I would like to redecorate our FR. One thing we would like to do is find an oversized piece of art, a painting, picture of some sort. It will be placed over the sofa . Probably 5 or 6 feet on length by 3 feet in height. I’m not sure where to look, and would like to stay under $700 or so. I don’t even know where to start.
Home goods, home sense, pier one, and world market all sell large inexpensive pieces. Try there first.
I just bought a gorgeous print of Coast Guard beach light house…beautifully framed for $30…at a charity thrift store.
If you have a place near you, check there. Framed art comes and goes frequently…for a LOT less than $700.
If you want something original, look online at Saatchi Art. You can filter the results by size, orientation, colors, price, style and find pieces from artists all over the world. The pieces are shipped from the artist unframed so you’ll have to factor in the framing separately. Art is available in all price points.
Poke around the website. They have a new division of limited edition prints that are framed but I doubt they come in as large a size as you want.
“The pieces are shipped from the artist unframed so you’ll have to factor in the framing separately.”
For a piece that size, framing could take a big chunk of the budget.
Consider browsing your local art galleries and artist/photography studios. Great way to see works and gather information, as well as see what mediums and subjects appeal to you. Antique and consignment shops can also be interesting.
Thanks all! I will check them out. The only thing about online is I want to physically see it before purchasing. Plus, I thought art galleries would be much more expensive.
Etsy! There are so many options!
Wherever I find it.
Most of what adorns our walls are pictures of our family, many taken by my semi-pro photographer husband.
@conmama - it depends on the gallery. While some target the high end market exclusively, others are more diverse. Seeing original art well displayed can help you decide what you are going for over your sofa. While many seem intimidated to go into an art gallery; most places are welcoming and happy to discuss their pieces, the artists and where/how to work within your budget. Browsers are usually appreciated.
Sounds like this piece will make a big difference in your home; understand preferring to see it in person, where textures, mood, etc are better seen.
Take a look at the artist Iris Scott. And be sure to watch the videos about how she works. You’d never know it but she’s a modern day finger painter. Her stuff is amazing. I bought a small piece from her (Layla) and no one can believe she doesn’t use brushes. http://www.irisscottfineart.com/ You can buy “prints” on canvas that are very high quality without breaking the bank: https://www.icanvas.com/canvas-art-prints/artist/iris-scott
+1 to looking at consignment shops, thrift stores. Also look at online yard sale pages, craigslist, etc.
Is there an art school near you? Might be worth seeing what some starving artist student might have vs. the higher cost for an established artist.
If you are interested in something more abstract, you can always create your own. 
I’ve bought art on Ebay directly from the artist.
Do you need the original? We have some really gorgeous prints. The one above our fireplace is a print…and really, it’s the framing and matting that make it outstanding, in my opinion. I’m not even all that fond of the print (my husband loves it), but the framing and matting are great. They are what makes it work in our room.
We have number of pieces of framed artwork in a bedroom closet…gifts from my inlaws. Some of it is OK, and some is meh. But all are in the closet because all have horrible framing and/or matting…and I don’t like them well enough to have them redone.
I had a 3 x 4.6 foot print reframed and matted because I really like the print…but it did cost $350 to get it done! Triple mat was some of the cost…but really looks great.
@GRITS80, thanks for the link to Saatchi Art. That is a great site!
So much depends on what kind of art you’re looking for – a mass produced piece? An original? Does it have to be one piece – or can it be several smaller pieces? Would you be open to a hung piece of fabric? Or even a small area rug hung horizontally?
There are so many wonderful options on etsy I’d start exploring the options/prices there. Check if any of the artists live near you so you could see the piece in person. If you can wait until the summer, consider hitting local art fairs – where I live there seem to be fairs every few weeks, with items in all kinds of price ranges.
But another idea is to consider something that you already may have – a favorite landscape photograph? Something taken during a special family trip? Costco can rather inexpensively (certainly within your budget) dramatically enlarge a digital image you can have dry mounted. And it carries its own selection of art that can be ordered.
- Novica.com - amazing original pieces! check out paintings, tapestries, wall art, wall hangings
- Some art auctions have no reserve price and you can bid online or over the phone https://clarkeny.com/auctions/?a=218&view=gal
- print your favorite photographs on canvas - very inexpensive with coupons, and may include frames
There’s also the gallery wall concept that has been popular the past several years, rather than one big piece.
Try Wayfair - they have a huge variety of stuff
Or…if you want to have some fun…buy a canvas, and some acrylic paints…and a few brushes…and do some creating! With the right colors, it could look terrific!