wmsimons, is the 30% fee applied to the consigner? Is there a buyer’s premium as well?

Usually, the buyer's premium is paid by the winner. It is charged by the auctioneer as a payment , and, addition, there is a seller’s premium, as well, to the auction house.

In the past I have done many auctions. It can be expensive to buy and sell. The risk, IMO, belongs to the seller, unless an opening bid has been applied.

following

It has been a long time since I took a Fine Arts class in college, but I thought “stylistic” applied to the style in which the creator painted…in other words, I, as the artist, want to put on canvas, something I see in my mind. I do and I am satisfied with my work, in my style.

Now it is up to the viewer to either appreciate or dismiss the piece.

Chairish concludes the painting as “oddly superb”. It hanging in a room with a British/Colonial theme, and Corrine’s tacit knowledge of the correlation is, IMO, sophisticated.

What's wrong with being young and naive, Corinne? ;) I don't see an issue with the chandelier but then again maybe I'm still young and naive. :P Taste is ever evolving, no? It gets expensive to outfit our houses into homes and sometimes we rush into decisions to "get things done". Nothing wrong with living with our "mistakes" a while.

"You can imagine how stupid I feel having to explain my position on “the monkey painting” to a neutral third party." See, that's the thing. There's no need to explain your position on any painting you love to any neutral third party. (Unless you're paying this neutral third party as a mediator of some sort.) As strangers on the Internet, we have no say in what you fall in love with to adorn your walls. :) It just sounds as if this purchase is ill-timed for your household. Perhaps your husband would rather you prioritize other elements of home decor before art?

(Still loving Babs, btw. Not that it matters one iota.)

tartanmeup, well put.

Just recently a group of us were talking about how we would style our home if we had the chance to do it again. I knew right away…there is an artist in Provincetown whose work, to me, is so fantastic (and so expensive and it’s long past the time for us to make that kind of investment.) But, if I could do it again, one of her paintings would have hung on our wall. Next purchase would have been a sofa where we could sit and admire it day after day.

Who needs pots and pans, anyway?

I wish you all could see, in person, these paintings. Photos don’t do them justice.

http://www.packardgallery.com/paintings.html

Glorious, JudyG!! I've come across her work before. And yes, I'm sure photos don't do it justice.

That's the other element to keep in mind, Corinne. The website to real life discrepancy as someone else pointed out. Tatts is right: best to buy art in real life. Not always possible though. (I've been lucky the few times I've bought art through ebay. Once it didn't work out at all. The painting reeked of cigarette smoke and had to be trashed.)

While certainly there is criteria to evaluate art, for the purpose of hanging in your home, your personal taste is all that matters. So in regards to the monkey painting it's fine if you like it because of the way it looks/makes you feel and integrates with your home but if you Only really like it because you think it's sophisticated, then the motives are wrong: pretentious or insecure.

The same for the chandelier. If your tastes have changed and you no longer want to look at it in your home, move it out but if the reason is you still like it but think it makes you look unsophisticated, wrong motive.

There's an underlying theme in the art world that ugly art carries more weight, sometimes it does, sometimes not. The context and the application are important. I would rather look at a mass market print that I enjoy than an original that I don't.

That said, there's a lot of twee, matching the sofa and general mass repetition.

So if you really like the monkey painting and would want to look at it everyday (until you don't) then I would get it.

I’m amused by some of the comments here, especially the “animals rights “ nonsense. I don’t read animal abuse into it at all. The PC police have now infiltrated art . Yikes! That’s a scary thought. In any event, I think the painting is ALOT more interesting than all the generic “abstract “ mass produced products that are only purchased because they match the sofa or provide the proverbial “pop of color “. If you love it buy it.

I don't see anyone flashing a badge, so I'm pretty sure no one is trying to "police" anyone else. People are responding to the painting. As we were asked to do. That's what art is about....no?

