Have you ever heard this term? It is generally not a compliment, as the term “sofa art” is also not a compliment. It implies cheesiness, art made for the purpose of matching furniture. Nothing wrong with having things match, but the usual idea here is that without the furniture, the “art” would really look horrible. Here is an example:

As I applied various shades of gurple to create layers of trees on the mural, it occurred to me that sections of these trees would make good motel art. A certain green would be the carpet in the room, a more purple color would work for the chair, and the lighter teal could be the bedspread! Things would be relatively clean and matching, but you probably wouldn’t be offered a fluffy bathrobe here.

 

Now that the mural is finished and I am losing my Three Rivers vendor (wahhh, Sequoia Gifts & Souvenirs, better get there soon if you want any of those neat things that Scott sells), I find myself actually painting motel art. I am serious! However, these are pieces that can stand on their own, pieces of art celebrating the beauty of Three Rivers and Sequoia National Park. The Sequoia Village Inn http://www.sequoiavillageinn.com/home is NOT your average motel. It is a set of chalets and cottages for rent,  and every last one is very classy and inviting.  I think it is the perfect place to show my oil paintings! (Motel art, schmotel art, so there.)