Did you try art.com?

I would stop trying too hard. IMO, art is very personal and has to find you! Are there some local art galleries or shows in your area you can plan on going to? In my area, summertime is just full of art shows with affordable art. While this might feel like a long way away (It's snowing for me right now - blah!), I will likely wait until then to find the perfect stuff for my empty spots.

I have found some neat old stuff on ebay. Both framed and unframed.

I've had some of my son's black & white photos blown up and framed online at framesbymail dot com . They turned out great! You just send them your picture online, decide how big, frame, matting, etc. Really pretty cool. Oh, and I'm not associated with them - just a fan!

Could you post some photos? Just start a free album at photobucket -- and then click on each photo -- and when the HTML code appears under it -- click and it will be automatically copied -- and just paste it into the body of a message here at GWHD. ((thank goodness for that auto-copy feature! :)

And let us know some direction for your choices of artworks -- formal? country? modern?

Also -- with that much wall space -- you might want to consider hanging a grid of artworks -- maybe a set of 12 black-and-white photos of local architectural elements or fun shots. ((this is JUST an example!!)) Also -- sets of artworks (duos or trios) might work too.

Or how about hanging wall shelves for pretty pieces of pottery?

Check places like Pottery Barn or Ballard Designs websites for for IDEAS on artworks -- and do the same at art.com -- simply choose one of their categories that appeals to you -- and start browsing through the selections. IF you find ones that appeal to you -- print off the page -- just to keep track of trends that you like ..... and then can check around stores like Target, T.J. Maxx etc.

Also -- check with local colleges and universities to see if they are having art sales or exhibitions ... always fun to go at look!

Just some thoughts -- hope you don't mind! :)

Jan

I agree with Mairin, don't lurch into buying just anything to fill a wall. Art is so personal and can make or break a room for you. Use this time to think about the atmosphere you want to create in your family room: casual? traditional/formal? playful? Country? Etc., Etc.
Do you like/want landscapes? Still lifes? Something more Contemporary? Modern? How about a large black & white photograph? Knowing what you want before you start looking always helps. You can be diverted from it, but it's a good jumping off point. Threegrad's suggestion of checking on Art.com is wonderful. It can help you narrow your choices as to what works for you and what doesn't. IMO, all prints look better if they're matted and framed nicely. I also think that Mairin's suggestion to look at your local art fairs (NOT the starving artists shows that make their rounds through the country! ). Buying local artists works gives you a chance to acquire an original piece of art at, many times, what you'd pay for a framed print from a store or online. And, it's a one of a kind piece, as well!

Lynn

Thank you all so very much....very good advice. I'm always wanting to just "get it done" and get frustrated when I can't move as quickly as I want to. Part of my problem is that I don't feel like I'm good at decorating at all...and constantly second guess myself if it would look okay. I usually drive myself nuts!!!

I bought a Cao Yong giclee on Ebay for $80. I still need to get it framed. It's beautiful. I love his work. I was in a gallery in St Augustine & fell in love. His painting was thousands so I opted for the giclee.
Now, don't laugh at my picture hanging(JCPenney $100) & the table accessories. I'm decorating & trying to feel my way on what looks/feels best. But I do love it. I walk up my stairs to this picture & I smile. It reminds me of a place I want to be, of places I've been, & gives me a little boost. It moves me. The vase a gift from my DH. The antique table full of years. And those fragrant candles hit the spot. I hope you find some artwork that does the same for you.

Do you have any local art shows or galleries? How about an art store that sells supplies as well as framed prints? How about HomeGoods? If you have one in driving distance, they have a lot of cool things.

For big prints, framed, like you need...........I would want to buy in person, not online.

Red

you might try a starving artists show, where they sell original artwork at a community show that goes fairly cheap, mostly oils but some other kinds of art.

also unti you find what you want, hang a mirror just a few inches above the sofa if you need something for the space.

think outside the box as well, you can put a sofa table behind the sofa and put art leaning against the wall and lamps and vases and stuff until you get the right art as well..prop instead of nail until you find what you want..

http://www.discoveredartists.com and etsy.com both have original work for reasonable prices, you can search for what you like. But in general it is so good to find artists in your area. Every state has artists organizations with online galleries, that will help you see who is in your area. Most artsits don't sell their work for thousands, but hundreds, and it is real, and you make a real connection with a real person.

I totally agree about taking your time.

For now, how about putting up something that isn't a two-dimensional piece of 'art' that you already have and like? e.g. dishes, a beautiful fabric, beautiful baskets...etc.? That can mean a lot more than shopping for wall covering.

Loads of pics. paintings here, all sizes, all types:

Here is a link that might be useful: American Blinds Fine Art