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Ever wonder how to go about choosing a painting for your home, office or cottage? Are you afraid to make a mistake, thinking perhaps that you might later have second thoughts or regrets about a painting you purchased? Here are some tips that might help you feel confident about buying an original artwork: 1. The most important thing consideration is DO YOU LOVE IT! Don’t just purchase something because it matches your décor. Tastes change, trends come and go and décor gets updated. So you want to find a piece that catches you by surprise and you think WOW! I LOVE that!! You see a piece in person and it gives you a real visceral response. Pay attention to that feeling. 2. The second thing to consider is where you are planning to hang it and the mood you are trying to create for that space. You may not want a very loud and energizing artwork in a bedroom for example if you are aiming to have a quiet and calm space to relax in when you are settling in for the night. Colour choice is one important factor in mood setting. Look for bright colours and high contrast if you want to energize a space or add some oomph to a room. Softer colours and less contrast are more soothing.  The bright colours of Pink Spring, the large abstract landscape featured here, adds a focal point above the fire place while contributing to the warm traditional atmosphere of this formal living room. 3. The third consideration is your personal aesthetic or style. Do your tastes run to the more traditional or do you prefer a contemporary look? (realistic vs. abstract or semi abstract art) Is your décor eclectic or minimalist? (Think gallery wall of smaller pieces vs. one larger statement painting). Is texture your thing or is smooth and streamlined more your jam? (Thick impasto or visible paint strokes vs. thinly applied paint layers).
4. Another consideration is budget. Imagine if you just found the perfect painting and it is out of your financial reach. Many artists will be open to setting up a payment plan so don’t be afraid to ask about that. Artists love to see their work go home with someone who LOVES it! Another possibility is that the artist offers prints of that painting. Some artists even offer embellished prints of their work. These are prints on canvas that the artist then goes in and adds some paint strokes to, giving it some texture. Having said that, my advice is to hold out for an original. There is a lot of pride in owning an original piece of art so set money aside and save up for it. 5. The last consideration I will add that might be important to you is your relationship with the artist. Is there an artist whose style you love, that you have perhaps followed for some time thinking “one day…”? Oftentimes people will buy from an artist simply because in addition to admiring their work, they feel a connection with the artist. Maybe their values align; maybe they have watched the artist grow in their art journey. My advice is to sign up for that artist’s email, or newsletter. This is the best way to keep up with their latest work, shows and exhibitions and maybe even the occasional discounted offering. If they are local, attend their show openings and visit their exhibitions. Seeing the work in person is way better than viewing it online. You might just unexpectedly find what you didn’t know you were looking for! Many artists will allow you to try an artwork in your home before purchasing. Be sure to talk to the artist if you are still unsure!
I hope you found this helpful. Drop a comment below to let me know what you think about when considering an art purchase.
Artfully yours, Deb
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