So, I’m working on putting together this little collection of art for the gigantic space on the wall surrounding our TV. . . . And, I’ve noticed lately that most of my favorite gallery walls seem to include at least one portrait of a mysterious person.
Domino
There’s something about the quirkiness of a portrait that I like. That being said, I don’t think you can hang just any person on your wall. There are some that make me feel like they’re staring at me in a strange way, and others that just plain creep me out:
Know what I mean?
(In the case this couple doesn’t give you the creeps, it’s up for bid on Ebay. Sorry in advance if this happens to be any of your parents.)
So, back to my gallery wall. . . I’ve been a fan of Janet Hill’s work for a while and decided that one of her portraits would be the perfect addition.
Meet Elspeth. And her turtledove.
She’s glamorous--and a little mysterious—without being overly creepy. Isn’t that what every woman strives to be? (And, her blue dress happens to work great with my living room.)
More on this wall (and the lamps) later. . .
Are you a fan of painted portraits (of people you don’t know)?
Love it Emily! I'm a huge fan of Janet Hill as well, her portraits are so moody and gorgeous not at all like the creepy ones I keep finding at thrift stores. I'm loving your gallery wall!
ReplyDeleteI have to say - I do come across some old portraits in some of the stores I shop, and the history surrounding them does intrigue me! I love the portrait you chose - the perfect balance of intriguing without the least bit of creepiness!
ReplyDeleteYour wall is looking great....I did see an old portrait the other day and just could't decide if it was creepy of not :) Now you got me thinking that I need to go back and take another look.
ReplyDeleteI love portraits in fact I had a whole discussion with a friend who owns a shop in Indy, there's nothing better then having a piece of history that is unknown. Seriously that couple portrait totally made me laugh, reminds me of a King of Queens episode when they had a bad portrait painted of them as a gift!
ReplyDeleteI hate I missed that one. Love that show :)
DeleteWe have so many... family portraits dating back to the 1700's that I really can't look at them any more! When my Mother died in September I chose to not take any of the real portraits, just the wonderful vintage sepia photos from the 20's. A portrait of someone I don't know, or who isn't family, just might be better!
ReplyDeleteThis is a different way of looking at portraits: they become more of a "painting" and a work of art...which I think is a better way to see them!
As long as they don't look creepy they can grace my walls. ;) The gallery is coming along great!
ReplyDeleteI'm always a sucker for a good gallery walls and yours is looking great! Love the portrait you picked. The one from ebay reminds me of the portrait Kramer made of himself on Seinfield. :)
ReplyDeleteI love that one that you chose, she is a beauty! Generally the way the person stares out from the frame is disconcerting but I do think they can be interesting as part of a gallery wall.
ReplyDeleteLove it. I used to be obsessed with portraits- especially the Cassat portraits of children. I've calmed down, to my husband's relief.
ReplyDeleteI love how your wall is looking! And of course, I love the gold! xo Kristin
ReplyDeletePortraits are sooooo tricky- that's why I won't paint a human :)- it's so hard to capture the essence of someone. I agree with Sarah, Mary Cassatt is one of the best portrait artists. Her children are perfection. Your lady is lovely and a great addition to your gallery. Fun collecting for it!
ReplyDeletexo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
Love it, I think she's a great addition the the gallery - beautiful colours.
ReplyDeleteI went into an episode of giggles when I got to that lovely portrait you found on eBay.
ReplyDeleteThere is an awesome Tex-Mex restaurant near our house. It is very quirky - each room has its own theme. One room has bright pink walls and is covered floor to ceiling in painted portraits like these. There are a few I would take home and plop on my wall...the others.....just creepy.
I would rather have a painted picture of someone I don't know than an old antique photo of people I don't know! Those give me the heeby jeebies, and I couldn't tell you why!
-Rachel
Seriously gave me the giggles. My husbands grandfather painted a portrait of me and my daughter long ago and I hated it..my parents on the other hand loved it and it hangs on their wall and I hate it even more. haha!
