How to Start an Art Collection You Love
I love going to art museums and anytime I go to a new city, I try to weave in time to check out the local museums. Art can do so much for our rooms. They bring in color harmony, boosting your mood, or if you gravitate to eclectic pieces like I do, they start great conversations.
But you don’t have to have museum quality artwork, or bundles of cash to curate your own collection.
In fact, anyone can start an art collection they love and I’m going to share 5 great tips for doing just that.
I often select the human body in artwork
1. Create Your Art Collection’s Budget
When I ask my new clients about their artwork, many of them envision sitting at a Sotheby’s auction with their bidding paddle, but great art can be found on any budget. Think of less expensive up and coming artists to quirky prints found at a local art fair, to more expensive established studio pieces.
I always seem to find that “must-have, can’t live without” piece of artwork that makes me smile at the most unexpected times, so set a budget for collecting art, Whether it’s putting aside a set amount each month or year for the artwork collection cause, this is the best way to create a “collection” over time.
I found this piece at a yard sale. It reminded me of the husband who starts each day reading the newspaper with our yellow lab waiting patiently at his side
2. Seek Art that Moves You
Whenever I see artwork that “speaks” to me, I buy it. Even if I don’t have a specific place for it in mind, I know that if it makes me smile then I need to buy it.
Years ago, I was in Long Beach at the flea market and saw two canvases I loved. They are still rolled up in a tube, but I know someday I will find the perfect spot for them.
Art isn’t about what’s popular, what other people consider art, or priceyness. It about how a piece makes you feel.
Does it make you stop and ponder, or does it make you smile, or even make you cry? Follow your gut, and trust what speaks to you.
Places to find art include local galleries and studios, art fairs or exhibits, or on vacations. I also look for artwork at local colleges, which often have end of year exhibitions where you can find perfect one of a kind gems.
Some of my own favorite artwork was found at estate sales and charity rummage sales.
These pieces are from a M.C. Escher tessellation calendar that I framed with inexpensive frames from Wal-Mart
3. Get Adventurous with Art
Artwork doesn’t always have to be paintings. Consider different types of wall decor, such as sculptures, hand-blown glass, and even photography. Antique stores are great for finding artifacts that can be re-purposed as artwork, such as china plates, clocks, quilts, or tapestries.
And while you’re there, keep an eye out for interesting frames (to put that off-beat canvas you found at a local flea market).
We source and select artwork for every one of our clients. By the time we select your artwork we know your taste . We look for artwork that reflects your personal interests and passions. But we also select a mixed collection of art that will make your home feel more interesting and collected.
Prompted up on the fireplace is a piece I found at Home Goods. It reminds me of my white cat. When I first put it up, I kept doing a double take because I though Marshmellow (the cat) was sitting there!
4. Incorporate Art into Every Room of Your Home
When bringing art into your home, it is important to have pieces you love, but also think about enhancing your space.
Choose artwork that not only complements your decor, but becomes a focal point. Consider the scale of your room. A large room with high ceilings will need a large piece of art, while small art is better suited in smaller spaces.
A Picasso print framed and hung on the bookcase
5. Get Creative with Art Placement
Get creative with how you incorporate art into your home. Think about putting it in unexpected places like on bookshelves, on the kitchen counter and even on a desk. Don’t be afraid to mix things up. If you have a traditional style home, hang an abstract, or if you have a modern style home, put in a landscape.
This was from last summer when I went to Market and purchased lots of gorgeous artwork
Selecting artwork for my clients is one of my favorite things! We have new pieces that just arrived in the Showroom with more coming.
Hopefully later this summer we will be able to continue our Art Exhibitions where we feature local artists.
Until next time,
