encourages you to daydream and switch off? Are you attracted to images of the natural world and botanical prints? Once you have an idea of what you do and don’t like, it is easier to buy with confidence, and if you’re buying on impulse, you’re more likely to choose a work that will fit into the decor of your home. Do you consider the value of an artwork when buying? Do you think of it as an investment as well as a purchase, and if so, how do you know if what you are looking at is worth the price? One could say that an artwork’s value is what you are prepared to pay for it, and how much pleasure it gives you when you see it on your wall every day. However, for a more analytical approach, you first need to consider the artist and where they are in their career. Works by established artists and mid-range artists (those who have painted for five to 10 years) are easier to value as they will have a body of work and a track record of sales that can be taken into consideration when assessing value. Emerging artists are far more difficult to predict as they are at the beginning of their careers, and yet to establish a value to their work. The number of times an artwork is reproduced also comes into play. A poster printed many times will have less value than a handmade, original limited-edition print that is signed and made just a finite number of times (the edition). There are editions in photography, too, with each size printed having its own edition. With an original, its value comes from being a one-off, and while there may be artworks in a similar style, they will not be the same.
So much choice can be overwhelming, though, especially as many people still find it daunting to buy art. As with fashion, one’s choice of art strays into issues of taste and judgment, especially when it comes to buying emerging or mid-range art (buy a Picasso and you’re buying a piece that, by virtue of its price tag, has a recognizable value). It’s also a subject that many have little knowledge of, which is the reason I decided to write Art at Home . The book aims to empower readers, giving them the confidence to understand what they like and are drawn to, as well as offering advice and expert tips on buying, framing, and hanging art so they can enjoy the entire process. Of course, it is possible to commission an art consultant to help source art for your walls, but even if you do go down this route, it helps if you understand art and have developed your own relationship with it. STARTING A COLLECTION If you haven’t bought art before, how do you begin? How one buys an artwork usually falls into two camps: instinctively—falling in love with a piece and buying it, regardless of whether you have a place planned for it in your home; or practically—buying an artwork for a specific position in your living space. Either way, it’s best to understand what kind of art you are drawn to, so take the time to do some research. Look at art in galleries, both physical and online— search #emergingartist on Instagram, for example, and you’ll find more than four million posts. Think about what you like and dislike. Do you love landscapes that transport you to the countryside or the coast, or an abstract print that
THE MOOD MATTERS When considering an artwork for a room, you need to think about how it will affect the space, especially if it is a statement artwork. Its size will also influence the mood— and a work that is full of color and drama will create an energetic and vibrant feel, whereas one with a more muted palette will help to establish a relaxed atmosphere.
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