Buying Art
But is it art?
The beauty of art is that there is absolutely something out there for everyone. I don’t believe you need any art education (or thousands of pounds to spend!) to appreciate art, the key is finding your style. If I’m in a gallery and I don’t like a painting, I very rarely dwell on it or stand pondering its meaning, I simply move on to the next. Sometimes I visit large London Galleries and actually get more enjoyment and inspiration browsing the books in the gift shop. That said, when I find artwork that grabs my attention, stops me in my tracks and holds my gaze, it really is a magical thing. I guess that is what I believe art should be. Something someone has created which sparks an emotional reaction.
Is it best to buy art from a Gallery or directly from the artist?
If you are looking to buy art for your home or as a gift there are many options. The internet is a good place to start with so many avenues for creatives to showcase and sell their work, often cutting out the need for galleries or agents entirely. Which means when you purchase you are 100% supporting the artist. If you purchase through a Gallery you have the benefit of multiple pieces on display in one place, the advice of the gallery assistants and the familiarity of a retail experience. However, it may be worth considering that the artist is likely to receive less than half of what you pay- Galleries are businesses too so it’s to be expected that they take their cut.
You could research local art groups, art fairs, artist-run galleries, online platforms that support creatives (such as etsy and notonthehighstreet,) artists open studios, art competition exhibitions, sculpture parks and art workshops, to name a few places where you can discover creative talent.
In my experience, most creatives are more than happy to be contacted by potential customers, so don’t be shy, if you want to discover more about an artist or how they work, drop them an email or give them a call. It really shouldn’t be an intimidating experience.
Original vs Prints?
In short- an original piece of art is hand painted/drawn by the artist, it is a one-of a kind, unique item. Sometimes but not always you will be able to see the texture of the paint.
A print is a copy/reproduction of the original. Prints have different categories which will vary greatly in price. Poster prints can be mass produced without limit, often the most inexpensive way to buy art. Limited edition prints are printed in a limited edition and are signed and numbered by the artist, for example 51/100 would mean it is the 51st print out of an edition of 100 prints. Another category is hand finished prints, where the print has some original elements, added by the artist or someone in their studio. This can be misleading, where the image is essentially original but could be created in a production line type studio.
Commission a piece of art
If you want to own a truly unique artwork then you could consider commissioning an artist to create something especially for you. It is a collaborative process where your initial idea is developed into a piece of art.
Not all artists offer this service but it’s worth asking.
Enjoy your art shopping journey!!!
Kerry
