THINKING OF BUYING ART BUT NOT SURE WHERE TO START
Buying art can feel like a big step at first, especially if you’re new to it. This guide is here to make that process feel a bit easier. Whether you’re looking for something for your home, your workspace, or as a meaningful gift, the most important thing is finding work that you connect with. You can also explore my original works if you’d like to start there.
TRUST YOURSELF
“I purchase a piece of art when I can, and the one rule I follow is to buy work I connect with and fall in love with.”
You do not need expert knowledge to buy art. The best place to start is with your own instinct. What do you enjoy looking at? What would you be happy to live with every day? You might be drawn to colour, texture, quietness, energy, abstraction, landscape, portraiture, photography, drawing, printmaking, or sculpture.
The most important thing is that the work speaks to you in some way. If it stays in your mind, that usually means something.
It can also help to follow artists, galleries, and exhibitions over time. That gives you a feel for what you keep coming back to, and helps you understand your own taste a little better.
I’M NOT SURE IF I CAN AFFORD ORIGINAL ART
Original art is often more accessible than people expect. Limited edition prints can be a great first purchase and usually offer much more character and quality than mass-produced pieces.
Smaller original works are also worth looking at. They can be more affordable, more intimate, and every bit as memorable. Not every available piece is always listed online either, so it is always worth asking. Sometimes there are smaller works, studies, or unlisted pieces available.
Following an artist’s work over time can help here too. You get a better sense of what connects with you, and you may also hear about new releases, smaller works, or special offers before they are made public.
I CAN’T GO INTO A GALLERY
A gallery can feel intimidating if you are not used to that environment, but it is still a place where questions are welcome. Galleries work with collectors at all stages, and most represent artists across a range of prices and sizes.
You do not need to know all the right words. It is enough to say what you like, what you are drawn to, and what your budget is. A good gallerist will help you from there.
It is also fine to ask if there is work available that is not currently on display. Sometimes there are pieces in the flat file, smaller works in storage, or other options that may suit you better than what is hanging on the wall.
DO YOU OWN A BUSINESS?
Art can make a real difference in a workplace. It can shape the atmosphere of a space, make it feel more thoughtful, and add something meaningful for both staff and visitors.
Depending on where you are based, there may also be tax considerations around buying art for a business or home office. It is always worth checking this with your accountant, as the rules can vary.
If you’d like to keep exploring, you can browse my available works or join my mailing list for early access to new pieces, studio updates, and occasional offers.