June 17, 2011

Good Art Won't Match Your Sofa



Do you remember those t-shirts and totebags? I don't know who the artist is, but I remember seeing it in on the T-shirt of some barista in a coffee shop in the nineties. I think I spent half the nineties in a coffee shop somewhere, but anywho ....

Whether or not you agree with that statement, you would agree that somewhere in the Art Buyer's Manual you should at least see the painting before you buy.

Should.

But I didn't.

Let me back up for a minute: After living in Mexico City for two years without a car, I had a little spending money to kick around. Our neighbors rented out my unused parking space too. Money saved and money earned. Nice.

So my husband and I decided to buy a painting. Well actually, I came up with the idea and he agreed. After visiting Toller Cranston twice and seeing all of the paintings in his fabulous 15-bedroom villa, you come away wanting a painting. Trust me on this.



I should have bought something when we were visiting. Something that would fit in a carry-on, considering how often we move. Three times in six years. Three different countries. That would have been the smart thing to do.

Should have.

But I didn't.



So here's the thing if you're thinking of buying a painting from Toller - no computer. The only paintings he's done that you can see on-line are already in galleries. Such as the post from last week.

So, instead, when Toller tells you, "I know the perfect painting for you." You try to say no.

Should have said, "Let's talk about this, first."

But here's the other thing about Toller - he can move product. After another phone call and a couple of emails from his business manager, the painting was on its way.



So back to my original point: I bought something sight unseen. What if I didn't like it?

There are a few that I don't care for. And of course, my husband gave me that what-were-you-thinking look, but he didn't say anything.

Toller called twice to see if the painting had arrived before it did and it dawned on me that he too was nervous.

Good news - I do like the painting. There was no hesitation telling him how much I loved it when I called him back. He said it had come from his living room.

The painting is similar to this one and I hope to post it on-line one day, but right now it is unceremoniously hiding in its box in the storage room because we have no way to hang it here.



Good news again - we're moving soon. We don't know where yet. Two possibilities right now, so I'll let you know when we get the go-ahead.

I just hope that wherever we go there's a wall worthy (and a hook sturdy enough) of this painting.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Fred Babb was the artist that brought that term to the mainstream. As a custom picture framer it is a quote that I live by! Nice images, yet another artist I need to look into.