I'm in the process of decorating the former World's Ugliest Condo, so a buying spree is in full effect. Most recently, it's been all about the artwork. The budget isn't large so I'm sticking to mostly small, affordable pieces from Etsy. Given last week's post on online art sources (and comments about Etsy being a behemoth to wade through), I thought I'd share what I've found to date.
Above, an original abstract painting from Linda Monfort.
Etching Art Print by Elvia Perron
Another etching Art Print by Elvia Perron

Ship Poster by Banquet
Letterpress Print by Hinge
Beachline Etching by Andrew Jagnieki
Abstract Art Print by Jenny Gray
After so many hours spent browsing, I can't wait to see them all framed and on the wall.
(Images: As credited above.)






Shaw's Original Fir...
Great blog & wonderful art finds... Nice to be here, thank you, Elvia
I like that you really have to look at the etchings up close to see what they really are... from a distance it looks like kindergarten art class, but you really have to focus to see the etching.
Nice! It can sometimes be frustrating to find things on Etsy with there being so many shops to look through. Great job! Check out Purcell Paintings on Etsy for great prices for original surrealist paintings by an artist in Colorado.
I will tell you what I did when I was in need of putting some artwork on the walls (when I getting my previous house ready for sale) - my budget was spent on various fixes and paint, etc. so I simply looked at a few abstract paintings in inter. design magazines and I shamelessly created my own version of those. It was cheap and it was quick.
I guess I didn't do such a poor job as the house sold in 7 days.
I don't want my comments perceived as criticism, but looking at the selection I think that with the exception of 2 pieces they are screaming for a DIY version.
I wondered what happened to the World's Ugliest Condo. So we will get more reveals? Yay!
@CanadianMango, you do realize that "shameless copying" is a violation of copyright as well as a kind of forgery? Perhaps not advice to give in public.
@sherrybinnh - If @canadianmango wasn't selling them, or claiming they were originals, is it still a violation of copyright? or forgery? I would say it was more art "influenced" by the originals.
That said, I love the pieces by Banquet and Hinge.
It's only a violation if you sell as your own. That was not the issue here. How many people have taken influences from Mucha, Monet, etc...?
Agreed, LYONSTILL! I like to call it not only influence but "inspiration".
I was just wondering what had happened to the "World's Ugliest.." and wondering if I'd missed any decorating or moving in posts. Love your interesting art choices and looking forward to seeing them in situ!
@ElviaPerrin - your art is gorgeous and I will definitely be checking it out!
@SherryBinNH - I said "I created my own version of those". It does not mean they were copied, there was a lot of difference. Do you really believe that every art piece is conceived purely in the artist's mind, without any external influence? I don't.
I believe that the term forgery would apply if I copied Picasso's work and tried to pass it as Picasso's. But that's not what I am doing.
P.S. I forgot to mention that I, too, would love to see an update on the World's Ugliest Condo.
Craigslist! I'm redecorating as well, and I've found some awesome original artwork on Craigslist for great prices.
@canadianmango in the context of your project (sounds like you were trying to sell a home or condo), i'm sure there's no harm in doing the DIY fine art route. In your own home,; you'd be missing out deciding to live with 'fake' art. Also, printmaking is a really (REALLY) affordable way to collect artwork on a budget, and they'll still last a lifetime, unlike something printed from the computer or drawn on non-archival surfaces. I hope you take the time to invest in some artwork made by artists someday!
I'm a big fan of CanadianMango's approach- I use it all the time. I've printed out old anatomical drawings and traced them, recreated photography I liked with my own camera, and I have absolutely borrowed liberally from Clyfford Still and Mark Rothko in creating abstract art for my home. I can't afford an original from those dudes, and I'd rather have a real painting than a print, because of the texture. How is that fake art, and not just art that I made? CanadianMango is, in fact, an artist, if she is making art. I wouldn't presume to show this stuff in a gallery, but it gets loads of compliments on my walls.