Building an art collection is not an overnight decision. The quest to find the perfect artwork isn’t always straight-forward and can seem a tad intimidating for a new art collector. There are many factors at play when it comes to choosing an artwork, and a lot of it relies on a combination of personal taste and a knowledge of interior decoration and the art world.
Embracing art is one thing, but knowing which artwork you do want to display in our household is another matter entirely. Don’t panic! Here are a few valuable tips to help you unlock your true creative potential and turn your future art purchase into the most inventive, stress-free journey.
Do your research
Get the ball rolling by gathering as much information as you can on the subject of art. Read up on different artistic movements, take a trip to the museum, listen to a podcast… Why not browse online art galleries? It’s a great way to learn more about different mediums, artists and styles. Discover what you like and is most meaningful to you. It is crucial that you should train your senses to appreciate the nuances and differences in art, so that you can further develop your knowledge of art history and your artistic sensibility.
Ask yourself why you are collecting
First and foremost, it is important to ask yourself why you want to start an art collection. This questioning will guide you on the right path to finding the perfect artwork that matches perfectly with your initial intentions. Art can transform your home, by making it more unique, vibrant and personal.
Are you redecorating your home and want to create a particular atmosphere in your bedroom? Look for art that is purely aesthetic and decorative, which will add a pop of color and texture to your white walls, or artworks that will create the illusion of space for example. If you’re purely an art lover, look for art that has a more distinctive personality, theme and aesthetic. Other people will want to invest in art for financial reasons, prestige or emotional value. Whatever your reason is, look for artworks that are in line with your objectives.
Spend some quality time with the artwork
Glancing over the artwork here and there won’t really get you anywhere. You should spend a considerable amount of time admiring the artwork, observing every intricate detail (the composition, subject-matter, colors used, lighting…). Repeat the procedure with every artwork that catches your eye and find out which one you are most drawn to by a process of elimination.
Fix a budget
Setting a budget will help you refine your search so you can select from the categories of art which will fit your price range. The artwork will depend a lot on your budget and how much you are willing to spend. Your first purchase will serve as testing grounds, so you’ll want to set a budget that isn’t too high, and perhaps splurge a bit more on your future purchase.
Take into account your existing home decor
Choose artworks that will complement and match your existing home decor. Bronze sculptures fit nicely in a traditional home decor, while monochromatic art looks stunning in a more brutalist, urban interior design. The choice of artwork will also depend on the atmosphere and mood you wish to create, whether that be calm and soothing (opt for pastel floral paintings and soft abstracts), opulent (gold sculptures, art deco paintings) or vibrant (bright colored artworks, putting art in unexpected places). Choosing art in relation to the different rooms in your home and the activities that you like to do in them will help you pick the right artwork for your living space.
Discover emerging artists
Supporting emerging artists can help you kickstart your art collection. Why? Because art made by emerging artists tends to be more affordable. Buying art can be intimidating, especially for newbies. Emerging artists sell a lot online, such as through social media, marketplaces and art galleries, which makes the process of buying art easier for new art collectors. Supporting emerging artists may help you form your taste preferences. It’s your best bet to get a feel of the modern art market and start collecting innovative, exciting art!
Trial and error
Asking yourself the right questions is the secret to choosing the right artwork. The process will seem easier if you have clear objectives in mind. Start by doing your research and fixing a budget, then look for art that matches your home decor, values and visual style, and which will evoke a particular mood in your interior.
Don’t worry if you make any mistakes. Start with a smaller budget, and work your way up the more experienced and confident you get. Buying art can seem rather daunting if you’re a total beginner but these few tips and tricks will guide you in the right direction!
