Decorating your home with framed prints of famous artists' work is a great way to add tasteful color to any home's decor. However, if you really love art, you might want to go a step further and add some original artwork to your home. Original artwork can be a conversation starter, a sound investment and a great way to increase your family's appreciation and understanding of art and culture.
Most people hesitate to buy art because they don't feel qualified to make the right decision. In reality, anyone who can buy a framed Matisse print and hang it on the wall is equally qualified to buy a piece of original artwork. Often the cost of an original painting by a new, unknown artist can be less expensive than the cost of matting and framing a cheap reprint of a masterpiece. Like any new endeavor, it's a good idea to start small, but the results can be very rewarding.
Know what you like
You might know something about famous artists or you might not. Either way, you know what you like. Looking at original art is a completely different experience from seeing the same image as a picture in a book, so your best bet is to get out and start looking.
When you look at original artwork, it's important to notice what kind of feeling you get. A piece of artwork might influence your mood when you see it, and if you buy that piece of work, you'll be seeing that influence a lot!
A dark, emotional painting in an out of the way spot where you can stop and view it by choice might be perfect. The same painting across from your spot at the dinner table might bring you down after a few weeks. Considering whether you have a good place to display a piece of art can be helpful in deciding whether you should buy it or just spend some time enjoying it in an art gallery.
Setting a budget
A great work of art may truly be priceless, but until you've learned the ropes, it's a good idea to start out with a budget. From $100 to $300 is a reasonable place to start -- more than that and you risk spending too much before you really know what you're getting.
Naturally, art galleries are a great place to see art, and the knowledgeable staff can be very helpful in understanding the significance of different styles and materials. Art galleries usually represent more established artists, so if you're considering art as an investment they can steer you in the right direction.
On the other hand, galleries take a large commission for representing an artist's work, and this is reflected in the price. Many artists participate in sidewalk sales and studio tours - where the public are allowed to visit a series of artists' workspaces and purchase the work on display - as a way of building their reputation and clientele. Artwork purchased directly from the artist can be more affordable and comes with the added enjoyment of having met the creator in person.
Bigger isn't always better, and presentation matters
Artwork comes in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Again, there aren't any real rules, just different tastes. If you need to fill a big spot on your living room wall you'll probably be looking at larger paintings, but a small painting in a good frame can also accent a large space.
When you visit museums, galleries and studios, take a minute to look at the way they use their space before you start looking at the individual works of art. This can be a great way to get ideas for displaying your own original art collection - after all, they are professionals!