Become a Member for as little as $4/mo and enjoy unlimited reading of TSLL blog.
“The whole culture is telling you to hurry, while the art tells you to take your time. Listen to the art.” —Junot Diaz
Similarly to an individual day in our life, even each individual who lives a life, a painting, an original painting, captures a moment that will never be experienced again, but now forever will be held to recall, to remember, to inspire and to savor.
Having read recently in a Financial Times article, “Where have all the connoisseur collectors gone?” which shared that now who is buying and collecting art is primarily interior designers for clients rather than individuals due to a variety of factors, one not being the ability to afford such a hobby or passion, but rather other contrary reasons, I couldn’t help but ponder the joy, delight and source of energy we (granted, I am not on the budget scale of collectors this article is referring to, but the practice of collecting is the same) give up when we either source out someone else to purchase our art (most of us not being in the position to do this) or refrain from doing so at all and simply hang generic pieces up on our walls.
It is often assumed that we need a large budget to begin collecting original art, but as I will share with you today, that need not always be the case.
As many of my original pieces come from France, I wanted to share this post during TSLL’s French Week and to encourage you with today’s post to begin (or continue) to collect original art, especially for today’s purpose, paintings, but art as we know art comes in many different mediums, so choose which speaks to you.
So why collect and decorate our homes with original paintings? Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons:
1.Capture a memory you hold dear that speaks directly to you but also keeps the mystery for others to explore
My first framed pieces were prints, so not originals, but I treated them with respect by framing them properly, undoubtedly paying more for the frame than what the print cost, but to me, for my budget at the time, hanging pieces that I might have seen the original in person during one of my travels, a cherished memory immediately came to the forefront of my mind, and framing the print ensured I wouldn’t forget what spoke to me for a poignant and necessary reason that I held of importance for my life journey.
Fast forward to how I decorate in Le Papillon, and while I don’t have known artists recognizable to the masses, I have original paintings both from artists who found themselves in France and captured a moment whilst sitting in a square, or as is the case with the small 13″ x 9″ oil painting you see below (bottom left), a painting I purchased just recently from a gentleman who lives in Saigon, Provence, and drives his Citroën 2CV around the countryside (at this very moment) each day throughout the entire year and paints one large postcard size painting of a what captures his eye on that particular day.
I would like to introduce you to him for many reasons. Pierre Jaccaud sells his oil paintings quite traditionally. He doesn’t have a website or an online shop, but rather you communicate with him via email and wire money via your bank to his, and as I have been following him for about two years after learning of him from Jamie Beck who also lives in Provence now as many TSLL readers know, a particular painting he captured this past June caught my eye. So I reached out to him via email, and over the course of about a month, me – writing in my best French and doing my darndest not to use Google Translate but rather my newly learned French language skills, and he also writing in French, I acquired the painting you see below when it arrived via post this past July.
This painting immediately reminded me of my trip to Provence in 2018 with the rows of lavender fields, but also so much more as it depicted the beauty of the Provençal countryside I so adored while I toodled about in my rental car over those two weeks in June and early July.
Not only was being able to communicate with the artist part of what made bringing home one of his paintings special, but using my neophyte French language skills to do so, and as well capturing something that is clear to me Provence, but may not be quickly recognizable by someone else who hasn’t traveled to this beloved part of the world.
Pierre is a kind soul, and genuinely loves his daily life and uses his talent and passion to share Provence in his unique medium.
~Currently Jaccaud’s painting is being framed, and you will likely see it in the background in September’s A Cuppa Moments and moving forward in future months so long as it stays in this spot :). Oh! And two other details I love about his paintings is that his oils have a slight shimmer to them, so while small, these paintings when you look close, seem to come to life with a subtle dance of light, and the name of each painting is the date. So this painting is 7/6/2024 (the day, the month, the year – French order of the dates), and he writes it in large numbers on the back of the painting which I have asked the framer to keep visible.
