"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. " -Aristotle
As I've said before, my favorite part of a room is always the artwork. I love orginal pieces, whether they be a child's drawing, an old love note, a weathered piece of metal or a masterpiece. I think the things we display in our homes should speak to our souls, make us laugh, inspire us or remind us - not match the sofa. I've always been drawn to portraits, architecture and maps in art and some of my favorites are etchings, woodcuts and the like. I don't know why I have an aversion to color, perhaps I'm already kind of a hyper person so I like to surround myself with things that soothe.
Onto the finds. While at the same auction where I picked up the
score of silver I told you about last week, there was an abundance of vintage art. I was there to buy jewelry of course but some of these old pieces were going unclaimed and I gave a bid for $5 here and $8 there on the few that spoke to me simply because I couldn't imagine them being left unloved (Andrew Henry just shrugs heaven bless the poor man).
They look something like this when I buy them - a great old etching of Central Park (I was probably drawn to it because of our trip last year)...
a sweet pair of original watercolors from 1925 (not my usual medium of choice)...
then we got some frames from Ikea and Andrew Henry cut me some custom mats...
and a new grouping starts to take shape in my dining room (still missing one)...
This one is my favorite and nobody wanted it! My receipt actually said "dreary etching $10". I don't think it's dreary at all but I suppose beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder.
While I paid under $10 for all of them (there are more), sometimes more like $2, the few I've researched so far are worth hundreds - that makes these vintage finds quite the score this week!
33 comments:
The sketches ARE lovely, not 'dreary'.
Hope you're enjoying this new year so far :)
You always find the most amazing stuff...I love them and they look stunning in those frames:) Well done, my dear
Kisses and enjoy your day
ps: I am hosting a sweet necklace GIVEAWAY, later today :) ... Please, join in!
It looks a lot more beautiful after changing the frame! What gorgeous finds! Have a lovely day, Kellie xx
I LOVE these! Especially the water colors. And that "dreary" etching - to me it looks like a lovely old cabin in winter, atop a hill that overlooks some wonderful valley. I can just see in another season - it's tucked under a beautiful shade tree, probably gets surrounded by daffodils in spring - and that valley - is probably awash with sunshine and bursting with wildflowers! I'd live there and love every second of it! (so would my boys)
These are beautiful, Jeanette and right within my own budget :) Stop by when you get the chance, I've nominated you for the Stylish Blogger Award!!
I love your art collection! I do like color but I have quite an eclectic mix.
The re-framing gives new life to the pieces, good job AH.
I'd love to spend a day with you Jeanette. Or maybe just wander through your home.
Great post!
oxoxo
Denalee
I think they are all beautiful, and the last is not dreary at all :)
I am giving you the Stylish Blogger Award, I just posted it today :)
xoxo
Love the "dreary" etching! It's my favorite too. There is a bit of melancholy about it, but I like that. It looks quiet and thoughtful. It's really lovely. What a score!
They are beautiful. If you ever need some sort of specific piece, ask my mom. She'll find you something perfect, and I assure you it WILL be a great bargain!
Those water colors are gorgeous. I admire good water colors, it can be a difficult medium to work with.
Wow...great finds...love the sketches. Happy day to you. xox
Thanks baby but you know I did learn from the master - Gram can find anything for a bargain.
I am so amazed by what you find. I never would expect anywhere in Arizona has such a treasure trove of great finds. Loved the silver find from last week.
cheers, parsnip
you comment made me happy :) And I LOVE your finds...lucky girl. I found the neatest drawing of a swiss town at one of our second hand stores in a red frame. Definitely bought it!
What great finds, and at such a price!! I love those water colors.
My wife certainly has the eye for artwork (and bargains). Me; not so much...
I'm happy in my role of framer.
Nice job capturing the transformation.
deals like that are amazing! Great eye!!!
I love the vintage finds. Those sketches looks beautiful. I just found your blog today.
The prints are beautiful and I just love how they are matted and displayed together. What a great find.
oh i just LOVE finding vintage artwork when I go thrifting..I always feel like I'm getting such a steal! Yours looks so, so lovely in their new frames! I just bought a pair of original floral oil paintings with a date of 1966 painted in the corner. They are just darling, all for a total of $6. can't beat it!
How fabulous - what great finds. I love etchings and they look great up. Love that it's a family affair and that your in-the-family framer left you a comment!!
Wow such treasurers! Great finds!
Love the Central Park sketch... Central Park is just so very cool! xo
i love the dreary! great finds. especially fun to find their worth or the history behind it.
i love vintage stuff and those are a great find... congrats!
One man's trash is another's treasure-you've proven that over and over again with your finds! Andrew Henry is quite handy too, isn't he? They look beautiful in the frames. XX
these are great - what an amazing find and they look great grouped together in those black frames :)
Great finds! The so called "dreary" etching is beautiful. I look at it and instantly see myself walking barefoot up the little dirt path. How fun it would be to explore that old house. :)
These are lovely finds, Jeanette, we can never have enough sketches, can we. There's always a spot to find to hang these lovelies! xxxx
Hey Jeanette,
I am thinking about organizing a blogging luncheon in March or April to celebrate R.W.W. Perhaps at a tea house. Really do it over the top~ Have everyone dress like they are attending the royal wedding, prizes for the best hat....hmmm my mind is whirling.
What do you think?
Beautiful work, I lake it!
Kisses from Croatia.
Fantastic work Jeanette! They look fabulous and classy!
Post a Comment