I have decided that it's time to move from the Ansel Adams prints from college and actually look for some original paintings for my wall. Does anyone know of a good place to start looking with a moderate budget?
We've pieced our stuff together by going to little galleries while on vacation/weekend trips (Taos/Fredericksburg/Salado/Italy)...you'll be able to find things in your range that aren't tacky, plus, you'll have some attachment to them beyond simply going to some random place and picking something that just matches her colors.
Get involved with the local art scene here in town by checking out the Chronicle for gallery openings and exhibits. Things like the East Side Artist tour and events like that feature local artists and their work. Much of it is great stuff. You pay the artist directly for their piece more times than not. Also check out some places like Hyde Park Cafe that feature local artists work. It can be purchased directly as well. Austin has a vibrant and talented artist core and it is worth looking into. I think the Chronicle will be a good start.
i seem to recall that when i was an intern at gsd&m years ago, they helped put on/sponsored/promoted/somesuch an annual art show in austin that was put on by some homeless artists. very inexpensive stuff and, while you definitely had to wade through some crap, there was some really good stuff in there. other than that, check out local galleries. i know my fiancee's sister usually has some stuff at austin art garage.
I bought 4 paintings from Snarko! this past Summer. She's local, and has fairly reasonable prices on her artwork. Here's her site--The Link We bought 4 pieces from the Kamikaze-Sumi-E line-- each piece for less than 100 each. I'm a particular fan of abstract faces and nudity, so I love her style. Snarko lives here in town and is easy to find.
