How about a huge painting? More choices here: http://www.houzz.com/projects/1295077/art-original-abstract-paintings

Large artwork with great chandelier will transform this space. What is style in your home? We can give further ideas if we know more about what you love.

This can be really fun. Many choices, but will depend on your budget. But here are some ideas that are reasonable but could be adopted to less expensive options as well. The concept is to hang some with multiple pendants or lights from the main ceiling location. Then, put some sconces on the walls where the junction boxes are that are currently holding the "track type" lights. Remove those. Then, hang a great piece of art, or perhaps even stack two pieces since the height is so great. Here are some sample lighting fixtures.

These come in various sizes and color globes. You can select number (depending on budget) and color of glass. They make such a beautiful statement and would light art work without looking like "art lighting". I would choose the clear glass balls, or they have a frosted type as well. This is an interesting main chandelier, but also notice the light balls on the floor. Might be an option for your lower landing area. The leafy hanging lights are LED I believe. This is pricey, but if you have access to a good electrician, you could probably make something similar. This is the concept of sconces on walls and then a central light fixture. These are small little shades on small lights, but they look like flying handkerchiefs. Quite cool. Again, pricey, but adaptable.A unique look, would be to go with black crystal, depending on art work, and black crystal sconces as well. Very dramatic. cHere is an organic type look with glass globes. Also tall stairwell. So, those are some ideas that might spark some creative thoughts. Shop around some of the lighting shops in unique areas, like we have some great ones in our University areas, where starving students come up with unique ideas! Good luck.

Thank you for the ideas! I was thinking one large piece of artwork, I will continue my search trying to support someone local. I also love the option of of the mini globes. It also hadn't even occurred to me to combine both options and I'm intrigued by it. That track lighting just has to go.

Great-love supporting local artists too. With that height, you could do one for lower, and then save your pennies and get a companion one to hang higher!