What about Hubby - he doesn't like it. Shouldn't his likes/dislikes be taken into

consideration? Some husband don't care what you do, this one has an opinion, and it should be respected.

My visceral response, because you asked, not because it matters--the monkey's dark eyes and expression are almost skull-like and forboding. The man with the pink? spiky hair? has a menacing expression (and fist). The man holding the monkey has a highly underdeveloped expression; is that alarm? fear? surprise?--looks like a children's book illustration. None of the emotions this art evokes are feelings I want to impose on my guests. If you don't want guests to feel warm and welcome--you may as well hang pictures of clowns all over the dining room--and be down with it.

This conversation is so much more interesting than "help, what color griege should I use"?

I also have a comment to make about husband's refusing their wives to make certain purchases. Why? My opinions, my thoughts, my money, my purchase.

In actuality, the monkey, in Indian culture is believed to be one of several forms of God. It represents power and strength. With that in mind I see awe in the face of the man holding the staff and the other man looks like he wants to touch, but pulls his arm back, knowing he can’t touch God so casually.

There is no animal abuse or ridicule suggested.

I only responded because you asked if there were any negative adjectives evoked by the painting. I'm all for interesting, unique, quirky, irreverent or whimsical. I wasn't being an animal rights or woman's rights advocate per se. I just thought the painting was depressing and unpleasant to look at, especially during a meal. But to each his own. I've admired many works of art in museums and galleries that depicted images I found disturbing. I'm not an art critic. I just wouldn't want it in my home.

I did inherit a series of original folk art paintings of mammies and children on the porch and in front of shanties. As you might imagine, these remain packaged in the garage and will never be displayed in my home. I don't know what I'm supposed to do with them.

I don’t think this is much $$ for a painting if you really love it. Do you really love it? You have mentioned that it fits your room that has a British Colonial look and while I think the artist has borrowed from the 19th century orientalists this is not quite there for me. Of course art is a personal choice and our tastes often change and grow. Hence the stack of art in my office I no longer want;)! But this is hundreds and not thousands of dollars which I think is appropriate for this piece so it’s not that big of an investment. You should enjoy it until you don’t. Here are some examples of orientalists art that fit your BC theme.

Then I'm glad to have similar interpretation of the painting, similar feeling, without knowing much about the culture. It also means the artist did a good job. Conveying the message..

I think the monkey handler has a very special connection with the monkey. He knows very well who he deals with. He knows his monkey. he knows people too.

Judy, I love the artist you linked to above..I love how she captures the light. Thank you for sharing her work.

Just to add that several later comments by Corinne say that her husband doesn't dislike the painting-actually he likes it too. the price was in the root of the disagreement, but that seems to be resently resolved.

Corinne, if you decide to go for the painting-you can always try and offer less. That's how I misssed on perfect coffee table for my MIL-I was too shy to offer too low, and somebody else snatched it for half the price before I blinked. Doesn't hurt to try. If it was the artist himself selling-I'd feel differently.

I love buying from local artists, in galeries, festivals, etc. I also love to buy art when we travel(either home, or not). I also buy art online-and that's how I learned about several artists i had no idea about.

I also just look at it, a lot-because most art, well, I can't afford it...but it is still great to be able to look at it. If anything can bring people closer, even if they disagree -it's art..

(well, after sharing food))

Hiding them in the garage is hiding the lives of slaves, as if it that time never existed.

How will generations learn about human suffering if all evidence is locked away or destroyed?

Many of you have no personal memory of WW2. But, with movies and books and art you have become aware of the atrocities of the internment camps; mass murders.

Suzy, folk art is true and never compromised. How else would an illiterate slave tell his story?

If you do not want to display them, donate them to a museum who will.

They are invaluable.

As an aside, if I walked into your home, and saw your collage of art, I would not be shocked or disgusted. Quite the opposite. I would see a collection displayed for its historic and moral value.

