Free Art Sources
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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!

Robert Salmon | Similar Public Domain Clipper Ship Art
Table of Contents
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

I paid $150 for this print 6 years ago before realizing it could be printed free of charge!
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.
Studio McGee Art
We all love the look of everything Studio McGee does! I’m such a fan of this look and I know many of you are, too.
They are especially talented at choosing art work that enhances a room with warm, soft tones that blend beautifully with today’s decorating styles.

Much of the Studio McGee art is public domain! It’s so easy to choose pieces you love and incorporate them into your home.
For example, this stunning piece that we have in our home. I love the neutral colors, muted landscape and calm feel. It’s one of the many ways I hope to make our home feel calm and cozy.

Carlos de Haes: Villerville Beach
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.
Tips
- Choose art that reflects what you love
- 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.
Where to Print Public Domain Art
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NANCY V FELDSTEIN says
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!
Mary says
Julie, this is brilliant! Makes so much sense and I can’t believe I never heard this before. Thank you for sharing!
Julie Blanner says
So happy you love this idea!
Elizabeth says
Do the sights all have the same art?
Julie Blanner says
No
Michelle says
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!
Julie Blanner says
Hi! Upload the photo (learn how to find an image source) and seek a result in the public domain. Crop out any framing.
Kate says
Free is great! Now – where to get the best deal on frames?! Frames cost a fortune!
Julie Blanner says
Great question! This is one of my favorite sources, thrift stores, Target, IKEA, art stores. I rarely pay more than $50 for a frame.