Buying a piece of artwork can be the most daunting part of decorating your place but it can be one of the most rewarding. My husband has always been keen on buying art but when we started our search, we could not agree on anything. He was drawn to very contemporary pieces, which didn’t appeal to me at all. He complained multiple times that I knew what I didn’t want but I didn’t know what I wanted. After hours and hours of research, we finally found two paintings we fell in love with (yes, this is how it felt – for me, at least): “Rebel Angels” and “Woman Seated III” by Heidi Lanino, a talented artist based in America.
“Rebel Angels” by Heidi Lanino
Don’t worry about what other people think
Art is so personal that the piece that you have chosen will not appeal to everyone. This is a fact. Everyone will have an opinion. If you have a “coup de coeur” for a painting, a sculpture and a drawing, the most important thing is not to wonder if your best friend who happens to be have a degree in art history will like it. The right question is where in your home will be the perfect place to truly enjoy it.
“Rebel Angels” in our living room
Find an artist with whom you have a connection
Finding an artist with whom you have a true connection is an uncertain quest but it will make the experience all the more special.
You may be attracted to certain artists because of who they are, what they paint, where they come from or the purpose of their art…
It involves a lot of research and like bonding with a friend, it will not happen overnight. It takes time but having a story behind your art at home makes it even more unique.
No need to break the bank
Art can be a profitable investment for the initiated crowd. However, if you feel, like me, that your artwork should be more a source of enjoyment than a substitute for your pension, you can find affordable artwork to populate your walls and/or choose to support an artist whose artwork fits your budget. There is, of course, a scenario where you could potentially buy a piece of art from an artist who ends up being the next Jeff Koons…
And if your dream has always been to own “The Open Window” by Matisse, you can still get a beautiful print of it and have it elegantly framed. It will be an affordable way to enjoy this masterpiece in the comfort of your own home.
“Woman Seated III” by Heidi Lanino in our living room
Starting your search online
There are countless websites that you can browse to start your search. A few good ones are:
