How do you choose art that decorates your home? Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself:

Does it complement the room?

Art with bright colors can cheer up your living room in every season. Something soothing can complement a calmer feeling in the bedroom. Quirky or thoughtful can be a surprise element in the bathroom!

Does it have an emotional connection for you? 

Landscapes and scenes that evoke nostalgie or 

I heard a story about the internationally acclaimed surrealist artist, Magritte. It said that he used to bring a friend with him to distract the security guards at galleries he was exhibiting at so that he could “fix” the mistakes in his paintings.

So, what does hang in my home? Here are a few examples:

Mona Lisa Pastel

It might seem strange that I love this interpretation of the world’s most famous painting so much. It is an incredible pastel painting from a dear (departed) friend of mine, Stu Williams. He was an amazing artist with a great sense of humor. The writing at the bottom says, “This isn’t my work, but I really like where the artist was going with. Leo D.”

Fish Mirror and Tiny Chair Folk Art

These are the ultimate folk art objects from Vermont artist Stephen Huneck. He was best known for his dog paintings, but he did a whole fish series in the early 90s that I really loved. The colors are so vibrant, and the fish are a perfect blend of whimsy and 3D form.

Lake Champlain Map

I lived in the Champlain Islands in Lake Champlain for over 20 years and have an un-dying affection for the area. Now that I live in New York, I don’t really need a reminder of how much I miss Vermont, but this piece (a laser engraved depth map of the lake) hangs in my front entry way and greets all visitors to my new home. 

What do these three things have in common? Nothing but that I love them and feel happy that they are hanging in my home. I guess the point is that every painting or object that you choose doesn’t have to match the upholstery, drapery, or a paint color. It should reflect who you are and what you love. And, by the way, if an object you love is also created by a human being – bravo!