A guide to affordable art
The art world can seem intimidating from the outside, but buying striking pieces of art is one of life’s great pleasures and can transform a room instantly.
What’s your style?
Go and see as much art as you can to help determine the style you’re most drawn to. Look for student sales at art schools, auctions, antiques fairs and local galleries.
Flick through art history books, go to museums and do some online research about any artists you like.
Keep an open mind. When we think of art we tend to think of paintings, but look at photography and sculptures too. You might discover that’s where your art heart lies.
Prints vs originals
Many people write off prints as nothing more than posters, but a print is still an original work of art. The artist creates each print by hand, creating an original image on a surface such as wood, rubber, stone or metal, applies colour and then creates a print on paper. They make great entry-level art.
Reproductions are more like inexpensive posters, and there’s nothing wrong with starting off with some posters you love, beautifully framed and well positioned.
Original works are naturally the most expensive way to buy art as they are one of a kind. Imagine a best-selling author only allowing one person to own their book, or a director only letting one person see their movie. You are buying the art in its entirety: the idea, the craftmanship, the artists’ time, talent and the materials and any future gain in value.
How do I make a good investment?
Unless you’re planning to become a serious art collector, the most important two questions you should ask yourself when buying art are: do I love it? Can I afford it? Buying something in the hope its value might go up is risky.
If there’s an emerging artist you like whose career trajectory seems to be on the up, then go for it and you might get lucky. But still don’t buy it unless you love it.
Should I buy online?
You’ll find an enormous choice online. Research the artist, try to see some of their work in the flesh before you take the plunge, and make sure you measure up so you know exactly the size of the artwork and whether it will look good in your space.
How do I display it?
If you buy from a gallery, ask them for framing advice or to frame it for you, or take it to a framer to make sure you’re making the most of it. Talk to them about whether UV glass would be suitable, to protect the art from sun damage.
Always hang art at eye level and in a place where you will get the most enjoyment from it, and never in the bathroom where there’s too much moisture.
Image credits: Getty Images