My top 5 tips for picking out art

Are you in love with the idea of adding art to your home, but completely overwhelmed on what it would feel like to add art to that blank wall? I’ve got some tips for you to make it easier:

1. How does it make you feel?

Does the work leave you with any of these feelings?

• More Alive

• Inspired

• Joy

• A memory

• At peace

• Tears

If a piece has left you with any of these feelings or more, I've got news for you! The artwork is speaking to you. When something speaks to you; it pulls you in and leaves you with more than you arrived with. You cannot go wrong with picking out an artwork if the colors, and presence of the piece speak to who you are.

Art is created from a soul place, which means that I'm not making it from the logical side of the brain. I abandon the thinking brain for a couple of hours, and just create from my truest self. Not only is it powerful to experience as the creator, I often find those same emotions strike the people who bring this art into their home.

2. Painters Tape

Use painters tape and measure to mark out where the corners of a piece may go. For instance, take painters tape to mark out 30” height x 40” width to see how it would feel in the space.

Oftentimes we go on the smaller scale because we’re nervous, BUT I’m telling you a piece that becomes a focal point can become truly so stunning! Don’t be bashful to go big when it’s the right piece.

An example of painters tape in action!

3. Mockup Images

This is a simple way to test out and see how art will look on a wall of your home.

Here are the steps:

1. Place painters tape on the dimensions of the pieces you're considering so I can make the mockups to scale

2. Snap a photo of the wall or walls you're considering

3. Let me know which paintings or prints you want to see on the wall & send your wall images to info@cooperartandabode.com

4. I will send back your images and a few recommendations if you would like!

This process is SO SIMPLE and honestly really fun to try out how things will look. Reach out if you need some help getting started, I'm happy to direct you on what I think may look best.

4. Get art that complements the space

You may be wondering, how can I get art that complements my space. I get this question a LOT, and for good reason! You don't want to invest in a beautiful piece of art only to feel like you have to redo your entire home. I have some good news for you though, art isn't meant to match everything perfectly. From a design perspective you don't want everything in the living room to feel matchy matchy. Doing that will make it feel like a staged home rather than a real home.

The key to getting a complementary piece is:

• Get a frame that matches other work in the space. This simple step really elevates and makes the piece coordinate with other work.

• Make sure at least 1 color is repeated elsewhere in the room. Say the painting you like has turquoise water, if you have couple of turquoise items in the room (a pillow or a throw blanket) it can really pull the space together.

• If you have a more neutrals palette home, the beauty of bringing in a bold statement piece of art is that this becomes the show stopper. It doesn't need to match anything and should exist as a foundational part of the home.

5. Go with your gut

3 years ago I was traveling through Flagstaff, AZ when I stumbled upon this print by an artist. It was more than I was expecting to spend, but I really LOVED the design, colors and the way it spoke to me. Do I have remorse over that print today? You bet your bottom I don't! That is one of my FAVORITE pieces in the home, and it makes me so happy every time I pass by it. We have moved it from the bedroom, bathroom, to living room. Every place I've moved it to, not only does it look good, it truly makes me feel joy and reminds me of that Arizona trip.

I know it sounds cliche to go with your gut. But when something makes you stop in your tracks or it sits in your mind for days that is because it connected with you on a visceral gut level. Trusting your gut will make your home vibe feel amazing because you're choosing things that are meaningful to YOU.

I hope these tips helped bring some insight to how I select work. Art is meant to be a fun purchase, loosen those shoulders and remember to not take it so seriously. What is meant to be your piece, will be the work that speaks to you.

Wishing you luck on your art discovery! Kristine Cooper

My top 5 tips for picking out art

Top 10 places for inspiration in Bend, Oregon

When I think of what places have inspired me most I try to think back of where I felt most alive and in my body. Here is a short list of some of my favorites that I have discovered and enjoyed while being here. These spots infuse their magic into my artworks, so if you want to see some of the inspirations behind my art, head on adventure to these places:

My wedding day at Smith Rock State Park

1. Smith Rock State Park

I know I refer to this place a lot, but it's for good reason I tell you! I was married here in October 2023, and this place has always stood out to me as other worldly. The rock formations are unique, and there is something for every outdoor adventurer here. Big hikes, small ones, and plenty of climbing spots. My favorite time to go here is in the summer evenings when the crowds thin out, the frogs start to sing and the sunsets cast warm colors onto the rocks.

