wall in the family

Ever since we moved into this new place in January, our living room wall has been taunting me. It's huge. And our couch is huge. I knew whatever went on that wall had to be big as well. It was overwhelming so I just tried to ignore it.

The wall to the right is the wall in question, not the best angle for the pic. 

But it's the first thing you see when you walk in the door, so I couldn't ignore it for long. But big art means big $$$. Something I just don't have for one piece of art.  Plus, everything I found was nice but it didn't mean anything.

Then one day I was talking to my cousin, who just happens to live across the street form me. (side note: we are both from Cincinnati, but ended up living on the same street in Chicago - it's great to be so close to family when you're far from home.)

She a middle school art teacher and was talking about this painting she did for her brother. It was amazing! Then it hit me - I'll commission a painting for the living room.

My cousin was more than willing to do it, so all I had to do was find the right picture to turn into a painting. I knew exactly which one I wanted:

The Chicago skyline is amazing. It's perfect for our living room. My cousin took the photo, got some supplies and two weeks later, my new living room art is ready to be unveiled. 

Isn't it amazing? The shading alone just amazes me. My cousin is a fabulous artist and I am so honored that she did this for us and it's now hanging in my home. And doesn't it look great in the space? 

It fills up the space perfectly -- it's 36 inches long and just the right size for the space. My boyfriend and I both love it and we had friends over last night and they were commenting on how beautiful it is.

If you're not finding what you need at the store or don't have the $$ for it, get creative. Ask someone you know who is artistic if they'll create something for you. Or better yet, create it yourself. Art is personal - let it reflect what you love.

-j