Original art or prints? Countryside art that's right for your home

It can be a daunting decision, deciding what art to include in your home. I thought I'd write a small guide on the differences between prints and originals, and how to decide between them. Sometimes the language around art can be a barrier in itself - so I want to simplify that. 

Firstly, I think the most important thing is that the art you choose is a reflection of yourself and your home. Your artwork should enhance the feeling you want to create in your home. For me, my art is about bringing the countryside inside - evoking a rural peace that feels like standing in a wide open space breathing in nature. 

It can be a big decision choosing between an original painting or a print. There's no denying that original paintings are special. The texture of the paint, the smell of the varnish, the vibrance of the colours - original paintings evoke their own sense of magic. Oil paintings are usually framed without glass (as contact with glass can produce odd 'patches') which means there are no barriers to the painting - I think this allows the painting to glow in a room and really catches the eye. An Original painting is the physical piece itself, and is always one of one. The term original can be used for any type of painting from a watercolour piece on paper, to an oil painting on canvas, or a pencil drawing. 

However, prints also have their place. When done properly, prints are beautiful objects in their own right. Additionally, you can frame them in a way that really complements your home with tonal mounts and frames. You can also choose the size that would suit your room the most, which means you can fully curate them for your space. Prints are usually produced onto specialist paper which is archival and doesn't fade - so you know you're buying a piece that will last for decades. Prints can be limited or open edition. If they're limited, it means there will only ever be a specific number of prints produced, thus preserving their value. Open edition prints have no such limit. Both types should usually come with a certificate of authenticity. 

I always think though, you know when you see the right picture for your home - it calls to you. The best feeling I can get as an artist, is when someone buys from me, and hearing how much the picture has impacted them.