So, I thought it might be fun to share some of my secret resources for artwork that are widely appreciated in the interior design community but who are also surprisingly willing to work with the public.   While you will pay full retail price without intervention from your interior design professional, these resources represent a variety of price points to fit into any budget.  To take advantage of more streamlined pricing and professional framing and matting service, contact a professional interior designer.

Katie Smith –  www.darkfalz.com/katie

Katie’s artwork is essential in my own

home and I’m lucky to own 4 of her amazing pieces.    She works largely in pastels, mixed media, and acrylics but don’t be surprised if you see a little pottery in the mix.   The staple of her work is larger scale pieces but she also does some wonderful greeting and note cards that make fabulous gifts.   While her subject matter is considered abstract, she has a gift for blending color in organic, flowing forms that suggest hidden natural and emotional elements.

If you visit Katie’s site – and I strongly urge you to do so – you must read her amazing Bio.   Katie suffered a brain-stem stroke in 1982 when she was only 15 that left her paralyzed over a good portion of her body and unable to speak.   That didn’t stop her from graduating years later from Kennesaw State University with honors and embarking on an amazing career.   Now before you get the wrong idea about Katie and any physical challenge she may have, let me just say that her obstacles have in no way hindered her success as an artist and the beauty illustrated in her work.   Now, take a look and enjoy the magic!

Tommy Moss –  www.tommymoss.net

Tommy’s dynamic painting style is an ever evolving study in mixed media.  His abstract expressionist pieces reflect his gift for bringing a piece to life through color and texture.   This is an artist who will make you stop in your tracks when you encounter his amazing large scale works and series pieces that seem to  jump from the canvas.  Tommy never seems to rest on his laurels, always experimenting with new processes, textures and colors.  His latest introductions are a study in modifying photographic images with color.   And the really great thing about this artist is that he’s happy to do commissioned work according to your size and color needs.

Chris Wartmann – www.chriswartmann.com

Chris has a breathtaking collection of photography in various collections including people, landscapes, cityscapes, wildlife and, my personal favorite, graffiti.  His colors are crisp and his subject matter is very unique and also provocative in the sense that it awakens a strong emotional connection to each piece.  Chris’ website is only a small sampling of his work so don’t hesitate to contact him for more options.   You can follow Chris on facebook as well by joining his group Chris Wartmann Photography.  These are gorgeous and affordable pieces so I suggest you invest now before the rest of the world discovers this talent!   And you’ll be surprised to find that photography is his hobby and not his full time career!!

Cosh –  www.coshuk.com

This site has an extensive selection of artists and styles of captivating contemporary artwork.   Most works are in limited editions and are printed in the Gyclee fashion of fine artwork prints so you get a really nice piece at a very reasonable price.  Just be cautious when you peruse the pricing because all price quotes are in Euros.   I like the “view scale” button on each page that allows you to click on the button and get a visual representation of the size of the piece.   This site also offers professional framing so your piece can arrive ready to hang and enjoy.

So, now you have a starting point . . . .what are you waiting on?!   Peruse these sites and start your own art collection today!!

For more information, contact Jamie R. Kern with Design Theory Interiors at www.designtheoryinteriors.com or email [email protected].