Did you know most paintings and prints from your favorite stores are actually public domain art? I’m sharing the best art sources that you can download for free.
Print them on paper, book cloth or canvas to create a beautiful piece of art for your walls, without the expense.
Choosing art for your walls can be overwhelming and expensive. It’s intimidating to choose something so significant, especially when it’s considered such a long term investment.
However, did you know that you can find so many art sources on the internet for free? Yes, completely free! It’s one of my favorite Designer Secrets.
I love creative, inexpensive art. Decorating doesn’t have to be expensive, it can be a combination of high and low to get The Look for Less. Frame any of these free art pieces to add vintage, historic art to your home, or go for a modern look with museum quality art and framing.
You can also use them on a Frame TV to create the look of gorgeous art in your home, whenever your tv isn’t on. It’s so smart, and such a beautiful way to integrate the look of historic art into your home!
Tips
- Choose art that reflects what you love.
- If you find art you love at one of your favorite stores, upload the photo (learn how to find an image source) and seek a result in the public domain.
- Make sure to download a size that will fit with a standard frame if you’re trying to keep things inexpensive.
- Choose the biggest file size available for the best print quality.
- Choose a quality paper for a more high end result.
- Change your free art out seasonally! Above, you can see the year round art we printed for our basement bathroom. Below, a sweet seasonal addition.
Art Sources
- Art Institute of Chicago
- BioDiversity Heritage Library
- The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Creative Commons
- Indianapolis Museum of Art
- J Paul Getty Museuem
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- The Met
- Missouri History Museum
- Moma UK
- National Gallery of Art
- Saint Louis Art Museum
- Smithsonian
- Paris Musée
- Unsplash
- The Walters Art Gallery
- Wikimedia Commons
- Yale Center for British Art
- Yale University Art Gallery
Public Domain Art Ideas
Favorites
Here’s a few ideas to some gorgeous pieces, with links to some favorites you might enjoy!
John Contstable | Cloud Study
Paul Gabriël | Farm in the Open Fields
John Christian Schetky | Boats Sailing
Fons Heijnsbroek | Ripe Cornfield
Henry Alken | Horse from Sporting Sketches
Henry Alken | Hounds from Sporting Sketches
English Setter from Cassell’s Illustrated Book of the Dog
Where to Print Public Domain Art
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can do this. Once a piece of art has entered the public domain, it’s legally acceptable to print and sell.
You may do this as long as they are not protected by copyright. This generally refers to artists who are no longer living, so be sure to choose art from sources that are truly safe.
Hi Julie: What wonderful information! There is a softly colored abstract that you showed during the beginning of the video. Can you tell me what that painting is called? I tried to upload the photo without the frame, but I think I did something wrong. Thank you for your wonderful videos!
Julie, this is brilliant! Makes so much sense and I can’t believe I never heard this before. Thank you for sharing!
So happy you love this idea!
Thank you Julie!
Do the sights all have the same art?
No
I love this idea! Thank you so much for sharing! I am definitely going to be printing one or two from the favorites you listed! I love the Cotton candy clouds painting by studio McGee. I am having a hard time finding out if it’s in the public domain. How do we go about finding the source of a painting? Thank you for your help!
Hi! Upload the photo (learn how to find an image source) and seek a result in the public domain. Crop out any framing.
Free is great! Now – where to get the best deal on frames?! Frames cost a fortune!
Great question! This is one of my favorite sources, thrift stores, Target, IKEA, art stores. I rarely pay more than $50 for a frame.