So, show me a picture of what you like.

I like this: it is European garden plans framed in glass. I don't want glass because we have an echo problem. Otherwise they would be mine.

This piece is not one of my abstracts but it is special because my now deceased brother gave it to my DH and me. My brother was an artist but this picture was done by an acquaintance of his. It is an acrylic.

Fortunately, DH and I have very similar taste in art, and buying original art has become a fun (um, sometimes expensive) hobby for us. We tend to gravitate toward landscapes, especially when they remind us of places we've been to and loved. We have one that reminds us of a place we used to stay in Maine, we have another of Italy, etc. I also have a thing for paintings of chairs. Don't ask. I know it's odd.

Here is one of my favorite landscapes.

I agree with hosenemesis that not all art is for the home. I've been in museums with the most fabulous installations, but I could never live with it...just find it fascinating as a creation or awed by the patience, vision, and attention to detail the artist exhibits. Recently saw an incredible piece where the medium included dead insect bodies...it was absolutely fascinating, but I'd never want it in my house!

I guess I know it when I see it....that's how I got "This Man Who Flies"....the sculptor was the artist in residence and I kept coming back to this one piece...he came over to me and said, "You have a problem." I said, "I do?" He said, "Yes, you're in love." I said, "I am." He said, "You're going to buy this piece." I said, "I am." I had to have it...had no choice.

I like, and have, many types of art especially original oils and watercolors of land and waterscapes, still lifes of interiors, dishes, and animals; sculpture; carved wood; and some mixed media. I've done mixed media myself which is fun. The only type I don't like as well is abstract art altho have seen some I like. My criteria for abstract art is if it looks as if I could have painted it I won't buy it.

This is an original oil painting I like because it reminds me of the remote lakes DH and I used to fish at.

This is an original oil painting of someone's dog. It must have been a well-loved pet for the owner to either paint it or commission it painted. When I bought it I planned to reframe it but the original rustic frame fits the subject and my rustic/refined decor.

Both these paintings are yard sale finds and cost $2. each. I do have more expensive art that I love but these are just as treasured.

Badgergal, the 3rd pic you posted appears to be upside down, hope you are not hanging it that way. :) It's a nice painting when turned around.

Most of the pencil drawings are my work.

It is interesting though how pictures frequently show up upside down on photobucket.

I like many different types of art. The oil portaits of my children are my favorites, but that's probably not what you're looking for! I have tapestries, temple rubbings, maps, antique botanicals,landscapes, florals and an antique French veterinary product poster all under the same roof.

Wall hanging we bought in Greece:

I love these two Steve Penley paintings:

Watercolor of a marsh on the Georgia coast:

Dixie Purvis is better known for her abstracts, but I like her landscapes too.

Blue sky is at the bottom, so I am NOT seeing the picture the way it's supposed to be....

Now, granted, the art should ideally work with your home. For example, a lush, green, very realistic landscape would probably look out of place in a Modern minimalistic room. But, in most cases, one's home usually works with the kind of art they are attracted to.

My suggestion would be to look around your home to get a sense of the colors and style you're gravitating towards. Next, head to an online place like allposters.com and browse through the different styles or genres to see what attracts you. I'm not suggesting that you buy a poster necessarily, but they have a huge selection readily available for you to see and compare.

Personally, one of my favorite types of paintings are landscapes that are relaxing to look at and make me feel like I can walk down that road or across that field and see more and more. I dislike any landscapes that look hot and dry.

Enjoy the search for art for your home and let us see what you ultimately end up with.
Lynn

This one has always been a favorite:

And lastly, our elementary school art teacher was in an art show - we purchased this. I love that it's more contemporary than our other pieces - and the colors work with our decor really nicely (it's in the same room as the previous)

I love collecting art - but our house has so many windows, that we don't have enough wall space for what I would love to own.

But now I am getting into Subway Art, words on burlap, etc..... not sure how to incorporate it all.....sigh.

I don't think I would call anything I have ART, it's just what is on my walls.....LOL. I also have a lot of mirrors and iron scrollwork.

I loved this from luckygirl: My criteria for abstract art is if it looks as if I could have painted it I won't buy it.

I am going to use that when I am looking.

And this from Annie: Very difficult question to answer as I love...and hate...all art . . . Abstract is awful, except when it is wonderful.

That was helpful except when it wasn't. Lol. I think.