Bringing Art Home, Part 2

 Shop with Intention: Finding the Perfect Piece for Your Home

You've already started your journey by exploring the art world and setting a budget. Now, you’re ready for the fun part: shopping for art! As you begin this exciting process, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you avoid missteps and make more successful purchases.

Explore Local Options

Start by spending time in your area. Look for local artists, galleries, and art societies. You might be surprised by the number of resources available close to home. The internet is a great tool for discovering what's around you. Beyond traditional art galleries, you can also check out frameshops or even fine jewelry stores, which sometimes showcase original works by local talent.

Many communities have local art societies that host classes, art talks, and events like art fairs. These events are fantastic opportunities to meet a wide variety of artists with different styles. Galleries, on the other hand, typically have a more focused vision. A quick look at a gallery's website can give you a good idea of what to expect, so you don't waste time visiting a space that doesn't match your interests. Galleries often have scheduled rotations of solo and group shows, and their websites will list receptions and artist talks, which are great for connecting with artists and gallery representatives.

Art fairs and Open Studios 

These venues two major advantages: you'll see a huge variety of artwork, and you can meet the artists themselves. Having a conversation with an artist is incredibly valuable, as you can learn about their methods, ideas, and personal style. Some artist groups and societies also sponsor open studio weekends or special seasonal exhibits, which can be great places to find art at more accessible price points.

When thinking about what "local" means to you, set a comfortable radius. For some, it might be a 30-mile drive, while for others, a 90-minute trip is perfectly fine. A little research might reveal exciting art just outside your immediate area that's well worth the travel. As you get more comfortable, you can always expand your exploration to more prominent galleries further afield.

Make a Shopping List

As you learn about local artists, take a good look at your own space. Consider each room and where you might want to place artwork.

List potential spots in each room, noting the size and lighting of each area. This will help you find a piece that suits the space. Imagine the disappointment of bringing home your first piece only to find it's too big or too small!

While keeping your personal style and color schemes in mind is important, another interesting approach is to consider a theme. If you plan to build a collection over time, a theme can provide a framework to guide your choices.

Themes can be broad or narrow. A broad theme, like "artwork about the American West," could include sculpture, painting, drawing, and prints, offering a huge array of choices. If this feels overwhelming, you can narrow the theme by budget or personal interest, such as collecting paintings by emerging artists who depict landscapes of the American West.

You can also develop different themes for each room. Maybe you want to focus on black-and-white prints in one room and something entirely different in another. Or, you could select a single concept for a room, like a food-related theme for your kitchen or dining room. Your options are as broad or narrow as you wish. However if something unusual catches your eye, take note and give it consideration. A work may be outside your plan, but if it catches your attention, it may be something worth your serious consideration.

Final Thoughts

This preparation will be invaluable and help prevent the experience from feeling overwhelming. It may take some time to find art that fits your taste and budget, so take your time and trust your instincts. Make connections with galleries and artists that appeal to you. Even if you aren't ready to buy, keep checking in. You'll learn more about the art and build relationships, which will make the purchase process much more enjoyable when you're ready to buy.