Are Art Prints Tacky? Don’t Get Too Hung Up Now
When it comes to decorating your home, art prints can be a great way to add some personality and style. But are art prints tacky? If you are like me when I started decorating my new home I always wondered, is it ever considered tacky to buy prints of famous paintings or artwork? The answer is a resounding no. Canvas prints are not tacky, what makes them tacky are the materials used and the subject matter. They can make a room in your home look much better and less sterile. When buying or gifting an art print, it should reflect the owner and should align with the style of the home, wall, or room furnishings.
For those who can’t afford an original piece of art, a print is still a legitimate option. It’s important to remember that when it comes to a print of an artwork that you have always loved then why not? As long as you always loved the artwork as I loved my Van Gogh and Vermeer prints, then opinion does not matter as long as you use a high quality print and frame and make sure it looks good on your wall.
Some People May Find Art Prints Tacky
On the other hand, some people believe that generic mass-produced canvases like the ones from places like IKEA may look cheesy and lack any real personal touch. Sure, they were once great works (and the originals still are), but sometimes there is something extra tacky about them when they’re printed out in bulk for everyone to buy. Especially when it’s an oversized version of the original artwork.
My Personal Opinion on Art Prints and Are Art Prints Tacky?
I believe that art prints are not tacky if they are done properly. Quality is key when it comes to producing good-looking prints, and I recommend purchasing from a reputable company that can provide good-quality products. It’s also important to make sure the frame you choose complements the artwork itself and does not detract from it. When chosen and displayed well, art prints can bring a unique level of sophistication to any room.
Ultimately, art prints are only tacky if you make them that way. With the right choices and careful consideration, art prints can be beautiful and add a touch of class to your home or workplace.
What Makes an Art Print Tacky?
The most common mistake people make when producing art prints is to choose low-quality materials and frames. Low-quality materials are often more affordable but are not built to last and the colors are often duller than their higher-quality counterparts.
In addition, choosing a frame that does not suit the artwork can be an eyesore. But let’s say instead of making the art print for sale you purchased an art print for your own home or as a gift, what makes an art print tacky so that you can be sure not to make the same mistakes others make when buying art prints?
The art print is cheaply made
Don’t buy art prints that are cheaply made where the colors are off, or the imagery is too cliched. Worse of all is cheap art prints that are framed in thin aluminum gray frames with a thin sheet of plastic (or worse, not plastic).
These are all signs of a tacky art print. It’s also important to be aware of the size and placement of your art print; an oversized canvas may look gaudy, while a small framed piece may get lost in its surroundings.
Ultimately, if you are buying art prints, the best way to make sure you are avoiding tacky is to research first. Find an artist that resonates with you, taking into consideration their style and quality of work. It’s also important to keep in mind that handmade pieces are usually of better quality than mass-produced ones.
Small batch art prints also tend to appear more original and less tacky. My tip is if you really like an image and want to hang a print of it, purchase a high quality printing of the artwork and get it framed yourself using a professional framing service that will use a frame that suits the style and colors of your home and furnishings.
Take a photo of the wall and surrounding furniture and ask for suggestions from the framer or use one of the many apps that allow you to do this.
The art print is of an already tacky painting genre e.g. Décor art Paris in the Rain scene
Another tell that an art print is tacky is that it is based on an already cheaply made or recognizable art style such as Decor art. Decor art is frequently cheaply made, and recognizable in the style of painting rather than original artwork. Generally, these are seen as tackier due to their already mass-produced look. Think of those prints or paintings of Paris in the rain, with blurry people holding umbrellas.
Are Canvas Prints of Famous Paintings Tacky?
My personal opinion on this is No, canvas prints of famous paintings are not tacky. This is based solely on the fact that I own a few. I have one Van Gogh art print and a couple of Vermeer prints that I had made as I would love to own the original and I have yet to get around to making my own reproduction – so a canvas print will do for now.
In general, canvas prints of famous paintings are not tacky if the reproduction is of high quality. These are well crafted and generally made to impress, as opposed to a cheaper poster or print on paper that might just be hung on a wall without being given much thought.
These are usually seen in homes where care has been taken in creating an atmosphere of artful sophistication.
Are Canvas Prints Out of Style?
No, canvas prints are still very much in style. They are a great way to bring art into any room without breaking the bank and are still seen often in homes, offices, and other decorated spaces. Their popularity has grown alongside more modern trends such as minimalism, with many people looking for new ways of displaying artwork that is not so traditional.
Just don’t forget to get them framed with a nice to good quality frame. If your home is minimalist or modern then you may get away with hanging an unframed canvas print. It all comes down to personal taste.
Are Art Prints Tacky – Warp up
So art prints don’t have to be tacky if you choose wisely. Make sure you pick high-quality prints with frames that match your interior design and you won’t have anything to worry about.
Art prints come down to you wanting a copy of an artwork you like or wish you could own. If that is the scenario then who cares what others think?
If you are purchasing a cheap piece of art print based on art that you could easily purchase for the same price as a print then you should consider buying an original, it’s less tacky!
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Joseph Colella is a frustrated artist with over 40 years experience making art (who moonlights as a certified Business Analyst with over 20 years of experience in tech). While he holds a Diploma in Information Technology, in true wasted talent style he spent years trying to get into various Art degrees from the Accademia di Belle Arti (Napoli), and failed to get into the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) at the University of Western Sydney. His goal is to attend the Julian Ashton School of Art at The Rocks Sydney when he retires from full time work. In his spare time, he writes for the this blog, WastedTalentInc, where he shares practical advice on art, making art, and art materials. Joseph’s art has been sold to collectors all over the world from the USA, Europe and Australasia. He is a trusted source for reliable art and copyright/fair use advice and is committed to helping his readers make informed decisions about making them a better artist.
He also loves all things watches (ok it’s an addiction) so show him some love and visit his other website https://expertdivewatch.com
