What I like about the current watercolor is that it looks looks my side yard.

I can't bring myself to remat the peice.

Go for the "full heart sing". The only thing I'd worry about is the dimensions in relation to the sofa and wall size. If it's too small you may have to add a bit more for a grouping instead of a stand alone painting.

I like the last one also, it looks cheerful. I would do that one.

The watercolor that looks like your side yard would be gorgeous in that space. What is your objection to rematting it?

I like the one you have too but the mat does look stark white in the photo. As I recall in the previous photos, it doesn't read quite that white, or as the only white in the room overall, like it does in this isolated head on shot.

If you should happen to decide to re-mat, why not take a shot at removing and coffee/tea staining (or tinting otherwise) the mat that's on it now. It likely couldn't be used for something else anyway. It was probably fairly expensive.

I like the last two, if the ones with the flowers is your favorite, go with that. I think the pop of color is nice. By the way, I really love your room. It's very welcoming.

Perky - You don't have to remat your original painting. You can double-mat it; just put another mat over the first one, cut larger so as to reveal a bit of the original. The new mat doesn't have to be in a vibrant color, a nice creamy ivory with just enough contrast would work well. The color should also work with that gorgeous frame. If you add a second mat, that will enhance your picture in both elegance and importance. IMO it would look beautiful. Weren't you thinking of hanging it in your dining room, next to the side yard?

About your new selections. This is JUST MY OPINION. I can see why the third picture makes your heart sing; it's very bright and cheerful. Bun - IMO - it lacks the interest and finesse that your lovely traditional room wants. The first picture is rather dark, partly because of the frame. When we were first discussing your quandary I mentioned the English Landscape and Hudson River schools (e.g.John Constable)- so that middle picture is the one most suitable, not to mentione that it's pretty, and its refinement puts it into the category of fine art. It also has that winding river that draws the viewer's eye into the painting, giving it depth. Very similar to the winding path in your original picture, which also takes the viewer beyond the flat wall. Where did you find these paintings? Any other landscapes that you liked?

You could also google Henri Fantin-Latour. He painted some wonderful florals.

Sorry for being long-winded! And, in the final analysis, you should get the picture that you love.

I like the last 2 also. Your current one is nice, but it seems small for the space. Perhaps something like a sconce or small mirror on each side would give it the right balance. My first choice is the second one, but I should say that I tend to shy away from red, so it may be my bias choosing #2. I am not in love with the first one, kitchen or otherwise.

I'd try to tea stain the mat, as suggested, if the whiteness is what is keeping you from loving it. You'd have nothing to lose....

If you don�t want to remat, then I think that piece has to go. It is just too stark for the warmer tones in the room.

Of the three pieces you posted to replace it, I guess the second is the best fit. The first, honestly, looks like art from a furniture store, and the third is charming, but way too casual for your traditional, more formal space.

If you are drawn to landscapes, and you want touches of red, then that should be your search.

You might also consider a pair of paintings, or some type of metal work panels, or perhaps a tapestry.

A grouping of framed botanicals would give you your florals, but would have the formal feel you seem to prefer. Do a search on ebay for botanical prints, and you will find a lot. A grouping of 8 or 12 in formal frames over the couch would be lovely, bring in some color and life, and still feel like they belong in the space. You can also search on botanical illustrations, and find a book of flowers that would be perfect with 40 prints that could be removed for framing.

what do you think of a dark mat?

Love the last one calirose did! I like the color it brings to your room!

Let me speak now or forever hold my piece...

Never noticed it before:
The lampshade on the red lamp doesn't look proportional to the base--I think getting a wider shade maybe in more of a "coolie" style would bal things out.

As for art, I think you need something bigger much and more special.

Jim

I vote for a landscape - or a grouping.

thanks everyone

alex - you get me! I need it to make my heart sing.

nany2a - my objection to reframing is that it is a little tricky. The matting is kind of 3D and the picture is floating - sort of... maybe this close up will help. AND, it will be nice in my dining room which looks out over oak trees.

happy - thanks for the sweet comments.

sable_ca I had not thought of the idea of putting a mat over part of the current outside mat - that may be an option. You asked where I found the art - I put a link below. If I find something I like there - the shop I am working with can order for me at a more reasonable price. The owner uses a lot of John Richard furnishings. She is the most adorable person I have ever done business with. LOL - your not long winded! I love reading your posts - you obviously have a lot of insite and I appreciate your help. BTW - those florals do make my heart sing. WOW.

dianalo - the thought of trying to tea stain that scares me - I have no talent there.

Les! LOL - I was thinking about it this afternoon and had the thought, Les would suggest a tapestry I even went on line looking at them - there is some pretty ones out there. I am still looking for a fabric tablecoth to chase your suggestion for the table where the red lamp is. I wasn't sure about the texture mix - can I do that? While I like botanicals and now have a couple in the room, more than that does not make my heart sing. Your right - if I am not going to remat - the picture has to go.

wow calirose, thank you. The mockups help a lot. The floral there is beautiful! wow. The one I picked out isn't as big as that. I need to go back and look at the florals that sable led me to. THANK YOU.

kmcg! I agree

JIM!!!! I am dying laughing here. YOU get the observant prize!!!! I took the origional shade back and swapped it out for the one you see and you are SO RIGHT! It is SO WRONG. I need to get the origional "coolie" shade back. I love that you spoke now instead of forever holding your piece! TOO funny. What an eye. :)

Now, I saw this on ebay and my heart sang. Close to as loud as the florals - I have to be careful, I'll be all over the place and not deciding.

Here is a link that might be useful: sable _ca this the art site

EBAY! Love it...

Perhaps the picture above the sofa is so appealing, in an introspective sort of way, precisely because it avoids any hint of sentimentality. I expect it will "wear" much better than any of the proposed alternatives. And I like the white mat.

In the last photo of your original art. the mat doesn't appear to be such a strong white as other pics. I like it.

of the paintings you posted so far, i like the 2nd one....

there's alot out there- i'd take your time and really look. i would be worried about buying something over the internet because returns would be a hassle and paintings really need to be seen in person to truly evaluate. you could "try out" a store/gallery painting and return if not just right---art can make your heart sing in one location and not necessarily in another.......