The joys of thrifting art
Do you have a happy place? In trauma recovery, part of my treatment includes regulating my symptoms of anxiety by visiting a place in my mind that I find peaceful. For me, this is Crabtree Falls, a beautiful place in the mountains of southwest Virginia, and a popular hike among nature enthusiasts.
Ever since I was little, I have found peace in the mountains. As a child, I looked forward to yearly trips to the mountains of North Carolina to visit my Aunt Neva and Uncle Bob. During the pandemic, my younger daughter and I would often take day trips to Charlottesville, trying to forget, even for a moment, that we were surrounded by illness and uncertainty.
My favorite painting in my home lives above my fireplace. My grandmother created it for my uncle, and he willed it to me when he passed away. It just happens to be a scene from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Maybe this is where my adoration for mountain landscapes began.
In my recent thrifting adventures, adding to my collection of mountain landscapes seems to be a major draw. I traded some of the art in my bedroom for one of these pieces, and am pondering where to home my other treasures.
This is the first mountain artwork that I thrifted. I was immediately drawn to this watercolor, as it reminds me of something my grandmother, a professional artist, would have painted. The frame when I found it was white, and sap from the wood had seeped through the paint and discolored it. I decided to paint the frame green, and now it feels perfect! It ties in all of the colors of my bedroom so well!
This next piece I found in a new-to-me store on my first visit there. It’s oil on canvas, and I discovered that the artist was fairly well-known locally in Roanoke, where she lived. I love how the scene is at sunset, with rich colors. Until I find a more permanent home, this piece will reside in one of my bookcases in my living room.
One of my local thrift stores I frequent sometimes opens their back warehouse for exploration. Now, if you aren’t particularly agile, you may find yourself tripping over the massive volume of merchandise stacked here. It was a risk worth taking, for I found this amazing landscape among piles of art. I can’t find much about the artist, but I think he or she is European, and the style suggests it’s from the 1950s. It reminds me of the art from a Dr. Seuss book, and I love it!
And my latest find? Another mountain landscape from artist Ed Schaber who was most prolific during the 1960s and 70s. This one needed a bit of love. I ended up using a very mild solution of Dawn and water, barely dampening a soft cloth, and gently wiping it down. The frame itself required attention, too, and I used liquid wax to restore some much-needed moisture to the wood. I think it turned out well! Where will I place this gem? I don’t know. But it brings me joy that it’s in my possession!
What will I add to my collection next? That’s the joy of thrifting!
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Lead photo is of the Blue Ridge Mountains as seen from the hotel I stayed in to run my 10th marathon. Photo by author.
Do you tend to collect certain things while thrifting? I’d love to hear about it!
As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.
Anne the Vegan 
Gorgeous sky!
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