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.
THIS is one of the coolest things I’ve stumbled upon in Pinterest. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you, Jaymie! I hope you find more easy inspiration from my site!
Hi Julie!
I recently discovered your YouTube channel and your holiday decorating videos are getting me in the spirit (as I write this on Halloween night!)
I love the snowy landscape print that you showed in your Coastal Christmas Decor video . Could you direct me to where I can find that image?
Hi De’ana,
Thank you so much for the kind words! You can find this print here, I just cropped it differently for the kitchen art.
Have a beautiful weekend,
Julie
If ordering through one of the sites you listed, what type of material is best to print on for that “high end” look?
Hi Abby!
If you’re printing on a home printer, I’d suggest using a linen paper or even a heavy cardstock. That will give you the high quality look you’re after!
Have a great week,
Julie
Thank you for sharing! The one over your bed, could you please tell me paper this is printed on….it looks like a original painting. Thank you again and I am glad I found you.
Thank you, Greta! I use watercolor paper or card stock. I believe you are referencing one printed on canvas, which you can do online.
Thank you for this information! I’ve done an extensive search trying to find the specific Robert Salmon painting you have over the bed and have been unable to find it; could you kindly share the name of this painting and/or where you found it? Thank you!
Hi Caroline,
I apologize, I don’t remember the source of that particular painting download as it was quite a few years back.
I hope you find it- good luck in your search and Happy Holidays!
Julie