Hi Everyone, happy Wednesday.  I missed a week…summer doldrums.  Don’t hate me, but I’m ready for fall.  I always am this time of year.  Mother Nature turns up the furnace around here during August and into September, and I’m always ready for a cool breeze and chilly evening.  How about you?  Looking forward to turtle necks and hot cocoa?  Too soon? 🙂

I’ve been collecting prints, posters and framed art of all kinds for years.  I can be fickle and as a result of this variability, haven’t spent huge dollars on much of what I own. That hasn’t stopped me from loving what I do buy and I started some years ago finding myself looking for original paintings, vintage or otherwise.

Along the way I developed an appreciation for art lights, not because they needed to shine on my Monet or van Gogh {as if} but more because I appreciate the soft light they emit, not only on the painting, but the mellow light they transfer to a room.

Today I’d like to share with you not only my own art lights, but those on some paintings in rooms that I think are inspiring.

This painting was purchased at an antique store in San Juan Capistrano, probably 15-20 years ago.  I still like it, which surprises even me.  When we had some electrical work done to the house, the electrician installed a recessed plug to accommodate the art light.  {We use this light when we’re going out for the evening to shine as a night light when we get home}. I apologize for the washed out look of this photograph…my weakest link {photography}. 🙂

This little painting is a transfer painting that a friend made for me years ago.  The original painting is by Sir Henry Raeburn, titled Reverend Robert Walker.  It holds a spot in my heart because of the friend that gave it to me, and because I like the subject… the reverend gliding along the ice on his skates, in his top hat and coat!

The painting above our mantle is illuminated by a light called a fish eye.  It’s mounted in the ceiling and on a dimmer.  The painting came from a shop that sold student paintings for a very affordable price.  All it needs is a British flag and it would be perfect in my eyes.

So, on to some of the lovelies that I’ve saved to my files…rooms that are wonderful, and for the purpose of this post, happen to have art lights used for art or general lighting.

I absolutely adore art in kitchens. I talked about it HERE. The orange and cherries still life paintings are perfect for the kitchen and I like the art light above.

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This inviting space features a nautical theme with the painting over the fireplace, as well as the ship over the sofa.

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The use of art lighting over a bookcase has been of interest to me for some time.  I like the illumination it provides, just enough light.  Maybe someday.

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Then there’s this creative art light.  The talented Kristine of The Painted Hive came up with the conversion of a desk lamp, doing double duty as an art light.  Read how to achieve this HERE.

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Leslie over at Gwen Moss is currently refurbishing their new (to them) home.  She featured some inspiration featuring (which she always supplies) home office space.  I love this little charmer!

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I saved this image from a post by Joni at Cote de Texas.  I didn’t save the post date, sorry.  I like the modern feel to this room, yet the vintage painting with its art lighting warms the space for me.

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I admire the bold  paint color {below}.  I especially love the pair of paintings flanking the fireplace.

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The incredibly talented Mary Ann of Classic Casual Interiors posted one of her recent jobs for a client.  This charming picture and picture light caught my eye.  Such a pretty lamp.

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What do you think?  Do you, or would you ever, have a light over a not so “important” piece of art?