What’s the Best Way to Buy Botanical Art Prints?
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.