Phoebe Howard for Southeastern Decorators Showhouse and Gardens

We can all agree that art is personal–especially portrait art. After all your selections help to set the mood in each room. 

Believe it or not, my grandparents had portraits of their parents in their bedroom. And I mean right beside the bed. I can’t remember a time when they weren’t there.

I thought nothing about it as a child. However, as a married adult, the thought of my mom and dad (and my husband’s parents too) looking on while we…you know…extinguishes any sexual desire.

Pictures of parents should be off limits in the bedroom. In fact, I don’t like portrait art unless of course it’s someone I know personally–and they’re not watching me while I sleep. If it must have portrait art, say if I inherited an expensive work, then it would be acceptable in a space like this.

Study designed by Douglas Mackie

How uncultured of me not like stately portraits when “the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art in the world,” the Mona Lisa, falls into this category? 

It was embarrassed to admit that I find portrait art as creepy as carnival clowns until I met clients with the same dislike.  

The Anti Portrait Art Solution

So what faceless art options are available for folks like us? There are silhouettes like these…

Designer Unknown

Designed by Grant K. Gibson

…and super cool, pop art inspired works like the ones I discovered in the Mr. Brown Showroom in High Point. 

Even a full on display like this wouldn’t bother me one bit. 

So why is portrait art uncomfortable for some even when the facial expressions are pleasant? 

via MyDomine.com

Does it feel like a stranger in the house? Or are we afraid of judging eyes? 

via Traditional Home Magazine