Solace No. 2 Original Art Print: A Detailed Review of Moglea's Hand-Painted Wall Art

When it comes to adding warmth and personality to your walls, few pieces capture the balance between abstract expression and refined simplicity quite like the Solace No. 2 Original Art Print. As part of Moglea's celebrated collection of hand-painted original works, this print stands out for its soft, evocative palette and the tactile honesty of its creation. In this detailed review, we'll explore what makes this piece a worthy addition to any art lover's home, from its artistic origins to how it fits into your broader decor scheme.

Moglea is known for blending the spontaneity of watercolor and gouache with the precision of fine art printing. The Solace No. 2 is no exception. Each original is one-of-a-kind, painted by hand in the Moglea studio in Iowa, then reproduced as a high-quality giclée print on archival paper. Whether you are a seasoned collector or someone looking for that perfect statement piece above a console table, this review will help you decide if the Solace No. 2 is the right fit for your space.

Artistic Details and Design Philosophy

The Solace No. 2 Original Art Print features a composition of layered, organic shapes rendered in muted earth tones—soft terracotta, dusty rose, warm ochre, and gentle gray. The brushstrokes are loose yet deliberate, creating a sense of movement that feels both calming and dynamic. Unlike mass-produced wall decor, this print retains the subtle imperfections of a hand-painted original: slight variations in opacity, delicate splatters, and gentle color bleeds that give it depth.

Moglea's artistic director, Meg Gleason, often draws inspiration from natural forms and the quiet beauty of everyday life. The Solace series, in particular, evokes a sense of stillness—a visual pause in a busy world. The print is offered in a standard size that fits easily into most frames, and its neutral color story makes it versatile enough to complement both minimalist and bohemian interiors. For those who appreciate the interplay of light and pigment, this piece invites close inspection.

• Medium: Hand-painted gouache and watercolor, reproduced as a giclée print on archival paper.
• Color palette: Muted terracotta, dusty rose, soft ochre, and warm gray.
• Size: Standard dimensions that fit common frame sizes (check product page for exact measurements).
• Edition: Open edition, but each print is a faithful reproduction of a unique original painting.

Quality of Materials and Print Reproduction

One of the hallmarks of Moglea's art prints is the exceptional quality of the materials. The Solace No. 2 is printed on 100% cotton rag, archival-quality paper that has a subtle texture, mimicking the surface of watercolor paper. This choice is intentional: it allows the print to retain the soft, porous look of the original painting rather than appearing flat or glossy. The inks are archival, fade-resistant, and produce a wide color gamut that captures the nuances of the original gouache washes.

When you unbox the print, you'll notice the attention to detail. The paper has a deckled edge on two sides, adding a handcrafted feel that elevates it beyond a standard poster. It ships flat in a protective sleeve with a backing board, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition. For those who have purchased other Moglea paper goods, such as the Citron Pocket Softcover Notebook, you'll recognize the same commitment to tactile quality—the paper feels substantial, and the colors are true to the studio's palette.

• Paper: 100% cotton rag, archival, with a natural textured finish.
• Inks: Archival giclée inks for long-lasting color.
• Edge finish: Deckled edges on two sides for a handmade aesthetic.
• Packaging: Ships flat in a protective sleeve with backing board.

How to Style the Solace No. 2 in Your Home

The Solace No. 2 Original Art Print is remarkably versatile. Its warm, earthy tones make it a natural fit for living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices where you want to create a calming focal point. For a curated gallery wall, pair it with other abstract prints or with smaller pieces like the Nautilus Swirl Pad Small, whose organic spiral motifs echo the flowing shapes in the Solace print. You can also lean it on a shelf against a stack of books for a relaxed, layered look.

If you prefer a more structured arrangement, consider framing the print in a simple natural wood or white frame to let the colors take center stage. Because the print's palette is neutral with warm undertones, it works beautifully alongside plants, woven textures, and ceramic accents. For a cohesive desk or workspace, place it near a Moglea notebook—such as the Sedona Painted Composition—whose painted cover shares a similar artistic sensibility. This creates a visual thread that ties your stationery and wall art together.

• Frame suggestion: Natural wood or white frame to complement the warm palette.
• Gallery wall: Pair with small abstract prints or botanical art.
• Shelf styling: Lean against books or stack with a small decorative object.
• Workspace pairing: Display near a Moglea notebook for a coordinated look.

Comparison with Other Moglea Wall Art and Stationery

Moglea offers a range of original art prints and stationery that share a similar hand-painted aesthetic. The Solace No. 2 sits comfortably alongside the brand's abstract and botanical collections. For example, the Squishy No. 3 Painted Composition features bold, playful shapes in vibrant colors, offering a more energetic counterpoint to the Solace's serene mood. If you're building a collection, mixing the two can create an engaging visual dialogue between calm and exuberance.

For those who love the idea of carrying the same artistic sensibility into their daily routines, Moglea's notebooks and notepads are natural companions. The Grasse Painted Composition, with its floral-inspired abstract cover, shares a similar hand-painted origin and color family. Using these pieces together—a Solace print on the wall, a Grasse notebook on your desk—creates a cohesive, art-filled environment that inspires creativity. Even smaller items like the Slim Pad - Groceries, with its minimalist design, can complement the Solace print by adding a functional, everyday touch to your space.

• Solace No. 2: Calm, muted, abstract forms.
• Squishy No. 3 Painted Composition: Bold, playful, vibrant.
• Grasse Painted Composition: Floral abstract, warm tones.
• Slim Pad - Groceries: Minimalist, functional, neutral.

Pros and Cons of the Solace No. 2 Original Art Print

Every art print has its strengths and considerations. The Solace No. 2 excels in its handmade authenticity and the quality of its materials. The archival paper and fade-resistant inks ensure that your investment will look beautiful for years. The neutral, warm palette is easy to style and unlikely to clash with changing decor trends. Additionally, the deckled edges give it a premium, artisan feel that is rare in this price range.

On the other hand, because it is an open-edition print, it does not carry the rarity of a limited edition. Some collectors may prefer signed or numbered pieces. Also, the print is unframed, so you will need to invest in a frame separately. The standard size is common, so finding a frame is easy, but it is an extra step. Finally, the muted tones may not appeal to those who prefer bold, saturated colors. However, for fans of subtle, organic art, these are minor trade-offs.

• Pros: Archival materials, hand-painted aesthetic, versatile palette, deckled edges.
• Cons: Open edition, unframed, muted colors may not suit all tastes.

The Solace No. 2 Original Art Print is a beautiful example of Moglea's dedication to handcrafted, artistic home decor. Its gentle colors and organic forms bring a sense of calm to any room, and the quality of the print ensures it will be a lasting piece in your collection. Whether you pair it with other Moglea stationery or let it stand alone, it is a thoughtful addition to any art lover's home. If you're ready to bring this serene piece into your space, explore the Solace No. 2 Original Art Print and see how it transforms your walls.