choosing artwork
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choosing artwork •
need help deciding?
Choosing artwork for your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you're looking for a small piece to brighten a favorite corner, a statement-making landscape above the sofa, or a collection of prints to tell a bigger story, I'm here to help.
From finding the right size to choosing between paper and canvas, here's everything you need to know to find a print you'll love living with for years to come.
Let's find your perfect piece.
first things first, find artwork you love.
Your home is personal, and the art you bring into it should be, too. Start with the artwork that makes you feel something. Maybe it's a familiar mountain range or a landscape that reminds you of a moment you'd like to hold onto. Or maybe it's simply a painting you can't stop looking at.
If you're not sure where to begin, try browsing by subject, location, or orientation in the print shop. You might be surprised by what catches your eye.
A little tip: Think about the feeling you want a room to have. Soft, quiet colors can create a sense of calm, while bolder colors can bring energy and personality to a space.
next, it’s time to measure.
One of the most common questions I hear is, “What size should I get?” The best size depends on your wall, the furniture nearby, and the feeling you're hoping to create.
for a smaller wall or cozy corner
A smaller print can be just the thing for a reading nook, entryway, bedside table, or narrow wall. Small artwork can also be lovely layered into a larger gallery wall.
for above a sofa, bed, or console
Larger artwork often feels more balanced above a substantial piece of furniture. As a starting point, many people aim for artwork that's roughly two-thirds the width of the furniture beneath it, though this is a guideline rather than a rule.
for a statement-making moment
Don't be afraid to go big! A larger landscape can anchor a room and give your eye a place to rest. If you're deciding between two sizes, it can help to tape out both dimensions on the wall before making your choice.
before you order
Measure your available wall space, account for any frames or mats, and consider the distance from which you'll usually view the artwork. I recommend marking the dimensions of the artwork on your wall using painter's tape. Step back and look at it from across the room. If you're deciding between two sizes, tape out both options to see which feels more balanced.
other things to consider
Hang artwork at eye level. I’ve noticed that most people hang their artwork way too high. As a general guideline, aim to place the center of the artwork about 57–60 inches from the floor. Adjust for your height, the room, and the furniture beneath the art.
Consider the furniture below it. When hanging artwork above a sofa, bed, or console, aim for roughly 6–10 inches between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame. Artwork above furniture often looks best when it's about two-thirds the width of the furniture below it.
Don't be afraid to go bigger. Artwork can feel smaller on a wall than it does on a computer screen. If you're choosing a statement piece for a large wall, consider whether a larger size would create a more balanced, intentional look.
If you're hanging multiple pieces together, consider the overall width and height of the grouping—not just each individual print. Leave roughly 2–3 inches between frames as a starting point, and arrange the pieces on the floor before putting holes in the wall.
paper or canvas?
Once you've found your artwork and chosen a size, it's time to think about the material. My prints are available in paper and canvas options, and each creates a slightly different look in your home.
paper prints
Paper prints are a wonderful choice if you love the classic look of framed artwork. They pair beautifully with mats and frames, and you can choose a frame that complements your artwork and your space.
Paper prints are especially lovely in gallery walls, collections of smaller pieces, or rooms where you want to coordinate your artwork with other frames and finishes.
While paper prints are more affordable than canvas prints, keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase a frame. If you’d like to purchase an already-framed paper print, I have a handful of options here (sizes and finishes are limited).
canvas prints
Canvas prints offer a different presentation, with the artwork reproduced on canvas rather than paper. They come wired and ready to hang, without the need for a frame (though you can purchase one if you’d like!). Depending on the size and framing you choose, they can create a more substantial presence on the wall.
Canvas is a great option if you're drawn to the look of paintings and want your artwork to feel like a focal point in the room.
to frame or not to frame?
A frame can change the entire feel of a piece of art. It can help a print feel finished, complement the colors in your room, or tie together a collection of artwork.
frames for paper prints
I feel passionately that my art be both beautiful and accessible, which is why many of my prints are offered in standard sizes. For the smaller sizes in particular, you should be able to pop them into a ready-made frame and be on your way. For larger or more custom-sized prints, you’ll likely need to consider getting them custom framed. Be aware that while beautiful, custom framing can be spendy.
frames for canvas prints
While my canvas prints come wired and ready to hang, you can consider adding a locally-made float frame to finish off the piece. The frames are available in birch, black, and walnut.
things to consider
A wood frame can complement the earthy colors in a landscape and add warmth to a room. It's a particularly beautiful option for artwork inspired by the outdoors. If you opt for a wood frame, consider the finishes of the wood in the room where you intend to hang the artwork and make sure they don’t clash.
For a clean, contemporary look, a simple black frame can create contrast and help the colors in a painting stand out. The benefit of black is that it wouldn’t compete with any wood tones in the space.
add a little something extra with embellishment.
If you'd love something a little closer to an original painting, an embellished print might be just the thing.
I hand-paint additional details onto a canvas print, making each embellished print unique. It's a way to bring some of the character and texture of my painting process into a printed piece of artwork.
An embellished print is still a print, but the hand-painted additions replicate the look of an original painting at a fraction of the cost.
one piece, or a collection?
A single print can make a room feel complete, but a collection of artwork can tell an even bigger story.
diptychs and triptychs
Love the idea of artwork that spans a wider wall? Diptychs and triptychs bring multiple panels together to create one cohesive display. They're a wonderful option above a sofa, bed, or dining table.
gallery walls
A collection of prints can bring personality to a hallway, stairway, bedroom, or living room. You can choose artwork with a shared color palette for a coordinated look, or mix landscapes and subjects that feel meaningful to you.
mixing sizes
Combining larger and smaller pieces creates movement and visual interest. Try laying your arrangement out on the floor before hanging anything, so you can experiment with spacing and placement.
Most importantly, choose pieces you genuinely love. A collection doesn't have to follow a formula to feel right.
ready to choose your artwork?
Whether you're looking for one special piece or building a collection over time, I hope you find artwork that brings a little more color, connection, and beauty into your everyday life.
Thanks so much for being here and supporting my art.
Fine Art Print of “Mount Thielsen”. Also available as a triptych!
Fine art giclée print from an original acrylic + gouache painting.
Mount Thielsen captures a sunset view from the vantage point of Diamond Lake in Central Oregon. The juxtaposition of the dynamic, sharp angles of the peak alongside the peaceful, calm water makes for a captivating scene.
In an effort to offer a variety of standard sizes, some of the ratios are cropped and vary slightly from this 8x10” listing photo. Panoramic sizes are also available.
Not sure what size you’d like? Reference the sizing guides below to see each option to scale.
Paper
Includes a 1/2 inch white border to allow for the title and artist signature.
Printed on high-quality, lightly textured, coldpress paper with archival ink by a local Bend, Oregon fine art printer.
Processed within 5-10 business days.
If you’d like your print already framed, order it as a framed print instead!
Canvas
Printed on high-quality matte canvas with archival ink.
Arrives stretched over stretcher bars, wired on the back, and ready to hang on your wall.
Hand painted signature on the bottom left or right.
Mirrored edges, meaning the image will appear to wrap around the edges of the canvas.
Processed within 10-15 business days.
If desired, a frame and/or embellishment (where I paint directly on top of a canvas print to add the look and feel of an original!) can be added to any canvas print for an additional fee.