In preparation for St. Patrick’s Day, I’ve decided to inspire the masses with a couple of ways to add a little green to their lives. In the final days leading up to St. Patty’s/Paddy’s Day, I’ll be featuring one category per post. Today’s category is art.
If you don’t have art in your house, you’re definitely gross and uncultured so you should probably fix that pronto. If you’re into the whole minimalist thing then just by a book of art and put it on your coffee table. Little tip: make sure you’re familiar with the works in the book before you let any company over.
It’s easy to be impressive when you have great copies of famous paintings in your house. Sometimes it’s best to stick to “safe” artists that everyone will recognize. This will not only make you look good, but it will also make your friends and family feel like they’re smart because they recognize the art on your wall.
Degas and Monet have the most green pieces to choose from, are the most pleasing to the eye (in my humble opinion), and are likely the most recognizable. Any of Monet’s watery bridge pictures are safe. Japanese Bridge (The Waterlily Pond) is probably his most famous work but if you want something slightly different than the norm, I’d go with Irises II.
The Japanese Bridge (Waterlily Pond)
Irises II
Degas’ The Green Dancer works nicely in a feminine household. Same with his Rehearsal of the Scene. These impressionist works along with Monet’s would really grab attention in a sparse room. However, something like Manet’s Lilacs in a Vase has the same effect without stealing the show.
The Green Dancer
Rehearsal of the Scene
Lilacs in a Vase
If you like plant life, may I suggest these botanical framed prints? I have some sketches from a botanical calendar that I framed (okay my mom framed them for me) and hung on my wall. They’re low key yet sophisticated in their own way.
Not my wall, but you get the idea.
Van Gogh has plenty of works to chose from. Sticking with still life, his Vase with Roses is a good, unique choice that not everyone will recognize off the bat. His painting, Irises, is also a good choice as well as his Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear if your goal is to intrigue/horrify all of your guests. But I would stick with something like Cineraria in a Flowerpot just to play it safe.
Vase with Roses
Irises
Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear
Cineraria in a Flowerpot
If you’re the type who doesn’t have time for classic paintings and portraits I would go with something a little more fun. Maybe this cover of The New Yorker magazine from June 1960. Everyone likes a little bit of tennis, right? If not, maybe try this sweet and somber French cover of Amelie. Oui? Maybe you’re the bizarre type and would prefer this cover of Bazaar magazine. Scary lady? Check. Green butterfly? Also check.
The New Yorker Magazine 1960
Amelie Cover in French
Bazaar magazine cover
Lastly, if you’re into the ocean then these might be right up your alley. The ocean is both masculine and feminine, so pieces with this theme would be perfect in any home. Take Lia Melia’s awesome wave paintings. I love Songs of Melusina 4. If you like the female form then I would go with Clare Elsaesser’s Married to the Sea or Raphael Kirchner’s Mayflyes. But if mermaids and bathing beauties aren’t your thing, you might like the simplicity and realism of George Dmitriev’s The Moon and the Sea.
Song of the Melusina 4
Married to the Sea
Mayflyes
The Moon and the Sea
If you don’t like any of the above mentioned works, you’re wrong and I hate you.
Lily In Canada 