How to source artwork.
Royalty free, public domain free sources, hurrah!
Well, well, well, if it isn’t me using the substack I haven’t touched in over a year. 😆
Hi friends!
This post is in response to my Instagram stories about thrifting glorious chunky gold frames with hideous artwork in them to bring them back to life with free artwork.
I immediately had questions about where to look for artwork so here we are.
What is Public domain artwork?
Anything typically painted before 1924 (1926? my art history mind is not remembering at the moment) and is completely copyright-free, meaning you can print it and use it as you wish. I will say as a blanket disclosure that you should read the fine print on whatever site you’re on for your own knowledge. But generally speaking, these are all very much public domain.
Tips for selecting art
Here are a few helpful tips to follow when searching online.
Use search Filters + refining tools. Most public domain sites will present a huge variety of works. sculptures, textiles, Photography, Paintings, etc. Take the time to narrow your search down to artwork only. this will save you time scrolling through the galleries. Many of the museums have also categorized artwork into mediums so you can search by oil, pencil, watercolor, etc.
Keywords are key! If there is a particular place in the world you're looking for or a specific type of painting- keywords will help tremendously. Some words I like using are sky, forest, fields, botanical, water, ocean, oil painting, Pastoral, pasture, and landscape.
Make sure it’s Public domain/ open access/Royalty-Free. Though I’ve linked to most open-access parts of websites, you may find you arrive in a gallery that is not public domain. It will be pretty clear if it’s a free public download or if you need to pay for it. ( see #1 for filter suggestions)
Resolution. look at it. Honestly, this is important. If the resolution is way too low it will look fuzzy & pixilated. Most sites will clearly list the resolution size in pixels somewhere near the download button. Plan to aim for at least 1500-2000px on the smaller side when printing an 8x10. If you’re planning to print larger you’ll want to land around 3000px at a minimum. A general rule of thumb is to download the largest resolution possible.
My favorite sources to look through? You probably guessed it- art galleries and museums.
New York Public Library Digital Collections
What about printing?
Most of the frames I find in thrift stores will fit an 8x10 or 4x6 print, which I can print at home on giclee photo paper. On the occasion that I need a bigger print, I will source out to a printer. To try and get it to be as I would imagine the artist intended, I opt for giclee paper, or thicker textured paper to replicate what it would have been originally because that feels extra romantic and necessary to me.
Resizing + Aspect Ratio: an important step.
I almost forgot to mention this - Some files will be specific aspect ratios. and sometimes, you’ll find you will need to resize the file to an 8x10 or 4x6 and print as such. I use Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to do this, but you can also use Canva online. or probably google ‘resize photo tool’ and something will come up? I honestly am not 100% sure as I rely so heavily on Adobe haha. but I know Canva can do that for sure. resizing to the actual print size you plan to frame is necessary otherwise you’ll have to crop and cut your image after it’s printed to fit in the frame. If you’re not confident in doing the resizing and printing at home, do an online printer that will resize for you automatically in their system.
okay. that should be all. let me know if you have any questions. tag me in your gallery walls!
happy arting!
Rach.
HOW FUN to have this in my inbox! You're one of the people I miss about ditching Instagram. ;) And these are such great tips and ideas. LOVE IT, Rach!