2. Capture a reminder of what brings you to life
However and whatever lifts you up, energizes you and elevates your mood, bring pieces that serve to nourish you. This will be unique to each of us of course.
When I purchased the painting below on Etsy of Champs Elysees for maybe $20 way back in 2011, to me it was a diamond because at that point in my life I had not been to France since I first visited back in 2000. And this painting reminded me of what I had done – visited France all on my own as a young woman – and while it scared me, it also broke me open as I shared in The Road to Le Papillon in ways I didn’t expect, and definitely positively effected the unfolding of my life journey.
Similarly, the painting at the top of the post is an oil painting by an American artist who lived in France for a time in the 1960s or late 1950s, and captured an everyday scene in Montmartre. I found this painting in an antique shop here in Bend, Oregon, of all places, and as I had stayed in a hôtel particulier in 2018 in Montmartre, I had walked on this exact street with this view as I strolled toward Sacre-Coeur. So it was without hesitation that I purchased this painting as that trip in many ways brought me to life in ways I could have never imagined.
3. Serve as a reminder to be brave
This framed watercolor by Inslee Fariss, the first illustrator for TSLL, has been with me since 2018. A painting I commissioned to capture various details I saw in person with my own eyes during my trip to Provence, right down to the tablecloth fabric’s print that is Patricia Wells’ on her outdoor table that looks out over her vineyard.
For me, this painting is a reminder of what I can do and constant encouragement to follow my curiosities, my heart and my loves.
Choose work that for you, whether it reflects a moment you actually were brave or inspires you to be brave in such a way that solely makes sense to you, is always there supporting you to live your most fulfilling and inspired life.
5. You need not break the bank or know the artist
If it speaks to you, it speaks to you. Honor that.
£10. That’s is all I paid for this oil painting (seen below) held in a rickety frame this past autumn while I was in County Durham, England, in an antique shop tucked up and out of sight from the high street. But it spoke to me immediately due to three details – the stone arched bridge (Barnard Castle has a beautiful one that I saw and drove over), a vignette of the English countryside which holds a dear place in my heart, and the road that is overflowed with water due to my just experienced exact same experience in the Lake District :). No pondering on this one. I saw it and immediately picked it up and purchased it.
As well, the thoughtful detail of the reflection of the home in the overflowing river water provides much symbolism of the benefits of knowing where you have come from, reflecting, but not dwelling as the river continues to flow.
6. Relax and know you do not need to know what the artist intended, just that it speaks to you and you love it
“Everyone discusses my art and pretends to understand—as if it were necessary to understand—when it is simply necessary to love.” – Claude Monet
Collecting, developing our taste, with anything, is fueled by a passion for a particular type of thing. And it is energy we receive from this hobby that gives us more experiences and encouragement to seek out more information about what we love.
As the article mentioned at the top of this post shared, “Connoisseurship is also refined over time, with decades of engagement vital to finesse taste.” So be patient with yourself as you discover what speaks to you, come to understand more about a particular approach to art or a particular time period or artist, etc., and then let yourself begin the collecting, gradually, yet assuredly. And as Monet reminds, simply loving a piece is enough to welcome it into your home.
More than anything, when I look around my home, and indeed there are still bare walls, I become excited about what might eventually adorn them, but I am in no rush, as that too is part of the fun. What will I discover? Where will I discover it? What memory will it hold? Enjoy the gradualness of selecting your original pieces, and with each piece and each finessing as you edit what is displayed, your sanctuary becomes more and more a place of nourishment, alive, and knowledgeable of what you need to live well.
Explore all of the posts shared so far in this year’s French Week
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration. After the recent passing of my mother, I have added pieces to my home that surrounded me as a child. Good memories and wonderful to carry forward for my children and grandchildren. There is one special oil painting now hanging in my kitchen of zinnia’s that brings a smile to my face.
