FRENCH FLEA MARKET PAINTINGS

Often, when I'm out shopping a European Flea Market, I fall in love. Okay, you know me. I fall in love a lot. Recently, I've found that I'm falling for and always on the hunt for paintings. Flea market paintings, to be exact. They call out to me; a little odd ball at times, sometimes signed, sometimes not. Some are beautiful, some are a little more quirky. {and truth be told, some are prints with varnish "strokes"....luckily I'm quite adept at finding a "real" painting!} Each one is an original, painted at least 50 or more years ago by an amateur artist. Sometimes, you can find a real treasure! A few years back, here in the states, a woman paid seven dollars for a box that included a painting. She actually liked the frame, but had the painting evaluated by an auction house, just to make sure! Turns out it was a "missing" Renoir, stolen long ago from a museum. Eventually a judge made her give the painting back to the museum. None of the ones I buy are masterpieces quite like that, but each one is perfect to incorporate into your home. The paintings look great in groups {they like company - it's often how they are stacked at the markets near the Seine in Paris and everywhere else in France.} The paintings in France are getting more expensive, because you know....France + Art. And French dealers know people love art. But they are still much more affordable than most contemporary paintings. This is an extremely well painted one, the colors are amazing! Many are unique, they are one-of-a-kind artworks that will add French charm and flair to your home! This one, above? A lot shabby, but I still loved the way it looks, it's a little wonky, but recognizable as a bridge over the Seine in Paris. These paintings look great hung on your walls. There are landscapes, and florals. I love the ones painted on slate...like the painting below. I find them here in the states too. Each one is a treasure! We have a hall way filled with them, and each one is special to me. They have simple frames. Or elegant, shabby gilded frames. I love them all! Some are more romantic and elegant, like this rose painting, with it's chipped gilded antique frame. Flea market paintings add interest, and infuse an intriguing sense of YOU in your home decor. To see all the paintings we currently have available enter Paintings in the search box on the shop website...the one's that still have a price are available. GO: FrenchGardenHouse.com Shop for the best in French Antiques, furniture with the patina of age, vintage accessories to delight you and your family & friends, and French Country utilitarian pieces. Treasures that make your home fresh, beautiful, inspirational and uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com