I keep saying my husband doesn’t dislike the painting and still that somehow seems to be a focus lol

This is another option although my husband has asked specifically to please stop putting random women all over our walls lol

Well, it's better than HIM putting random women all over your walls. Love the colors in this one, too. And she's much more appetizing looking than a monkey.

Love it…I think that’s me with a different hair color. Interpretation: whew! it has been a long day. I have cleaned and cooked (so the head wrap) and I’m leaning on the kitchen table, thinking that I will have that drink (bottle in hand).

How about the glass over the table cloth?

That’s what I’m saying! I love her- I’ve loved her. I just don’t want to be the a-hole who pushes for a third addition of something that my hub hates. Mostly because I know he’ll fold and I don’t want him to dislike our dining room.

Oly- Yes that is very true lol. I like them too because they are so non-sexualized really. It’s kind of like having live representations of my different moods on the walls. Which I suppose may be what weirds out the husband lol!

Plus you can assign personalities and stories to them. I can’t wait until I have kids I’m going to make up all kinds of crazy stuff lol

That last one is better for the dining room. She's thinking I hope you're enjoying that food because I spent all day making it and I still have a huge mess to clean up. lol

Can you please tell me why you want the opinions of others?

(I think I'm missing something in these types of discussions...)

ETA that chandelier would look outstanding spray painted in a glossy red. Or teal. Or some other bright bold color.

Some of my regrets in life have been over walking away from items that spoke to me, then someone else snapped them up. If you have been returning to look at that painting for months, then maybe you should fight for it. It clearly captivates you.

I kinda like the woman with bottle (?) in hand. Is her rather enigmatic expression simply classic resting *$%#@face or more a "don't make me use this bottle on you" moment? ahhh,Art,ever in the eye of the beholder.

^ that would be the first story for the kids lol. I love this type of artwork- “socialist realism”?. I found a seascape that I’m also fond of, but it feels a little safe for me. Like an easy option with not enough flavor or risk to distinguish it

Penny— Because years of bullying and emotional abuse have made my whole perspective dependent on the opinions of others : )

Also I never would have thought to gloss paint that chandelier, but I might actually do that just to see what happens. That’s a really interesting idea

Helen & Holly don’t tempt me lol!

Maybe if your husband doesn't want more random woman pictures, this could be a compromise?

Suzy lmao

Oh no...

As with anything...if you love it, buy it....(of course if you're all about budget, like I am, my mantra is "if you can't buy it, replicate it".)

I have lots of things that others scratch their heads at. And, here, my "taste" doesn't seem to agree with the majority of tastes...

If your house was my house, I would buy it (and maybe hang it lower than expected for reasons I can't explain) and paint the chandelier for some extra oomph. Plus it would be a budget friendly thing to try since you're getting rid of it anyway...

^ I may do that as a first step before buying a new light fixture. I have had it on facebook market forever & so far no serious bites.

Also if I hang the photo lower, is it a risk that people will back their chairs into it? Or is that unrealistic

Well, do people bump into the mirror? In your photo, it's difficult to see how much room you have...

I'm so sorry to read that, Corinne. Your home is your safe place though. It's where your creativity plays to accommodate your life's functional needs. Its decor does not require the scrutiny or approval of others. It should be chosen because it feeds your senses.

@pennydesign Agreed that with the monkey painting, hanging it 'off' would be key to making it (monkey) shine. I'll admit that I would likely overpaint the piece, because that mustache and the background women....

I feel as if (from your posted pics) you're trying to play it safe, like you're "supposed" to do, and like things that you're "supposed" to like. But inside, you're not that person....my apologies if I'm wrong here..

I tried really hard to like what the masses (and pinterest and Houzz) told me to like, but it was an exhausting battle for me, so I gave up. I'm really glad I did.

hollybaar - what would you do to the mustache and background women?