Lynette,
What a wonderful and clearly intentional idea that no doubt brings you comfort and a reminder of all of the love that will forever be with you. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother. I am heartened to hear that you are finding nourishment that speaks to what you need during this time and moving forward. Thank you very much for stopping by. 🙂
Thank you so much for this post. This is completely true. A couple of years ago I discovered this fact – original art is not that expensive. And – it brings me great joy. I have begun to fill my house with art from a variety of decades and from around the world! Yes, I do have pieces from known artists, but I purchased them solely because I love them, and they make me happy. Merci – for this wonderful post about an idea to help us “get out of our box” and embrace a new and wonderful adventure into the world of art!
Quinn,
How wonderful!!! You are modeling my intention and journey of art collecting as I too have found it to be truly a delight to peruse, discover and welcome home. And thank you for reiterating from you own experience that original art need not be expensive! I think that will assuage many readers’ minds and shift their understanding and thus build more enthusiasm to collect for what speaks to them. Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
Thank you for this post. I have been contemplating a gallery wall for some time, however thought I could never use real paintings due to cost. I will keep my eye out and begin collecting.
Michelle,
Have fund finding the treasures that will eventually make their way to you. Finding work from new and up and coming or lesser known artists requires a bit of sleuthing and exploring, but much like my stumbling upon Pierre and reaching out not knowing who or if I would hear from him, it was a delightful surprise and the work very affordable for such special pieces. Of course, we want to be respectful and support the artist, but we do also need to honor our budgetary needs and he and I came to a price that worked for both of us. And I highly recommend connecting with him if you love his work. The purchase journey will take time, but it will be worth it.
Thank you again for stopping by and reading this post today. 🙂
Thank you for introducing us to Pierre Jaccaud. He is a unique artist and produces beautiful work. I started collecting original art about 10 years ago. It is such a fun thing to do. I didn’t stop at just paintings for the walls, but have also included collecting glass art as well. Some may think my tiny little Condo is overstuffed and over decorated, but it gives me such pleasure and joy when I look at each piece.
Hansgirl,
It sounds like you have a salon all of your own in your condo! How wonderful! Much like books, it is hard to have too many and they definitely are companions all on their own. I never feel lonely with books, art or pups in my proximity and your art collections sounds fantastic! What treasures you have no doubt found and the exploring continues. 🙂 Thank you so much for your comment.
Thank you so much for yet another beautiful post – I love everything about this post – so many good thoughts and ideas to ponder. Merci!
Vickie,
Thank you for stopping by and tickled you enjoyed the post! Art brings so much joy to my days and I feel grateful for each treasure that is found and welcomed home. 🙂
I have been collecting original art for quite some time and have sometimes found that the frames can be more costly than the work of art! Also, for many years I lived by a renowned art college and bought wonderful student art before they became famous – a very cost-effective way of collecting!
Debbi,
Thank you for sharing this idea for finding wonderful art that I wouldn’t have thought of! Indeed, so much talent of all ages available to see and enjoy, and welcome home when we are able and it speaks to us! And indeed, isn’t that true about the frames! They are works of art alone! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by.
I love this post it really resonates with me. I agree completely, you can have original art that doesn’t cost a fortune. Many years ago I was in Italy and I. Ought an oil painting of the facade of a lovely home in the square where I was staying and every time I look at it I’m reminded of the square, my conversation with the artist and the trip.
Thanks Shannon!
Rebecca
And oh, what interesting, spontaneous conversations these treasures inspire when we welcome guests into our homes.
I adore original paintings and as you have listed Shannon, the depth of the experience in enjoying original art in your home is unmatched. I also have the treasured gift of an artistic daughter whose drawings and paintings in our home hold an even deeper connection and meaning. An original painting’s price tag reflects only that. Its value is known only to you.
Hello Shannon,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings about art and capturing a feeling. The fundamental goal of art in any of its many forms is to elicit a response. It doesn’t matter if the response is positive or negative, the artist has done their job when their work causes an emotion. I look around my home and I see pieces on my walls or on a table top that spoke to me in the moment and many years later continue to create an internal dialogue.
