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DREAMSPACE & INNER WORLDS

It Had to Be a Dream |
Abstract Canvas Print from Original Oil Painting
by Nicole McNamara

The fragile hope of starting over after crisis—stormy yet radiant, raw yet healing.

Starting at 

$270

-  In Stock

Sizes:

16x20 in

24x30 in

48x60 in

-  $

-  $

-  $

270

365

1435

Primary Colors:

Red/Gold/Blue

'It Had to Be a Dream' abstract canvas wall art by Nicole McNamara — fiery reds, golden light, and deep blues symbolizing chaos, hope, and renewal.

You know that feeling when life hits so hard it leaves you wondering if it was all just some distorted dream? That’s what “It Had to Be a Dream”, from the “Dreamspace & Inner Worlds” collection, holds. Stormy reds reflect chaos and burnout. A golden sky strains toward hope. And that wandering blue — that was me, lost and unsure, but still moving forward even when I didn’t know where I was headed.

This piece was my very first oil painting, created after clawing my way out of a mental health crisis. I had just come out of inpatient treatment — shaken, exhausted, but finally ready to begin again. Every brushstroke marked the start of transformation: exhaustion giving way to healing, confusion softening into clarity, and vulnerability opening into truth.

I gave the original to my best friend — the one who held me together when I couldn’t do it myself.

This isn’t just art. It’s proof that even when we emerge fractured and foggy, we are still alive — and capable of beginning again.

'It Had to Be a Dream' abstract canvas wall art by Nicole McNamara — fiery reds, golden light, and deep blues symbolizing chaos, hope, and renewal.

"This was the first time I told the truth on canvas—it was messy, painful, and the start of everything."

- Nicole McNamara

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Sizes & Placement

Each print is available in three versatile sizes — small, medium, and large — so it can live anywhere from a cozy nook or home office to a bedroom retreat or a bold statement wall in your living room.

 

Whether you’re styling a shelf vignette or filling the space above your fireplace, you’ll find the perfect fit.

Sizes  –  multiple canvas formats available

Free Shipping  - U.S. & Canada

Ready to Hang – wired & wall-ready

Claim Your Piece of Resilience

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE HIT ROCK BOTTOM AND ARE READY TO RISE AGAIN

COLOR & COMPOSITION INSIGHT

The Mood This Palette Creates

Every shade in this piece is chosen with intention — to shift the energy of your space, spark emotion, and remind you of what’s possible every time you walk past it.

"It Had to Be a Dream" is driven by stormy reds and burnt oranges that pulse with raw chaos, contrasted against golden yellows that symbolize fragile hope. Deep blues cut through the composition like a wandering soul—restless, searching, yet resilient. The interplay of warm and cool tones creates a narrative of exhaustion colliding with rebirth, inviting viewers to find their own reflection in the push and pull between struggle and healing.

$270

Starting at

EXPLORE MY AMAZON PRIME STORE

Prime-Ready Art for Every Season of You

Discover select Nicole McNamara Art prints available on Amazon—perfect for fast delivery, Prime perks, and easy returns. See what’s live today and explore curated pieces for your space.

Prime delivery on select styles. Updated regularly.

Styled room scene featuring Nicole McNamara Art canvas prints available in the official Amazon storefront.

CURATED FOR YOU

More Art in Similar Colors & Style

If these hues and composition caught your eye, here are other canvas prints painted with the same palette and style.

Behind the Canvas:
Oil Painting Print FAQ

Q: What makes this piece unique?
A: It Had to Be a Dream was Nicole’s very first oil painting—created after surviving a mental health crisis. It embodies transformation and resilience, making it more than art; it’s a story of survival and rebirth.


Q: Is this canvas print ready to hang?
A: Yes, all prints arrive gallery-wrapped, wired, padded, and ready to hang straight out of the box.


Q: How long does shipping take?
A: Each print is made to order and ships within approximately 5 business days, with free shipping to the U.S. and Canada.

Materials & Craftsmanship

Because your walls deserve more than mass-produced décor — they deserve art built to last.

- Museum-Grade Canvas: 410gsm archival cotton

- Archival Giclée Pigment Inks: Rich, vibrant, fade-resistant

- Protective Finish: Semi-gloss varnish for added depth and longevity

- Gallery-Wrapped: 1.5" mirrored edges for a clean, modern display

- Ready to Hang: Wired, padded, and installation-ready

- Free Shipping: Free shipping to the U.S. & Canada, ships in ~5 business days

- From an Original Oil Painting: No digital enhancements — just art with soul

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Want to see the magic behind every print?

Every canvas begins with an original oil painting, professionally digitized by Osio-Brown Studios, and brought to life with museum-grade materials and craftsmanship.

A deeper look at how your piece is made — from the first brushstroke to your wall.

Still Searching for the One?

Explore Nicole McNamara’s full collection of abstract canvas wall art — each a museum-quality print from an original oil painting. Find the piece that speaks to your truth.

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