Pretty, Please

Interior by Courtney Giles; Photo from Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles

It's been over a year since I've written about paintings in the context of interior design. Some people refer rather disparagingly to art that is "merely decorative"--that is, meant to look pretty in your home, and be pleasing to the eye. They consider that sort of art to be less meaningful than, say, art that is intended to "make a statement", or "make you think", or "get you out of your comfort zone". 

Photo: House Beautiful

I might beg to disagree. And I would be in good company. William Morris, who was a major influence behind the Arts & Crafts movement, famously said "Have nothing in your house

that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." (Query: Could this be a precursor to Marie Kondo's test as to whether an item "sparks joy?"). Presumably these tests apply to paintings as well as any other items.

Photo: Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles and Erica Dines
Art: Charles Ross

Most of us want the artwork that we bring into our homes to satisfy our souls. Perhaps it excites our eye, or  reminds us of a person or place that we have loved. Perhaps we find that gazing upon it  is soothing. Perhaps a painting of a flower brings us a breath of spring in the midst of winter. The different ways  which a painting can please us are endless. Sometimes I am drawn to a painting purely for the mastery exhibited by the hand that created it. 

Photo: Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles and Erica Dines

The paintings hanging in my own home become like old friends. Having them nearby is akin to having company in the house. I'm illustrating this post with images of paintings in intimate spaces--ones that I feel sure must bring much enjoyment to the people who live with them. The last one (as you can no doubt tell by the inferior quality of the photo) is from my own home. Hope you'll enjoy these...

Painting (c) Lesley Powell 2018