5 ’80s Art Motifs

An ’80s framed landscape print from Etsy shop KnotSquare

So you’re looking for ’80s art and you don’t know where to start?! Today we feature 5 1980s art motifs that are making a comeback. Whether you’re digging through the bins at Goodwill or browsing Etsy for the latest vintage finds, here are some unforgettable styles you’re sure to come across. And yes, it’s cool to cringe from time to time…

1. Landscapes

1980s landscapes are appealing because they often boil the scenery down to the mere essentials… angles, lines and curves. Even the more detailed landscapes are at times painted in unusual shades, such as the berry tones featured today. At the top of the post, we see an ’80s framed landscape print from Etsy shop KnotSquare.

If you regularly read Mirror80, you’ve probably seen this next piece before. It’s the Goodwill find I can’t stop talking about, and it served as the backdrop for my ’80s photo shoot. Yes, it’s Rio Mesa Blue II by Scott Nellis! I had my eye on this print for months, convinced that there was no place for it in my home. Or that it was a bit too quirky for my taste. But I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and the rest is history…

Rio Blue Mesa II by Scott Nellis

2. Wildlife

Ah, the joy of an ’80s wildlife picture. Why are these animals always watching us while we sleep? With art this good, who cares?! Imagine a whole gallery of these insightful creatures. Bonus points to anyone who can find a staring mouse or reptile… Below we see an early ’80s ram framed art print from Etsy shop Cherry Berry Vintage:

’80s wildlife art from Etsy shop Cherry Berry Vintage

Other wildlife pictures had to be a step above the rest. That’s right–a realistic animal representation didn’t quite cut it. Not when a shimmering golden glow could be added… We’re so glad that metallics were brought into the mix! Next we see framed ’80s lion art from Etsy shop Sundust Vintage:

Metallic lion art from Etsy shop Sundust Vintage

3. Southwestern

’80s Southwestern style is back…didn’t you get the memo? Before she left for Santa Fe this summer, my Mom asked for souvenir requests. The answer: anything! SO glad she chose a dream catcher wrapped in turquoise leather–it’s hanging on the wall above my desk as we speak. And if you’re looking for Southwestern wall art, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to head to Santa Fe to find it. True collectors will enjoy pieces like the one below, a 1980s lithograph from renowned artist Amado Pena titled Chaleco Azul, available through Etsy shop Olgaoolivia:

Artwork by Amado Pena from Etsy shop Olgaoolivia

For a kitschy take on the style, purchase artwork like the next featured piece, a metallic Navajo picture from Etsy shop Sundust Vintage:

’80s Navajo-style art from Etsy shop Sundust Vintage

4. Glam

We now do a complete 180 and zone in on the ultra glam side of ’80s art. We’re talking vases of tropical blooms, mini-blind backgrounds, and elegant silhouettes of women in formal gowns and big jewelry. Sometimes ’80s Deco, sometimes a little Neon Noir, these heavily outlined pieces offer something for everyone. Who wouldn’t love this vintage ’80s B.B. La Femme print from Etsy shop Urban Condition?

A vintage ’80s B.B. La Femme print from Etsy shop Urban Condition

…Or this authentic ’80s Deco-style oil and airbrush painting by Haventy from Etsy shop Retro Realm:

A vintage ’80s Haventy painting from Etsy shop Retro Realm

5. Clowns

It’s time to wrap up our survey of ’80s art styles, and we’re going to do it with a bang! And possibly a tear. And maybe a nightmare. Yes, we’ve entered clown territory. Controversial and divisive, clown art is loved by many and abhorred by even more. We think it’s got something. Check out the iridescent Mira Fujita Pierrot print from Etsy shop Burgundy Blu Vintage. Who can resist this signature sad-faced clown, especially since it’s surrounded by a black ’80s Deco frame?

A Mira Fujita Pierrot print from Etsy shop Burgundy Blu Vintage

Really, there are no words for this next art piece. Except that we all probably know a man who looks a heck of a lot like the little girl in the raincoat below. This ’80s clown picture from Etsy shop Newave Girl is nothing short of awesome:

’80s clown art from Etsy shop Newave Girl

A special thanks to the Etsy shop owners whose ability to curate the best in ’80s art inspired today’s post! And don’t forget, when purchasing 1980s art, often the frame is just as eye-catching as the picture itself. Especially if you’re into simple, modern, Deco-style interior flourishes. Happy Wednesday!