Many times when someone is decorating their abode, they choose their paintings last by the criteria that the painting must coordinate with their furniture. We painters are advised to consult the latest trends in home decor and use the trendy colors in our artwork in order to sell more paintings.

I am all for creating a harmonious color scheme where you live. My problem is sometimes the colors of my subject matter are not on trend. The panetone colors for this year are a greyed blue and rosequartz. These colors are not what I find in the landscapes and subject matter I am drawn to paint from Tuscany and Provence.

What do you think about choosing your painting first, then matching your furniture to it second?

It's a win win situation if you buy a painting whose colors and subject matter you love and then surround yourself with furniture in colors that compliment your painting.

At least that's what I am thinking. What do you think?

Top left, painting I am currently working on. It's painted with water soluble oil paints.*

*I am teaching a class on Saturday, Sept.10th at Miracosta College in Encinitas on HOW TO PAINT WITH WATER SOLUBLE OIL PAINT.