Buying art can be kind of scary, can’t it? There are so many different styles out there — so much to choose from — and that can be intimidating. I’ve been there, friend. But what if I told you that collecting art doesn’t have to be scary OR intimidating? But instead collecting art can, in fact, be a peaceful practice that helps you to make your home feel even more like your own. These are the three things successful art collectors know before even looking into purchasing art (or anything, for that matter) for their own home (and tips I use myself on the reg).

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Find the Feeling for Your Home

If you’re anything like me, you are looking for some more “easy” buttons in your already chaotic life.  When looking for artwork, I so often found myself going to big box stores, choosing a piece of art I liked just enough, brought it home, and found its “proper” place on one of our 37 empty walls.  While this has worked to some extent, I have found those pieces usually wind up in the garage sale pile within a year or two.   When we take the time to truly consider how we want our spaces to look and feel, we will find artwork that lasts, tells a story we long to be told, that connects with our hearts.  So while styles may (and can!) change, the pieces you purchase can maintain a loving connection with your heart and space.

Research Your Own Home (or Pinterest)

What makes a great piece?

What style is the best?

To answer that question, do a little self-guided research!

Look around your home.  See what you love.  What colors draw your eyes?  What patterns, textures, feelings?  In which room do you feel most at ease?  Why?  Art encompasses all these things, but before you can (and should) purchase artwork, it helps to be aware of your own style. 

In growing to understand your own style, you will be much more likely to find something that fits YOU, not just something that fits the wall space. Can you love more than one style?  Absolutely!  The more the merrier.  But in order to love your pieces, own your investments, and (dare I say it?) ENJOY spending your hard-earned cash on exquisite art, be very certain of what beautiful means to you.

A Beautiful Investment

Why does fine art cost so dang much? Y’all, I get it.

I’m a mom of three kids and not long ago we were barely making ends meet.

Beautiful art is an investment. 

Purchasing through an artist is not only a kindness you do for yourself and your home, but also for the artist.

Is price an issue?  Talk about a payment plan.  Ask the artist about prints and other ways to incorporate their beautiful work into your home and life.  Want to purchase one day in the future but can’t yet?  Support that artist in other ways–join their email list.  Follow them on social media like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.  Share their posts.  Like their posts.  (PS-for my favorite small businesses, when we had zero extra this is what I did!)  Supporting artists can be completely FREE, enabling them to keep creating so that one day you too can have that beautiful investment piece in your own home.

Valuable and Personal over Simple and “Easy”

Can I tell you a secret?  Artists want to sell you their work.

You’re probably saying, “Duh, Courtney! I know that.” 

BUT, even more than that, artists desire to connect with their customers and sell them pieces that they will love not just during their lifetime but that will live on in their family forever.

What artists create is meant to be an investment in every sense of the word. Artists deeply desire to connect with their community and help you build spaces that feel beautiful and timeless.

Taking the time to examine your own personal style and find what you love before investing will not only add beauty to your home but will facilitate a lasting connection with an artist, enabling them to continue creating work that you love (and will want to add to your home!).

Just for reading all the way here, I have a special freebie for you. Click here to download my favorite peaceful phone wallpaper. Don’t worry, your information is private and I only send beautiful emails to people I really like.

Want some more of the good stuff? Subscribe to my Substack here and get one art tip, once a week (and a really good story!)

Still not quite ready? That’s cool! Find the artist you love, and support them in absolutely free ways–share, like, comment.  Click the link to join the party on Instagram!