Three tips for buying art for your home

WORDS BY LOCAL ARTIST ROS GERVAY

Do you like to hang original art in your home? Maybe prints are your thing, or you like photography? No matter what sort of an art appreciator you are, I’m going to guess that you have struggled with matching the right wall art to your home and lifestyle.

Artists get it. Buying art is a big decision, but most worries are not insurmountable. If you are eager to support Australian artists, lift the energy in your home, and create a space that you love being in, here are three golden tips for how to choose art you want to hang in your home.

TIP #1

Follow your heart by choosing art that you love! Don’t spend a cent on an artwork that doesn’t excite you as you will find yourself wanting to replace it much too soon. It doesn’t do the artwork or your wallet any justice. Instead, select an artwork that sparks joy. Your home decor will benefit, and the energy will skyrocket.

TIP #2

Have a specific spot in mind. Be aware of the size you want and choose an artwork specific to that space. When looking at the blank wall, ignore the areas that are taken up by windows and furniture. Your artwork should take up half to three-quarters of that space. If that area is large, you may consider displaying multiple pieces.

TIP #3

View the work in person if you can. If the artist you are interested in is local, request to visit their studio. or go to a gallery that stocks their work. When you view work in person, you will get a better idea of the quality and the finish and also a truer sense of the artwork’s colours and textures. If this is not an option, most artist websites have a refund policy. Per Australian Consumer Law, it won’t cover change of mind, however, you will be protected from faulty artworks or those that are not as advertised.

These tips aside, it was not until made the big decision to take my art passion seriously and become a full-time artist that I saw there was more to buying art than simply deciding if it would suit the aesthetic of a home.

Buying art, especially from an emerging Australian artist, can be life changing. It financially supports the artist and encourages their ambition plus it gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you do a spot of good in this world.

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@rosgervayart