the Bugle - Michelle Armas

But she has smaller paintings - like this 18" x 36" canvas for $400:

So - Michelle Armas

Or this colorful 18" x 18" canvas for only $200.00 (since I posted this, this painting has been sold):

Resolutions - Michelle Armas

And if you go on to her Etsy site, she has even more reasonable options - signed prints which can be as little as $30. 

Wise Math Print - Michelle Armas

Playa (print) - Michele Armas

Zatista is another good source for original art. I recently purchased this Oak Tree woodcut by Michelle Han. It was $35.00. 

Oak Tree woodcut - Michelle Han

Another place I like to look for limited edition signed lithographs is Art 20 x 200. Founder Jen Beckman's came up with a simple formula back in 2007 which launched 20x200. The formula is this: (limited editions + low prices) + the internet = low prices for everyone. 20x200 releases at least 2 new works a week and some are under $25.00. I first heard of 20x200 from a client of mine. She purchased a couple of these and asked me to help her frame them:

Christian Chaize

Praia Piquinia by Christian Chaize

A 80" by 60" limited edition, signed and numbered print of Praia Piquinia by Christian Chaize sells for $10,000. But it is also available in smaller sizes ranging from a 24" x 20" for $600 to a 14" x 11" for a mere $60.00. (They have recently sold out).

West Elm (a favorite shopping place of mine) recently teamed up with 20x200 and they are selling framed prints. Which is how I heard about them the second time.

West Elm collaborates with 20x200

Local art galleries, street fairs and community art-walks are wonderful places to find original art, but don't overlook online sources like Etsy, Zatista and 20x200 - you might find something a little more gentle on your budget.

Can you believe it is Friday already? Happy Weekend everyone!