Roses by Paul de Longpre, Athaneum

You’ve seen them in all the shelter magazines–from Traditional to Modern Eclectic to Romantic and French Country styles. Botanicals and realistic nature prints of other subjects such as sea shells, ferns and exotic birds, fit into so many kinds of home decor, that they never seem to go out of style.

But, aside from ordering through a high-priced decorator with a 100 percent markup, where can you buy botanical art prints for your own home?

One source is your local frame shop.  You may not see exactly what you want on display, so ask to look through the catalogs.  Often a shop will order prints and not charge you until you see them and decide to buy.

Another source of botanical prints is eBay. Search under the Arts & Antiques section for prints or floral art, or by the artist’s name.  Many eBay stores carry botanicals by the most well-known artists, such as Redoute and de Longpre. Generally, the prints you find on eBay will be framed, and they are usually available to buy instantly, without going through an auction.

Framed botanical art prints are also sold at discount, department and home specialty stores. Most often, these are matted in pink, hunter green or maroon, and framed in gold. You may get lucky and find the perfect print for your wall, with a mat and frame coordinated with your decor, at a very reasonable price.

However, to get the exact print you want, in the perfect mat and frame, and at the best price, try an online source, such as Art.com.

By searching through online catalogs, you get the largest possible selection to choose from.  Then, using the miracle of technology, you can “try out” your print with different mat and frame combinations.  Some art websites have a page that allows you to display the print, mat and frame on a background color that matches your walls.

Because internet art sites skip the middleman, they can offer botanical art prints at the lowest possible price.  Your order can be shipped quickly and within a week, you can enjoy the beauty and tradition of botanical art prints gracing the walls of your home.

Copyright 2011 by Holly B. Martin. All Rights Reserved.

Botanical Print by Paul de Longpre Roses and Bumblebees, 1899

Paul de Longpré (1855-1911), sometimes known as “The King of Flowers,” painted botanical art works that were not only scientifically accurate, but also pleasing to the eye.  Prints of his botanical paintings are still popular with those who wish to add an authentic touch to rooms decorated in the Romantic, English Country, French Country, and Cottage styles.

De Longpré was born in France in 1855, into an artistic family, which was known for painting flower patterns for the textile mills of Lyons. His first oil painting was accepted for exhibition at the Paris Salon when he was only 21 years old.

Although he became widely popular for his botanical paintings, de Longpré left France in 1890 after losing money in a bank failure.  He moved with his wife and daughters to the United States, settling in New York City.

Once in the U.S., de Longpré continued to meet with success.  He exhibited his first painting, Basket of Purple Lilacs, at the National Academy of Design in 1892. The de Longpré family later moved to Hollywood, where the artist could find fresh flowers blooming year round.

In Hollywood, de Longpré built a large Moorish-style house with a 3-acre garden, which held more than 3,000 rose bushes alone.  Not only was the garden a source for de Longpre’s artistic inspiration, it became a well-known tourist attraction.

Although the house was eventually torn down, a street nearby retains the name, “De Longpré Avenue.”

The artist continued to win awards and acclaim, especially for his beautifully sensitive paintings of roses.  De Longpré died on June 29, 1911.

Copyright 2009-2011 by Holly B. Martin. All Rights Reserved.