They're both very nice, but my preference is the NYC shot, framed. While you have a lot of pattern going on, and a lot of rectangles, would you consider a square-framed print of a less-frenetic object, such as a large Mapplethorpe flower? Very soothing!

Hmm I guess I never thought about a vertical there. That's not a bad option. The large florals are nice too. The problem is, I like too many things haha. My only reluctance with a vertical or square is that I have to put more objects on the mantle, and I don't want it to get too busy with all the stuff already in the bookcase to the left.

nnigrt- can I borrow some money?

sorry, no, ive spent it all on art.

All you would have to do is add orange pillows onto each wingback to incorporate orange. It seems you are still uncertain, so instead of trying to decide on either piece..why not look for something that you love (if you don't love this picture) and have no doubts.. For instance, I recently visited an art retreat and the owner/artist is Gordon Harrison...every single piece resonated with me and I was excited by the colors, subjects and his style. Here are examples that would be gorgeous in your room with modern simple frame. I have also attached other images and hope they provide inspiration and food for thought around not settling, as you'll be looking at it for many years. Decide on what you love...you'll know when you see it. Hope this helps.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=gordon+harrison++birch+trees&biw=1518&bih=638&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjexozgw9DNAhXEmBoKHUGlBM4QsAQINw&dpr=0.9#tbm=isch&q=gordon+harrison+paintings

I still loving blues for your artwork. You need to connect with that gorgeous blue fabric.

So, I am sticking with it (and being no help at all.)

The artwork is not too small, you can always go with a big bold frame!

Do you love the bridge art? I mean, really love it? So that you keep coming back to it? If so, buy it, put it over the fireplace, get some blue and orange pillows if you're worried about balancing the orange, and enjoy it. Who cares what everyone else thinks?

I know you didn't ask for it, but I feel that you need to have more books in your bookcase. Jmo. Like a lot more.

I'm no expert in art, so I'd say go with your gut feeling. Which is...?

I LIKE both, but im not soooo in LOVE with either one. As far as the books, I think they look ok. They're all books I went out and bought only because of their navy/blue covers lol purely for decorative purposes

I'm not going to be much help because I hate the idea of choosing art for its decorative value and how well it "goes with everything". A stunning work just works, regardless.

That said, 4 figures seems a bit steep. I agree with @nnigrt.

_That_ said, I especially agree with @teamaltese, if you really do love the piece go for it! That's what is more important. is it something you _want_ to show off? That's what will make the price seem reasonable.

I don't like the new frame, though. I would either forgo the frame or g back to a lighter color (gold was it? but still thin) to, well, frame it better. The current frame (based solely on the picture) does, as someone said earlier, blend too much with the painting itself. And are my eyes deceiving me? It looks larger than the old frame.

Joe

eta: Oh, and raise either picture up a bit, a couple few inches.

This type of frame would look great with your painting. Simple and will not steal the show from your art. Gives a finished look to the canvas.

You can get a very nice PAINTING for $$$$.

The bridge picture in the dark frame. It has more color and depth. But YOU are the one looking at it everyday, and artwork should be something that makes you happy every time you see it. No one can choose that for you.

The first is original, 24 x 28.

Second a print.

In that case, I would honestly wait, until something I LOVE comes along.

New York, New York.

I have a question, it's probably stupid but - when it's an original painting, I know what to expect. When it's a print, is it just a flat almost picture of the original painting, or is it also a painting but just not the original?? And if it's just a photocopy, does it look good or is there no texture to it?

I think the bridge picture is too heavy for the room. Here it is with a much narrower frame.

I still prefer the NYC print.

Since your NY pic was inexpensive and you already own it, use that until you find something that you love. If you LOVE the bridge scene go to a frame shop (not a box store) to get the frame you love that compliments your artwork. You obviously have a good sense of decorating based on the rest of the room. Go with your gut!

If the bridge print had a different frame, it would work better.

Something like this.

Still prefer nyc though.

@groveraxle you inspired me to play around..lol..

A print can look good. But it is never the original, which is one reason why the print will cost less than the original. Some processes try to improve things by printing on canvas to still at least have some level of that texture. Some efforts are better than others.

I have prints (can't afford a real Rothko!), original paintings and drawings, as well as pottery and some sculpture. I love all of it. If you love it, print or original, that's what's important.

Joe

Thanks for all the info!! I'm leaning towards having the NYC one framed at a local frame shop and keeping it until I find something that I really, really love to take its place. I found a frame with silver leaf finish that's both morern and traditional and I think would work well. It's just under $400, so more than I paid for the picture but apparently framing is not cheap :(

Just a financial check point here --- if you're putting up a picture temporarily only until something better comes along, do you want to spend $400 to frame it? I hope you're thinking of this as a long term investment and you'll use the NY pic somewhere else once you find your permanent fireplace art. If not, then you might consider hanging it frameless and applying the $400 toward the permanent art.

Leelee... I love your art suggestions. Where can I find them?