2. Bend Latin Dance

One day I went to the Flamingo Room Lounge in Bend and stumbled upon this group. My husband and I joined in the dancing and had a wonderful night out. They rotate to different location venues, and are so welcoming and fun. Even if you're not a great dancer, you are welcome here. This is a fun activity to partake in.

3. Love Bird Yoga

This yoga studio located in Redmond, Oregon is welcoming to anyone who walks in the doors. If you have never touched a yoga mat before, this is your spot. If you've done yoga for years, this is your spot. My artwork is adorning the walls of this soulful place, and it's where I regularly go for community and yoga. There is something special in the air here, and you can feel it when you show up.

4. Mt. Bachelor

This mountain offers a really neat way to learn the ropes of snowboarding or skiing. I did the ride in 5 (which is a special program that teaches you how to snowboard). The instructors were kind and energetic. I had a blast learning how to snowboard, and my journey on the mountain made my winters a whole lot more fun. I don't go as often as I wish I could, but this mountain is a really special way to enjoy the day.

5. The Workhouse

Although I don't have my personal artwork hanging in this space, I love visiting and enjoying the afternoon here. Some of my favorite small makers including Amulette Studios & Sansarc sell their goods out of this location. There is a plethora of fun finds and groovy gifts, and I usually find something I can't resist here.

6. Lava Butte Trail

A short drive south of Bend is this beautiful trail, one I find easy to do on my own on an afternoon spontaneously. I love the landscape at this location with the lava rocks and mountain views. There's even a neat fire lookout to explore at the top. Definitely one of my favorites.

7. Northwest Crossing Farmers Market

Not only have I been a vendor at this market for the past 2 years, I also genuinely LOVE this market. There are so many micro businesses to support that are crafting up creative food, gifts and ideas that it's blossoming with vitality here. I enjoy being a part of this market just as much as getting to attend it. It truly is local community.

Northwest Crossing Market

8. Volcanic Theatre Pub

My favorite music venue in town. I have always felt like this spot is a hidden gem in the community. The acts they bring in are great small independent artists and I really enjoy the vibe of the location. If I need a pick me up or inspiration, I usually look up whose playing music at the volcanic.

9. McMenamins Old St. Francis School

This special place with the wood plank walls, smell of firepits and the unbelievable soaking pool make it one of my favorite little hangouts in town. This location has so many fun things to do, from watching a move in their old theatre to enjoying a firepit with friends. I always leave here more relaxed and in good spirits after spending the day or evening here.

10. Suttle Lake Lodge

This lake is one of my go-to spots in the summer. The icy blue lake and the sweet lodge that offers snacks makes it an easy spot to lounge, read a book and paddle board the day away. Definitely worth planning a getaway or a day trip if you haven't been here before.

This is my short list- there are SO many more places I could tell you about! Which ones of these are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below!

Hanging out with the art at Suttle Lake

Top 10 places for inspiration in Bend Oregon

The Artist Life In Bend Oregon: A Journey of Inspiration and Creativity

I found Bend by chance in 2017. I had just graduated Seattle Pacific University with an arts degree and very little spare change working full-time as a manager in retail. A friend recommended that I check out Bend, as he thought it would be an inspiring place for me. A couple of months later I drove down through the rainy mountain pass and checked out downtown Bend. I was there during a first Friday which was bustling and electric. I could feel how the community truly wanted to see artists succeed, which was something that really spoke to me. Between the landscape and the community, I was 100% in.

That summer of 2017 I made the leap. I knew maybe a total of 2 people who were acquaintances but I knew the risk would be worth it do something completely on my own. There is a deep calling in all of us to step into something bold in our lives, and this time was one of them. Leaving the comfort of home for something uncomfortable that could potentially expand myself further. 

After moving I got a small apartment and made the entire living room my art studio. I was obsessed with creating because of the majestic beauty all around. I soon found Smith Rock to be a sanctuary and a place of restoration on my weekends. I began snowshoeing, snowboarding and hiking through trails that left me awe struck with wonder. My art practice felt more inspired and authentic than ever before. 

My time here has been full of ups and downs, but I have expanded into a whole different person. Arriving here as a scared 23 year old and now at 29 years old becoming a bold business owner and creator wasn’t easy. This community has supported me in a way that I never could have imagined, and I truly can’t thank you enough for seeing my potential. Every interaction, sale and kind gesture has kept me going on this creative endeavor. There are times I’ve wanted to quit, or throw the entire thing out the window, but here I am showing up and you’re showing up right alongside me. 

Kristine

The Artist Life In Bend Oregon: A Journey of Inspiration and Creativity