A word on displaying and collecting original art.

Art adds SO much character and adds interest to one's decor.

A few years back I decked all my walls full of art. Some were from floor to ceiling. Some were my art pieces, but it included others' work, too.
I loved to look up and see it. It gave me a lot of joy.
But even more amazing, my visitors loved it. People would come in and go directly to my walls, and conversations would start up. Even people that were usually not interested in art were attracted to it.
While one large artwork over a sofa might be asthetically pleasing, maybe my ideas of collecting and displaying art might be a lovely alternative for some.This is some of my art as displayed in my apartment a few years back. A SFA (Small Format Art - search on SFA to discover more online) watercolor 5x7" of a Royal Doulton teacup with pink roses. There is an ACEO (2.5x3.5" - search on ACEO to discover more online) on top of the china cabinet, too. And a 12x36" acrylic on canvas of music artist "Sammy Blue" (google him to check his work), a friend of mine.
Original art is OOAK - only one of a kind. If you want to be unique, this is a wonderful way to go. Great works can be found online - I'm sure you can find some to fit YOUR budget.
Happy collecting and decorating. Enjoy!

"The Old Victorian" original watercolor painting old house.

"The Old Victorian" original ACEO watercolor (+ some ink). 2.5x3.5". Listed on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=291101208118

"I tend to get 'caught up in all the details' when doing my art. I deliberately chose a looser style with this, and love that I did. The house is lived in an historic with wonderful Victorian features. Shown in the 'lace' work on the door and side windows. A 'side' door to the house, but accented with a lovely garden and topped off with an American flag.
The garden is lit with sunlight, which in turn is reflected in the windows and door glass.

Although some of my brush strokes give fine details, I chose to add a little bit of ink work, particularly to emphasize the iron lace scroll work and to add character'. Some nice steps make this entry seem really inviting. I love old houses, and this one is a joy!"

ACEO - original watercolor - cowgirl barrel racer.

Original ACEO watercolor painting 2.5x3.5" "I'm grinnin'. I'm winnin'." 

"Just the sheer exhilaration of barrel racing sets one's heart a'poundin'.

Whether this rider is grinning for the pure joy of it, or because she's winning, I don't know.
This is a winner for capturing the thrill of this ride! Yehaw!
Cowgirl up!"

Rodeo barrel racer on a white horse. By artistjillian © Jillian Crider.

On eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=291092460702

My latest ACEO original watercolor painting. Fluffy cat on a doorstep.

Just finished this original watercolor painting. It's an ACEO (sized always at 2.5x3.5"). I love doing art this size, it helps to really concentrate on the essentials.
I was looking at the door of an old building, when I saw I was being watched back. This fluffy cat made a lovely subject for this painting. Thanks for looking!
http://www.JillianCrider.com

I have it listed on eBay - HERE

This ACEO incorporates a miniature dollhouse painting - Savannah Swamp.

Original art. 1.2" x 2.35" (approx.) miniature gouache (transparent watercolor) painting on illustration board mounted onto an ACEO (2.5 x 3.5") with transparent photo corners. The ACEO has the swamp landscape continued onto the ACEO using ink.

ACEO (Art Cards, Editions & Originals), always 2.5x3.5"!
SFA - Small Format Art (nothing over 14")

"An experiment with ACEO creation. I combined a miniature dollhouse painting with an ACEO. The image is of one of the swamps found in my travels around Georgia. It was close to Savannah, Georgia - coastal. A fun work, and quite unique." By Jillian Crider.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/291053756475 

 

Vintage Scottie Dog Button made into an ACEO with a French theme.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=291051035030

"At one stage 'Scotties' were 'the' dog to have. This button is just SO cute and from that era. So kept a really simple composition. I tied it on using yellow and white bakers' string. Creating my own French theme using an image from an old vintage book.

This would be great as a collectible ACEO, or as part of a journal or larger collage."

Collaged ACEO using vintage button - Gloves

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=291050985632

Another 'found vintage button' - yellow gloves. I immediately thought of sexy black lace. I hunted and found a favorite vintage Victorian image of the lady with wonderful gloves. I composed all together on a yellow ACEO - real lace, image, embossed black circle shape, and button. Then added a black scroll brad with just a touch of glitter.

All up, a seductive mix, I think. This would be great as a collectible ACEO, or as part of a journal or larger collage."