There’s a theory about the creative community I don’t *just love.*

The idea that only the wealthiest of people can “afford” to commission artwork.

The idea that adding beautiful original fine art to your home is only for those who “have a ton of extra cash on hand.”

Do you ever feel like that?

Hi—can you see me waving over here at you? I know it’s awkward to talk about, but I’m calling an audible on that industry standard.

And I’m thumbs-upping you on where your head’s at: That’s NOT the way commissioning artwork has to be!

In a nutshell, I went from being afraid of original artwork to LOVING IT for my home…

 But it took a LONG time to get there.

THE COST

Over the years, I’ve loved original artwork and following artists (no secret right?! I’m an artist myself after all), but I thought original artwork was only for the (what I used to consider) “serious collectors” i.e. those people who had a ton of extra money, could spend it on anything, and didn’t have a care in the world. 

I’ve salivated over gorgeous paintings but never pulled the trigger, totally from a place of fear that I am not a worthy collector of artwork.

I’ve said yes to cheap fixes and big box store purchases that weren’t the right fit for my home.

Aaaaand as a cherry on top, I fumbled around to pull a system together to rinse and repeat that same process and those items quickly became garage sale fodder within the year.

But finally, bit by bit, it clicked.

Against all odds, I PURCHASED MY FIRST PIECE OF ORIGINAL ARTWORK, and you know what?! I don’t have an unlimited budget or the ability to throw money around whenever I want!   

And I want the same for YOU. 

SET A BUDGET

First off, everyone has bills to pay.  If you’ve read some of my story, you know I started my art business in the middle of a financial crisis in our family.  We needed the money to pay bills, get new brakes for the car, and were about to have our third baby. EEK! So what did I do?! I looked to my entrepreneurial spirit and started painting and by the grace of God we made enough money to pay for all the “needs,” and even pay for Christmas presents for our family.

Here’s the thing–you don’t have to be in a state of financial abundance to create a budget.  In fact, I’d encourage you to do it TODAY–especially if there’s something you want. I have a link to my DREAMHOME WORKBOOK HERE, and in it I strategically help you create a budget so you can save money for what MATTERS, and stop spending it on what doesn’t.  Shiny object syndrome affects everyone–it doesn’t have to kick you in the pants everyday.

THE LOOK

OHHH GIRLLLL trust me I’ve gotten this look.  Come home with that bag of extra goodies from that Target trip where you just had to get **a few** things?! I’VE BEEN THERE! It doesn’t have to be this way!!!  

Funny thing is, when my husband and I talk through an important purchase beforehand, budget for it, and make a PLAN for how we’re going to pay for it, that look doesn’t happen.  We’ve agreed on the purchase and the price, and when we’re on the same page neither of us dons “the look” at the other!

I LOVE IT BUT DON’T HAVE ANYWHERE TO HANG IT

Hmmmm…..

I’m gonna call this one a “for reals?” Because, while that may be true in some aspects–if you wanted it, you can find a place for it.  I know–because when I brought home my beautiful original artwork you best believe I found a prominent space for it to remain and bring me joy daily.  I’m just saying… 

Let’s stop making excuses about why we don’t have the house of our dreams.

Why we don’t have the “money” to purchase what we want.

The bigger issue is the “shiny object syndrome” or the need to “feel complete” quickly in our homes, when the most important thing is creating a HOME that feels cozy and comfortable to you.  Chances are, if you pause and take a moment to dissect what feels cozy about your home (and you’ll dive in in my dreamhome workbook), you’ll be able to prioritize what’s important and let go of what’s not.  

And I’ll say it again–your “important” doesn’t have to be fine art. I’d love it if it was–but it doesn’t have to be.  Your “important” could be a rug or curtains, or that bookshelf with the baskets to just GET THE TOYS OFF THE DANG FLOOR (just me?!…). 

Anyway, I know you can do this…

You can prioritize.

You can make the big things happen.

And YES, the art you buy is worth the price tag–I guarantee it.

I’m hosting a LIVE PAINTING PARTY + Q&A Tuesday, February 23 at 1 PM CST, and you’re invited, because I don’t want you to live another moment scratching your head wondering if you can commission artwork, and if so, how it is soooo worth it.  A behind the scenes look at my process?? OH YEAH–I’m spilling the beans! Get the replay here.

It’s time you realize you do NOT have to keep filling your home with those quick cheap fixes from Target, no matter how compelling they seem at the time.

It’s time you learn how to create the home of your dreams so you can welcome others in and love them well.

And it’s WAY time you make sure you’re creating the home you LOVE, one that feels beautiful, peaceful, and allows you to confidently welcome others in and love them well.   And figuring all that out on your own? I get it—It can be so hard!

But I got your back: In this replay I’m showing you just WHY fine art is so special and WHY it will tell your story beautifully.

So come on into my dining room studio, pull up a chair, pull your hair in a messy bun (I’ll have one too, I’m sure!) and fill up a mug of afternoon coffee–let’s figure out how to tell your story beautifully through fine art. 

Stop trying to  fix everything with another quick declutter.  Your days of second-guessing the mess and wondering: Am I even good at this? Is my home beautiful? Is my house welcoming? Am I good enough? are ALMOST entirely behind you. 🙂

I can’t wait to see you there!!

PS–wanna start your instant art collection with a beautiful fine art print?! Get it here for FREE!