Warm Regards
Hi Shannon
I love original artwork and have been collecting for many years on a limited budget. You and your readers suggest some great ways to find wonderful pieces. I would also add that estate sales, yard, garage and tag sales and even thrift stores are opportunities to pick up unique and original artwork that speaks to you. Treat collecting as a treasure hunt and you never know what you are going to find.
Yay, the Why Not… posts are back! This is a great one. Yes, it is possible to find and purchase affordable original art. So, why not?? It definitely has a soul and depth of character that a print just can’t quite match, although I have several of them, as well. But, most importantly, buy what speaks to you. It made me sad to think of those that can afford just about anything hiring out selections to designers instead of making a personal impact in their spaces. One can only hope the pieces speak to them personally, eventually.
Melissa,
I was thinking the same thing. We are led to believe that paintings are so expensive and therefore we often skip opportunities to find beauty at a garage sale or 2nd hand store. I have a beautiful painting I got for a dollar that has all the “Anne of Green Gables” feels and that was my favorite children’s book. It hangs in my office reminding me how “tomorrow is fresh with no mistakes in it yet” 🙂 It’s not a famous artists work, it’s not valuable, but it’s beautiful and speaks to my heart.
Oh, Anne of Green Gables, you touched a sweet sweet chord. My absolute favorite and most influential childhood character and story! I just went down memory lane (of course, she would have a much better name for
that) thinking of all her quotes about The Lake of Shining Waters and The White Way of Delight. What a beautiful world view. I love that you have a painting to take you there. 😊
I just revisited a favorite harpist, Loreena Mckennitt, singing The Lady of Shalott. She did a concert at The Alhambra which was a magical setting. Hauntingly
beautiful. Thank you for stirring these memories and emotions!
Shannon, I love hearing the stories around why someone chose a particular piece of artwork to welcome into their home, so thank you for sharing yours. I am in total agreement that art is not a luxury, but a necessity. Growing up, my family definitely had a very tight budget–we travelled on vacations by car, (no a/c in those days), ate sandwiches prepared on the glovebox door by my mother as my father drove, stayed happily in little motels along the way. But my mother always picked up a piece of art from our destination, sometimes a painting, sometimes a piece of pottery or carved wooden objects, sometimes a tapestry for the wall, but always a piece of art to remind her of her visit. As others have pointed out, beginning your own collection, or adding to it, is easy and fun. University art departments usually have a sale around holidays or end of school year. Garage sales, tag sales, charity shops, charity auctions are also good places to browse. Don’t forget to check local galleries, antique shops, and seasonal festivals. And be creative! I love finding old prints of botanical art and framing those up–and yes, the frame inevitably costs more than the art, but it looks very good!😄 xx
Very interesting post – and thank you for the references to artists I would not otherwise get to know, like M. Jaccaud. Some of his paintings (as seen in his Instagram account) remind me of Maude Lewis, a technically more modern Maude Lewis inset in a different geography, bien sûr). Your painting from him is charming! 🙂
I have some originals at home, modestly bought, just like you described, here and there, no matter who the artist is or was, old or new, as long as the image is significant to me then and now. Nothing expensive, nothing over the top in dimension or price. I like what gives me pleasure to contemplate and invite to come into my life. Some were offers from people that were kind enough to let me appreciate their work more closely.
I prefer originals because they are “more alive”, in the sense they were directly touched by the artist and condensed that moment, that particular aesthetic experience; however, I am also very fond of artistic photography which is not literally touched by the artist! but has a very particular “life” of its own. Reproductions and good quality prints can also provide a very full aesthetic experience nevertheless.
And, yes, absolutely, all my frames were more expensive than the art works on them. 😉
Echoing these shared thoughts, I’m a fan of original artwork, and so grateful to my younger self for starting a collection early. I have enjoyed also watching how some pieces are forever in my heart , while from time to time, even after a long love affair with a piece, I become ready to move it on and open doors to the present. In that way artists let us become their shadows, generously letting their work express something within us too, whether we ever meet or not. Thank you for a wonderful conversation!