I agree with baileysr. Getting art framed is indeed pretty expensive so don't spend the money on framing if it's not art you really care for. The Amsterdam does a fine job being placeholder.

New York city

Well the Amsterdam art is still a lot more than what I would spend to get the NYC picture framed. Of course if I did frame it and decided to get something else later, I would hang it somewhere else in the house. Either that, or I could use the frame on a different painting of the same size if needed. I could just hang it as is, but what if it takes me a year or two to find a new piece? NYC is a little small without a frame. And who knows, once it's framed, I may decide to just keep it there permanently

Framing is not cheap. I don't think the NYC is any better with it, either.

I think you are making the wise choice. If you're going to spend that kind of money, love what you are buying, as much as I am always rooting for original art work vs something that "goes with the decor".

Art should make you enjoy, contemplate, meditate, compel, ponder, question, feel, all or any of those things. If it doesn't, move on.

Joe

I personally don't care for any of them. The one seems dark n depressing no matter what frame u get n the other one just doesn't seem to go with its surrounding good luck! :)

I wouldn't spend $400 to frame an inexpensive placeholder. I'd put that $400 away to spend on that piece you eventually find that you love. Oh, just noticed that Bailersr said the same thing (only better!)

An example of a vertical statement piece over a mantel...really stunning. Sometimes horizontal art over a mantel can look too much like the fireplace, as someone suggested. We realize you may not have the ceiling height that this room shows, but if you put a vertical piece offset to the right w either a very simple mirror or other item on the left, the art wouldn't be so close to the bookshelf and might help w the asymmetry of your space. You have great taste; keep up the search until you find something that resonates with you and complements your room!

But I will add that it's way better to settle for inexpensive unframed placeholders while you wait for that piece you really love, than spend serious money on something you're not too sure about.

Wickedwhite--which one(s)? I always said you have great taste.

Found these photos from a houzzer (vbarton) that are a great example of the different feel between horizontal vs vertical.

Go with something that makes you smile and feel Happy when ever you look at that.

If you still looking for some pieces then Here's some suggestion for your wall you might like......A large piece of Art can really bring in a wave of deftness to your room. It acts as a style to your room.

to know more about my Art work and collections please visit my shop on Etsy website -

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PooviArtGallery?ref=pr_shop_more

Find a piece now that will bring you joy every time you look at it, and go with an inoffensive placeholder like NYC until you do. There really is no substitute. I saved for a decade to buy the piece in my profile picture and planned my whole parlor around it. Sure, it's not for everyone - IMO a good piece never is - but I still cannot believe I'm lucky enough to own it.

You've coordinated everything so nicely, why deviate now? Neither of those pieces "go" with what you've done. Push comes to shove, you don't find a art piece that looks right, get a nice mirror for that $400!!!!

NYC art

https://www.etsy.com/listing/210144799/wall-mirror-silver-gray-mosaic?ref=market

Beautiful mosaic frame.

Thanks everyone! Lessismore, where did you find that mosaic frame?

Oops never mind, just saw the etsy link and that it's a mirror. A mirror is definitely out of the question. I tried it, and it reflects the hood above the stove in the kitchen! Not a good look lol

If it were me, I wouldn't have the NYC professionally framed at $400. I have had professional framing on 4 pieces of art and was disappointed in all of them. You tend to accept their advice/expertise, but it comes down to their personal ideas/vision. I then opted for simple frames and found them at Walmart and sometimes at HomeSense for example and use the frame from an inexpensive print. I would be rethinking the mantel as a whole with NYC (framed or not) and layer or start fresh - see below - interesting and modern. Bring home a few pieces and test them out together and for very little, you'll have an uncompromised mantle that can wait for your perfect art.

I love the blues of the Amsterdam bridge print and how it ties in with your room, but there's still something "off" with that frame.

I think groveraxle nailed it! The frame is just too heavy for that room/print and needs to be more narrow and simple.

Kristin - I'd also like to mention that your room and furnishings are gorgeous!!

Maureen, do you have the source for your top photo? We'd love to add it to an ideabook, but would like to properly credit. Thanks!

Maureen - I hear you, but I think it is a give and take at a frame shop. You have to decide if you are going to take the advice that they are giving. You have to make the final decision.

I've had many pieces of artwork framed, and I've been very happy with the results. I spend a lot of time in the frame shop, until I am satisfied with what they are going to do. I've also purchased off the shelf frames at craft stores, and have been happy with these.

@shirlpp - I didn't trust my gut but the professional and in the end, it was their taste and not mine. There was a lot of money invested and next time, I'll do some research and really get a feel for the direction I want to head. I've also become more confident in knowing what feels balanced and complimentary.

I guess I didn't think about just getting a frame that's not custom. I'm sure if I look online I can find the size I need, probably for a lot less. Would any frame accommodate a canvas that's gallery wrapped ?

What about off centering the NYC print and filling in either left or right w various shapes and heights of decorative pieces w orange?yellow? as in the taxis and blues? Just saying...