ReplyDeleteI do however like your beautiful Elspeth...she is lovely!
DeleteI like the portrait like yours where it is someone I DON'T know ... then I can make up my own story for them. Wall friends, if you will!!! Love your wall and how it is moving along!! xo
ReplyDeleteLove it! She almost sort of looks like you!
ReplyDeleteHa! If I can round up a turtledove, I'll do a reenactment so we can compare.
DeleteI'm such a sucker for a great gallery wall. I'm really picky when it comes to faces I don't know on my wall. Love the one you chose!
ReplyDeleteThe staircase gallery wall is from John Loecke's house -- here's his house in Apartment Therapy:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.apartmenttherapy.com/jason-and-johns-house-tour-108981
I love Janet Hill, too!
Thank you!
DeleteI do like portraits of strangers, so long as they aren't looking straight at you.
ReplyDeleteOn the other side of it, I have painted and sold a couple portraits of my husband and he gets really uncomfortable at the thought of meeting someone who has a picture of him in their home!
Emily,
ReplyDeleteHow are your Ikea chairs holding up?
I've only washed the slipcover once and it did fine. It's not our most used/abused chair since it's in the corner but it's holding up great so far.
DeleteYes, we have a random lady in our family room gallery wall. husband insists she's giving him the stink eye
ReplyDeleteI would love to try this gallery wall-thing at home. I didn't realize that you can just 'start' without having ALL of the pieces and parts. DUH...So, you can literally add as you go?! It's just so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYou can definitely just start and add as you go! I'm working my way across the wall, but you can always start in the center. I'm collecting frames and buying art when I find good deals on Ebay, Etsy, etc.
DeleteSo pretty! I love it!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely I am feeling Elsbeth more than the other couple LOL! Great wall!
ReplyDeleteI love it/her!! I've been working on a gallery wall around the tv in our living room, and it just isn't looking so great. ha! I can't wait to see your finished product!!!
ReplyDeleteOK, so those were my parents. Just kidding - it looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking there is a good chance you were adopted then :)
DeleteAh Rene- too funny! You wall looks great, collected, stylish, interesting. No random strangers here, we definitely could use more art.
ReplyDeleteElspeth is beautiful! And I too have a mystery woman in my gallery wall around my TV--great minds I guess. :) I love interesting portraits too--they add so much character. Your gallery wall is beautiful and so fresh looking but still with so much charm. Can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteLane
http://www.urbanorchardinteriors.com/making-the-living-room-more-livable/
I have a Janet Hill hanging above my mantel and I absolutely love it. Good choice!
ReplyDeleteLove her! I thought about doing the same thing but wasn't sure how I'd feel about having a 'stranger' living in my house. I think you've changed my mind. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSusan
simplymodernhome.com
I love it, and my first thought also was that she bears an uncanny resemblance to you! Same facial structure. Now you just need the turtledove. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, that's perfect! I definitely need to check out her art. We inherited some portraits from my husband's family of relatives. They're stunning but I have never really known how to incorporate them. I think this is perfect. They don't stand out all alone and scare me at night if they are part of a bigger grouping.
ReplyDeleteLoving your gallery wall!
ReplyDeleteat first i was cracking up thinking you named the portrait Elspeth and her Turtledove. then i realized it was like that on the listing. regardless, i enjoy her on your wall and thanks for the laugh :)
ReplyDeleteI love your wall sconces-where are they from? -Thanks-Meredith
ReplyDeleteI love that print too! One of my clents has it in her powder room. Your gallery wall looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteEmily, where do you buy your frames? They are elegant looking. I like the mats that surround Elspeth.
ReplyDeleteI usually buy the ones that are pre-matted at IKEA. And, I get some at Michaels.
DeleteLady with red lips looks like Taylor Swift. You think?
ReplyDelete