Don't be irked with yourself, it only means that something better is in the offing. What was the print about? We could help you find something similar. What was the artist's name and the subject matter. We could probably help you find something you'd love. What were the dimensions of the work.

Way too much, imo. But do look for some original art. Don't think of it as an investment (in terms of increasing values), those things are fleeting with the market. Just get something you love.

Don't beat yourself up and be mad at yourself. You did right by walking away. I think what is really frustrating in general is the price of frames and framing. At least to me it is. I've used the same frame shop for a very long time, and I love the folks who run it (a delightful couple who always help me with the right choice in frames, matting, etc). But I know going in it's going to hurt the wallet. So once you've starting purchasing art, or even before, find yourself a good little frame shop, establish a good relationship with the owner/framers, and tell them what I do...'here's the deal, I can't spend a lot of money framing this piece, but I want it to look good and look this way'. And then when you do run across a piece that you want to spend a little extra on the frame, tell them so. Maybe it will be a portrait of one of your children or a piece of art later on that you've paid a little more for that you're willing to ante-up a few more dollars for the frame.

And remember, the search for, and buying, the art should not be frustrating. Enjoy it!

I'm always tickled with the prints I get from art.com. It doesn't bother me if it's original or not, only if I LOVE it. Plus, the great selection, plus options to personalize with frame, matting etc is a good deal, especially with promo codes.

I bought the larger size of this print on art.com for $50 but I spent, I think, at least $400 framing it. I had seen the same art at an Ethan Allen store for $695 or something like that.

At a previous residence:

And the place before that:

Thanks, everyone. I feel less bad about it now.

EG3d - that is a nice piece, it really owns the wall :) This was a smaller print, the image was 15x18" and the paper was 21x24". The print was of a kitchen in a restaurant. I waitressed & washed pots through high school and college, and loved it. I never worked anywhere this nice (notice the snazzy chef's hats) but the preponderance of stainless steel prep space and lighting just seemed familiar of those times.

It would have looked great in our dining room (on the wall that is open to the kitchen) but I'm sure I'll find something even better for that space.

I remember seeing this one around which was similar to yours. It might have a totally different feel to you, but thought I'd point it out. There's another of a chef chopping on page 3. Maybe she has others. Have no idea what size they are or her prices. Maybe you could do a series if they're small. I really liked them even though they are not typical subject matter for me.

Here is a link that might be useful: Chef Restaurant Paintings

This post was edited by snookums2 on Tue, Jan 15, 13 at 14:21

Do you have any art fairs in your area? We have one big one every year and it's a great opportunity to see the work of artists from all over the Midwest.

OMG that is nuts for a print, look online thousands of them for a third of that price.. or less on sale or clearence

What a coincidence! Just five minutes ago I ordered a print for my dining room. Framed it's 20"h x 24"w., for a $100. It's not an original, litho, or giclee. It's just a print I fell in love with.

I would be hesitant to do business with a shop that tries to sell a giclee as a lithograph.

And although I like that image too, I think you were right to let it go. For that price, if you don't absolutely have to have it, and the cost be damned, skip it.

Art is like husbands. Marry in haste, repent at leisure.

Hi Snookums - thanks! I really like that image as well, great find! I've pinged the artist to find out if she's planning on doing any more.

I love oil paintings best but pastels are a close second usually :) Thank you for the tip! I'm gonna get me some art one way or another, LOL.

I'm also looking into more local galleries. One of the struggles is that I live near a largish city and a lot of the galleries are targetting people with higher incomes (paintings start at $1800 & go up from there). But there are some smaller art co-ops around, and if I drive west an hour or two I can find a few artsy enclaves to visit. You know, one of those enclaves also has a great italian pastry shop, that's a guaranteed successful trip. Even without art, I can buy some great pastry.

I went to Ruby Tuesdays for a snack....guess what they had in all their rooms? Your artist and the one shown was right in front of me. It was a canvas print with glicee brush strokes. Up close I wasn't fond of it, but a foot or more away it was brilliant.

As most have commented, it is the framing cost that raises the price. If the print is not something that requires museum quality framing, you can do it yourself. I have bought a suitable frame (takes a while to find the right size) and then had Hobby Lobby cut a matte to fit, then the glass. Backing is easy to add. You can ask for acid matte and special glass. Either are far less than having them cut a frame which is where the high price comes into play.

I too think that's a lot of money for a giclee. Around here we have open studio once a year, and you can get some great (I think) giclee prints in pretty nice frames for lots less from the artist him/herself.

I think you should be thankful that you missed that one. It seems very high to me as I can, and have, bought original art I love for the same and less.

Although I have to say that when you find something you really, really love sometimes price is not all that important. I'm still not sure of the great value of giclees tho. Not yet for me anyhow as our local artists continue to produce very nice stuff so I'll continue to buy it as I see things I love. There's something about originals that is missing in copies of any kind.

I do urge you to find a print of a commercial kitchen because that obviously means a lot to you and you will continue to find joy in it. Then get it framed at Michaels on sale or at a small framing shop where you may have to pay a bit but might not be 'taken' too badly. Shopping around for framing is well worth it because some places just plain gouge.

Try not to be frustrated with this journey of finding art. It should be fun, a bit of a challenge, and if you are patient you will have a collection you love. Good luck!

I am not sure if someone mentioned Etsy, but you can find some awesome original art in that price range. If you catch someone before they really take off on Etsy, you can get some amazing pieces.

Also, our farmers market sometimes has some great artists. Also, maybe check with the local college if you have one. You might be able to get a similar piece of original art commissioned by a starving, young college student.