Art I Would Choose

 

Calm Modern Warmth for a Small Urban Apartment

Imagine I’ve just moved into a 600-square-foot apartment in downtown Portland. The space has tall ceilings but narrow walls, so I need art that creates warmth without overpowering the room. I give myself a $2,000 budget, coming from personal savings, because I see art as something that shapes how I feel every day at home.

My intention is to create a sense of calm, soft energy, using artworks that balance warm colors with gentle movement. For this space, pieces between 18–36 inches fit best. It would be large enough to matter, small enough for a tight apartment layout. I selected three artworks (and one artist I would commission) that reflect my theme and work practically within this space.

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1. The Great Wave off Kanagawa (c. 1831)  Katsushika Hokusai (Japan)

Who: Katsushika Hokusai, Japanese ukiyo-e printmaker

When: c. 1831

Where: Created in Edo (modern Tokyo), Japan

Even though The Great Wave is dramatic, the fluid lines and natural rhythm fit my theme of “calm modern warmth.” The wave’s sweeping curves feel dynamic without feeling chaotic, and the blues contrast softly with the warmer wood tones in my apartment. The work also brings a sense of depth to a small room, its layered forms visually expand the wall it hangs on.

This piece always makes me pause. I’m drawn to the contrast between the power of the wave and the tiny, calm Mount Fuji in the distance. It reminds me to keep perspective when life gets stressful. Even though the scene is turbulent, I find it oddly peaceful.

Two major art elements that stand out are:

• Line: The curling, almost graphic lines give the wave a clean, modern aesthetic that pairs well with contemporary furniture.
  
  

• Texture: The crisp woodblock texture creates a tactile visual surface without being overwhelming.
  
  

Where I Would Acquire It

Obviously, I can’t buy the original, but high-quality prints are available from museum shops or licensed sellers. I would purchase a framed 24-inch reproduction, which fits perfectly above my small entryway console table.

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2. No. 14 (1960) – Mark Rothko

Who: Mark Rothko, American abstract expressionist painter

When: 1960

Where: Painted in the United States, now housed at SFMOMA in San Francisco

Rothko’s soft rectangles of color support the “calm warmth” idea beautifully. For my living room wall, a print of No. 14 with its glowing red, orange, and plum tones adds warmth that balances the cool gray flooring of the apartment. The colors do not depict anything specific, allowing the piece to influence mood rather than attention.

I’ve seen Rothko’s work emotionally rather than intellectually. No. 14 feels like stepping into quiet sunlight, it is comforting, warm, and slow. It creates a mood rather than a message, which is exactly what I want in a living room where people relax and talk.

Two appealing elements include:

• Color: Its layered warm tones radiate softly, making the room feel more inviting.
  
  

• Shape: The blurred rectangular forms feel gentle and atmospheric rather than rigid, adding to a sense of calm.
  
  

Where I Would Acquire It

I would buy a licensed print from a museum store, ideally around 30 x 30 inches, to fill the space above my sofa without overwhelming it. With the right frame, it becomes the warm centerpiece of the room.

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3. Commissioned Work by Oregon Artist Samantha Wall 

Who: Samantha Wall, South Korean–born American contemporary artist
When: 2025 (hypothetical commission date)
Where: Created in the artist’s studio in Portland, Oregon

Instead of selecting a specific piece, I would commission a smaller drawing inspired by Wall’s expressive portrait style. Her use of soft charcoal lines and controlled washes of color would bring a warm, intimate presence to the bedroom. Her work often explores emotion and identity, giving even minimal compositions a quiet intensity that suits a restful space.

Wall’s art intrigues me. Her portraits feel vulnerable yet strong, and I appreciate how she captures subtle facial expressions. I respond emotionally to her drawings because they feel honest and human, perfect for a more private part of the apartment.

Key elements include:

• Value: Her dramatic use of light and shadow creates softness and dimensionality.
  
  

• Contrast: She often places delicate facial features against bold, sweeping marks, adding visual interest without clutter.
  
  

Where I Would Acquire It

I would contact her artist’s studio directly for a small commission around 18 x 24 inches. This ensures the art fits my wall and supports a local artist. Commissioning also makes the piece personally meaningful.

MLA Works Cited

Hokusai, Katsushika. “The Great Wave by Hokusai.” The Art Institute of Chicago, Arts of Asia, www.artic.edu/artworks/24645/under-the-wave-off-kanagawa-kanagawa-oki-nami-ura-also-known-as-the-great-wave-from-the-series-thirty-six-views-of-mount-fuji-fugaku-sanjurokkei 

“Samantha Yun Wall.” Russo Lee Gallery, www.russoleegallery.com/artists/samantha-yun-wall 

“No. 14 (1960) by Mark Rothko.” Artchive, 16 Nov. 2024, www.artchive.com/artwork/no-14-mark-rothko-1960/