They haven’t yet! So hopefully it’d be safe

Clearly I have some soul searching to do re: which to pick, but I think I’ve finally put the monkey to rest. Do you ever just need to get over an idea that feels so perfect in the moment but you know it won’t stick in the long run? A friend of mine is going through something similar with her new boobs. Never underestimate the importance of weighing your decisions!

Yeah - the facial hair IS a bit 70s porn-stachey, but what's wrong with the women? That's actually the aspect of the painting that I like. And FWIW, I absolutely do not feel there is any one genre of art more "appropriate" for a dining room than another. I mean, who gets to make THAT call? If you love it, you should have it. Don't settle for something different if you don't love it as much as the monkey painting.

I think it's cool that your DH has decided opinions about art. So many men just don't care, but when they DO, I think that says they are actually emotionally invested in the home, so that even the decor matters. That's a good thing.

Also, re the comment above about not understanding why you can't just buy what you want because it's "your" money -- well, that's not how many of us do things. In our household, it's OUR money and we both have to be on board with the decor or it ain't happening.

Now IRL,it might be different @ ilikefriday But ... the mustache looks too drawn,too pasted on. It jumps at me in an annoying way so I'd tinker till it didn't. Not a difficult fix,as you know. The women... I would soften the strong outlines,mostly to deal with the illusion of the weird elbow blob (might not bug me in person). All the off-piste shadowing and coloration, those I'd leave. Of course,in 150 years when the painting is on Antiques Roadshow,the appraiser will bemoan the loss of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$value and hope the genius that was AJN can be properly restored ;-)

suzyq ^^ Johnny Depp w/pearl earring...lol!

I love that art work above, the women in the head wrap. She is the master of that house.

I played with it just a bit. Mind you it was on my phone with a stylus so it’s very crude and I know it’s sacrilege but I couldn’t help myself! Please don’t yell at me;)!

This one is appetizing. Who doesn't love a Frida Kahlo.

I just remembered a painting I passed on buying a few years ago, I debated on whether or not to buy it, didn’t buy it , Realizing that I really wanted it I contacted the gallery a few weeks later & was told it was sold. Regretting it to this day.

JudyGdesigns .... I really like the “my Beach” painting at the Packard gallery..... wish that it was available in a giclee. Might inquire regarding that.

Corinne I say if you love it go for it. Everyone will have a different interpretation of it which to me says how interesting it is. For an original it is IMO also very well priced.

I for one have a real love for example of french vintage oil paintings, naive impressionist ones that look like a two year could do. :))) My eye immediately goes to one. Try to explain those! The first time my Father saw one I had he said kind of under his breath “geez I could do that”! Haha. But I still love them.

Judy, I was looking at placing something on Chairish and 30% was their fee. So I would have had to mark the price up by 30% to cover their fee but this is a charge to the seller once sold. By the way, love the paintings in your link. So beautiful.

CorrineMasterson ... meant to mention the painting I passed on was “Kaufman House” by Carrie Graber. Beautiful house in Palm Springs designed by Richard Neutra.

I am so happy to see that you admire the paintings. If summertime brings you to Cape Cod, you must go to P-town and to the gallery. The building alone is gorgeous…Greek Revival at its finest.

Corinne, I have a client in D.C. who was born/raised in India. Lovely woman who came to U.S. to pursue her post graduate studies. I was interested in what she thought of the piece and thought I would share with you:

"Should some commentators feel that it’s racist, or imperialism exploitation , then I believe it’s sheer ignorance. It’s pure artist’s imagination, his/ her thoughts and feelings at that moment. People are too sensitive. I like it, a lot.

It definitely has to do with India: monkey with clothes, Indian women wearing sarees and carrying baskets. It is just that westerners were amused and decided to hold the pole with the monkey."

So. she doesn’t see the two men as Indian at all, and are simply holding the monkey for fun. She makes no comment on sacredness of the animal.

Interesting how people see things differently.

Thank you for sharing!! It’s crazy how derailed this thread went lol I‘m glad to hear not everybody found the painting offensive lol