Today, January 31st, is National Inspire Your Heart With Art Day. While the origin of this celebration is unknown, it’s still a good day to appreciate and inspire your heart with art – vintage art, of course!
A stroll through a local thrift store, a visit to an estate sale, or an adventure to an auction are all good places to find vintage art. From paintings by unknown artists, paint-by-number paintings from the 1970s, or prints that grab your attention and draw you in – all are welcome additions to your home decor.
At a recent auction, I was drawn to this painting called “Abandoned”. Something about it touched my heart. I’m working on a bedroom makeover and I plan on hanging this painting there to enjoy. When I look at the painting it makes me think of all the old abandoned farmhouses around us. It makes me imagine the people who might have lived in such a place and I wonder what inspired the artist to paint the picture.
After a little bit of research, I discovered that the artist – G.L. Cowell – was from Iowa. Sadly, she is no longer alive, but has an interesting background. Here is her obituary:
“Geraldine L. Cowell died Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004, at her home, four days before her 97th birthday. She was born, in McBain, Nov. 18, 1907, the daughter of Glenn and Ethelyn (Paine) Porter. On June 15, 1929, she was married to Wayne Cowell of Coldwater. He preceded her in death in 1981. Geraldine attended the University of Michigan, where she studied interior design. Her art interest continued throughout her life. Geraldine was talented in several areas, including painting in oil, watercolor and pastels, construction of miniature rooms, and designing copper enamel and silver jewelry. Her most recognized piece is the “Indian’s Michigan,” a map of the original trails throughout the state. Geraldine was a loyal member of the Friendly Garden Club, and at her death, was the oldest living member, having served the club for over 45 years. In addition to her love of art and flower design, she enjoyed playing the organ and singing, never missing an opportunity to learn something new. She is survived by two daughters, Suzanne (Arthur) Schubert of Traverse City and Joan (Loren ) Bensley of Omena; eight grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Geraldine will be remembered by her family and friends as a gracious lady and a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.”
I enjoy knowing more about this artist and it’s interesting to read that I have several things in common with her. Knowing about her life makes me appreciate her painting even more. Today, I am celebrating “National Inspire Your Heart With Art Day” – thank you Geraldine!
If you discover a piece of art that touches your heart, but you do not know who the artist is, the Signature Finder website is a very helpful resource for finding an artists’ work by their signature.
Have you ever found a painting that you were drawn to? Share in a comment below!
In Our Shop Now:
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- Vintage Brass Stencil Letter “A” Reese’s Interlocking Stencils, 4″ tall (c.1950s)
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- Vintage Dual Kolor Double-Sided Colored Pencils in Original Box of 24, Empire (c.1950s) N1
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- Vintage E-Z Lettering Co. Stencil No. 15 Set (c.1955) 3/4″ Gothic Letters and Numbers
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- Vintage Opaline Dry Cleaning Pad for Artists and Draftsmen (c.1960s)
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- Vintage Poster Colors Paint Set in Original box by Milton Bradley (c.1950s)
Beautiful painting. And I love the fact that you know something about the artist. It makes the painting that much more special. I bookmarked your link to Signature Finder. Thank you!