Collecting art can uplift your life—my art collection and the joy that it brings

So happy to share with you that I sold one of my all-time favorite paintings recently. See below. The collector is thrilled with it, and I am thrilled that she feels such happiness. This sale has made me think about my own art collection, and the joy that I have derived from the art that I have collected over the years. 

Several years ago, I read an article written by an artist who wanted to know if fellow artists  purchased original artwork.

After I got that particular question stuck in my bonnet, I had to go through my house to check the original art that I had in my home. This was to ensure that I was indeed supporting the arts in the best way that I knew how. By looking at what I had under my own roof, I realized that not only did I buy original art, but I had work that I had purchased decades before. 

I have been buying original art since I was in my early 20s. The work that I have collected over the years has been varied, but all of it holds a special place in my heart. I have collected glass, ceramics, painting in all kinds of media, and woodblock prints. These are treasures that I have moved from place-to-place and have helped to make happy spaces throughout my home. We all need a little joy now and then. 

Since I usually show you my own work, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites by others. These pieces brighten my life every day. I stop to look at them often. I like to put them in groupings that may give you some ideas for your own happy spaces.

Hope that you enjoy them too. Please let me know about some of the art that uplifts you in your  home. I would love to know in the comments below.

This gorgeous linen tea towel was created by my friend Trudy Rice. She is Australian, and started a fund-raiser last year to help the endangered koala bear. This tea towel was part of that fundraiser. She makes beautiful original art and home wares. 

Here is a Japanese print that is so simple in its design. I have loved this piece for decades. It is by Kozo Inoue.

My newest art purchase! This is a glass wall piece that was made by Karen Abbott.

Here is a grouping of 3 Japanese woodblock print by the artist Paul Jacoulet. Jacoulet was a Frenchman who attained master status as a Japanese woodblock print artist. 

This is a pastel painting by Richard McKinley. I was able to watch him make this painting when I attended a workshop that he led many years ago. 

The glass art that is hanging on the wall is shown with a small piece that I painted. The glass art was made by Peter Vanderlaan. To read more about this piece and to see images of it close up, check out my blog post about it here. 

This table is a stunning piece of woodworking art made by Brian Bortz.

I am embarrassed that I don't know the name of the ceramic artist who made the platter, but I LOVE it. I do know the ceramic artist who made the "elephant" piece. He is a terrific ceramicist from West Virginia that went to high school with me. My mother bought his creation for me as an anniversary gift many years ago. The artist is Jeff Diehl. The painting shown with these pieces is one of mine that I made while spending a month in Dinan, France for my artist residency there. 

To see more work by the artists shown, you can check out their websites here:
Furniture maker, Brian Bortz: 
http://lostartwoodworks.com/
Pastel and oil painter, Richard McKinley: 
http://mckinleystudio.com/
Solar plate print artist, Trudy Rice: 
https://trudyricecollection.com/
​Ceramic artist, Jeff Diehl:
http://lockbridgepottery.com/