How to Choose Your Next Piece of Original Art - Learning From How my clients choose art
If you’ve never bought art before, it can seem like a daunting world to step into. Often the stereotype of the huge white walled gallery with intimidating security guards and ever serious staff make the art world seem uninviting or out of reach but it really doesn’t have to be like that.
That ornament that your grannie had on the mantle piece, the tapestry you saw in the museum and the gorgeous photos in the ned and breakfast you stayed at are all art in their own right. We all have our own tastes and we can choose to buy as an investment or buy what makes us feel something.
What is ‘real art’?
Art is so subjective. We all have an opinion on what we look at. I think I have a particular style I am drawn to but then I see something completely different and fall in love with it. It’s okay to have a varied taste.
‘Real art’ is something that is being questioned a lot in the current climate of AI. An artist is someone who brings together elements to make an object, image or creation of their own imagining. AI tools are exciting in some contexts and frankly scary in others but they are not artists. AI is algorithm, data, technology. This is not what art is.
How To Choose Art
Are you looking to invest in something that grows in value? Or are you looking for something that brings joy and meaning to your space? These are both very different reasons for buying art.
I won’t pretend to know about the nuances of buying art as an investment. That’s never really appealed to me but the general idea is to research up and coming artists who are doing something new and exciting and to buy early then watch their careers develop. People often invest in limited edition original prints as a starting point as it’s an affordable price point and less risky. When investing, I would recommend seeking out advice and reading lots about the area of art that interests you.
If you’re looking to buying art to simply enjoy, I can help you there! Or rather my clients can…
I love talking to my clients about why they chose a piece of art. I used to have all these preconceptions about why people bought art - budget, colours that matched their homes, recommendations. These are all reasons why people choose interior designers, furniture or gadgets maybe but not art.
Art is an emotional and instinctive purchase.
'When I like a piece of art I just know when I see it. It can even be from across the room.' Brenda
'The Birch Trees in Bluebell Woods stopped me in my tracks because it felt almost like a memory.' Sally
Fiona bought Window Onto Bromley Lough because her maiden name is Lough.
'I am ... always open to buying items that I connect with' Callum
Don't overthink it. Find what you connect to and follow your instincts. Here are some things to consider:
What makes you happy outside your home? Are you a hiker, gardener or fashionista? These could give you clues to the theme of work and the kinds of exhibitions you’d enjoy.
What’s going on in your local art scene? Perhaps there are small galleries, open studio events or artists running workshops. These can be great ways to get a flavour of work that is likely to connect you to your home. It’s also a great idea to check out the art in local cafes and restaurants and look up the artists. Local businesses often support each other.
What is your budget? You can find amazing art for all ranges of budgets and a lot of artists and galleries offer payment plans to help spread the cost too (I offer these on request or you can access Klarna through PayPal at the checkout).
What space do you have available? If you’re looking to fill a large space then ststament pieces from larger galleries can work a treat. You could even collect a series of pieces are start a gallery wall (I have a mild obsession with gallery walls). Even small spaces can benefit from smaller art and original prints are fab way to achieve joy in miniature.
Whatever you decide to buy, make it something that you love and will enjoy. There is no right or wrong piece to buy if you love it.
You can also commission a pieces of art created to your own brief. Find out more here.
For more home and art inspiration, check out my quarterly interiors magazine, The Curated Nest.
