The Best Places to Buy Art That’ll Light Up Your Home & Your Life
When it comes to setting the mood of a space—bright, fun, edgy, sophisticated, beachy, feminine, peaceful, energetic, or any mood you like—there’s no faster way to accomplish this than with art. So if you’re looking to change your home’s feel (and perhaps shift your own frame of mind in the process), take time to select the perfect art that elicits that mood in you.
But where can you find this art—and actually buy it for your space? After all, there are a lot of factors that you’ll need to take into account, such as the size of art you’re looking for and your budget. Here are some good places to look for art that you can buy to light up your home.
Artists’ Websites and Instagram Shopping
When you buy directly from an artist, you are doing something very powerful: you are directly patronizing the arts. When you purchase art directly through an artist via their website or Instagram shop, they get to keep more of the revenue. This allows them to cover their many costs and run a more profitable business.
First, think about some terms to describe the kinds of art that you’re looking for. For example, if you’re interested in some colorful abstract art for your home office that will help you feel energetic, that can give you a few terms to begin with. Think a bit further about what you’d like, or look at your search results to refine your search based on what you discover you like or dislike. For example, do you find that you prefer geometric abstracts or loose, expressionistic abstracts? What colors are you drawn to? Add these to your search.
These searches will help you identify artists whose work you love. See which ones have websites where they list available work for sale. Many artists, like me, offer available originals in an online shop. This can be a great way to see if they are within your price range and even to find and buy the perfect piece for your home. I regularly release new collections on my website, https://www.carylpomales.com/. The perfect piece for your home just might be waiting for you there, so be sure to see what just dropped!
If you see a piece you love on an artist’s Instagram feed but they don’t seem to have a website or shop, you can inquire if that particular piece is for sale and what the price is.
Artist Studio Tours
There’s nothing like seeing art in person, is there? That’s why art studios offer open studios, inviting the public to come in, mix and mingle with the artists, and see the art. Some art centers hold monthly art events like First Friday, Second Saturday, Third Thursday, and the like, so that art fans looking for a fun evening out know that the doors will be open, the wine and cheese will be out, and the friendly, artsy atmosphere will be awaiting them.
Some regions hold art studio tours yearly, where maps of participating artists, studios, and galleries are made available and the event is publicized. I have participated in an art studio tour in my own area, and it’s a great way to gain exposure. See what kind of open studios are available in your area and start exploring and meeting local artists. Perhaps one of them is creating the kind of art you’re looking for!
Online Art Marketplaces
There are a number of online art marketplaces where you can search for art. Examples include Saachi Art, Artsy, ArtFinder, Singulart, and more. These sites can be a great way to see lots of different artists’ work from all over the world—in fact, it can get overwhelming fast. If possible, try to use whatever search filters are available to limit your overwhelm as you search.
Interior Design Studios & Art Consultants
The methods I’ve just described involved a lot of “hunting” and exploring. A lot of people love this type of research, diving into online rabbit holes or looking at art at galleries in person all over town. But there are other people who:
Don’t have that kind of spare time
May have time but don’t like that type of activity
Feel too uncomfortable making aesthetic decisions without guidance.
And that’s totally acceptable and understandable. If you’re feeling seen right now, you might want to consider approaching an interior designer or art consultant. Find out what their pricing would be to help source a piece of art for you.
While you will pay extra for using their service, you gain a lot from their expertise. They can look at your space and determine the best size and color for the art. They have a roster of artists that they already know who can provide artwork for you to consider. And they can professionally install the art so it is perfectly placed.
Get Ready for a New Look
I hope this has energized you to begin a fun search for the perfect piece of art—or to find a terrific expert to source one for you. Either way, enjoy your home’s new feel and the impact it has on your emotions.