Buy Original Art Online - Why Should You Buy Original Art?
Art buying is a convoluted issue. For some people, it's simply a question of filling a blank wall to make the home or workspace look a bit nicer. For others, art buying is caught up with investment. We know that one-of-a-kind artwork can grow in value, and that if we choose cleverly, we may end up sitting on a fortune.
It could be argued that the investment element takes away from the true point of art. It’s all very well to collect museum-quality pieces for the sake of their value. Famous artists sell at high prices, and the uncomfortable truth is, their work will skyrocket when they’re dead.
But while art can reach eye-watering prices (and there’s no reason why art shouldn’t pay), it's never really about the money.
Why should you buy art? To understand why you might fall in love with a particular artist’s work, it’s necessary to know why an artist creates. Artists have different ways of explaining their driving force, but most create in order to explore the deep connection with themselves. This communicates something altogether human to the viewer. When a piece of art really resonates with you, it’s likely to be something to do with that human connection.
What is Original Art?
Original art is exactly what it says. It's a one-of-a-kind piece, created by an artist. It isn't a reproduction, a poster or a print. An original artwork is normally more expensive than mass-produced art, because of the time, creativity and materials. that go into its production. You can get a nice-looking canvas picture from a homeware store, but you won't have the pleasure of owning a unique original.
3 Reasons Original Art Costs More than Mass-Produced Art
1. Quality
Prints and reproductions are machine-made and produced in large quantities. Not only does the quality suffer as a result, there’s no individuality to each piece. When an artist creates an original piece of work, paint and other materials are applied to give depth, colour and texture that really add to the "feel" of the artwork. You can get an idea for the work from a digital image, but there's something fascinating about examining a work up-close to see how the paint arrived on the canvas. You can sense the physical movements that created the image, and imagine how the brushstrokes were made. If you want art that sings, original fine art is the way to go. Prints and reproductions just look much flatter and less alive.
2. Scarcity
Original art is, by its nature, rare. This makes it more exciting to own. And, in order to own the only "real" version of a painting, you generally have to pay more. Serious art buyers won't spend money on an item that is not unique, so when a piece of art is available to thousands of people, it will be much less expensive.
It's possible to buy limited edition prints. These may be monotypes, lithographs, photos or giclée prints. Prints are often sold in small "editions," meaning only a certain number will ever be produced. Again, this increases their value.
3. Ease of production
Mass produced artwork is made by printing companies who have the facilities to reproduce the same image over and over again. Original art takes a lot more time, and a much deeper process of thought, construction, creativity, skill and imagination. Sometimes an artist may spend months or even years working on a single piece.
If you just want to fill a blank wall space, you can head to your local home decor store, or order a poster online. So, why should you buy art from an artist?
Art Adds Depth and Interest to a Room
Original art really pops off the wall. It adds so much more character and depth than a plain wall or a bland print. Original work also adds a sense of creativity, fun and even sophistication, capturing your eye as soon as you step into the room.
I was once invited to a party at a house in Shepherd's Bush, London, which was absolutely full of collectors' pieces. Everywhere I looked, there were huge canvases, sculptures, even artist-made furniture. I will never forget that house, and I don’t think its owner intended me to.
Art Can Be an Investment
As I mentioned earlier on, many people buy art as an investment. You never know when your favourite living artist may be "discovered". But this is not the best reason to buy. If you buy a painting you hate because you think it might be worth something, you are likely to be disappointed.
Unless you have millions to invest, and an army of professional art buyers and advisors at your disposal, buy work you like. It will grow in sentimental value, whether or not the art world sees it as "valuable".
Why Do People Buy My Art?
The feedback I get is that my paintings offer “beautiful escapism”. My work is “unique, introspective, incredibly expressive”. Talking to other artists, the real reason their buyers purchase art is that it brings them joy.
“Hush,” Whispered Grey Rabbit — by Johanna McWeeney
Is that a good enough reason?
The world is saturated with stuff. Whenever you need to buy a new product, whether it’s a household item or a new pair of jeans, there’s a seemingly endless choice. It’s overwhelming. You eventually decide on a particular item after researching thoroughly. But what makes you pick that particular brand? Trust me, it’s not your discerning judgement. Products are marketed and advertised to convey certain feelings. When you leave the store with your new jeans, you’re not just walking away with a pair of jeans that make your buns look tight, you’re walking away with a feeling. The jeans make you feel good.
The way something makes you feel is at the root of all your buying decisions, even when you buy for utility. This is at the root of all good marketing, and it’s why people sometimes shop compulsively too.
At the same time, as adults, there are certain day-to-day things we have to do that just aren’t fun. We have to pay for rent or a mortgage, fund our children’s education, buy healthy food… All of these things are important. But somewhere along the way, our sense of curiosity, of childlike wonder, is lost, dampened or buried.
When I look at a piece of art that really makes my soul sing, what do I feel? I feel inspired, free, full of a strong need to create. When I can see what someone else is communicating through their art, it reinforces a little voice inside me. A voice that affirms I have something to say, too.
My art allows me to be most sincerely, authentically me. To transmute my experiences into image, colour and texture, and to sing about the inner experience of being human.
And talking to other artists, I think we all feel the same. They talk about communicating positive emotions, helping people, giving people a sense of freedom and identity.
When to Buy An Original Artwork
Most of us are not multi-millionaires with accounts at the top auction houses. Fortunately, you don't need to be. You can still buy art, any time you want. If you're looking to decorate your home, you may already have a clear idea what you're looking for and how much you want to spend. Or you may do what I do, and find you've bought a painting even though there’s no space left on your walls.
The act of purchasing original art can be very informal. It's often impulsive, and normally driven by your heart, rather than your head. You may buy your first piece at an artist's studio, local gallery, flea market, furniture store or craft fair. And it's nice to buy from exhibitions or art events, because the painting you take home will always remind you of the whole experience, and all the other art you saw there.
When should you buy art? Any time you like!
Why Should You Buy Art?
Coming back to the idea of money, I believe all art is an investment. If you love a piece of art, if it makes you feel good, you will get that sense of joy every time you look at it. It will bring happiness into your home and build a sense of self-worth. It adds positivity to your environment, and ultimately enriches your quality of life.
Which is why, as an artist, I regularly “invest” in other people’s art. Because it reminds me who I am, and inspires me to create my own kind of paintings.
Is it Safe to Buy Art Online?
Yes, it is perfectly safe. You are protected by consumer law, and can pay securely via PayPal or Stripe. Any legitimate gallery, and many independent artists, will also allow you to visit the work in person. Meeting the artist can add to your connection with your purchase, and it's helpful to see art in situ in a gallery. It’s okay to ask questions and talk about budget too. I like to build personal relationships with my collectors, and I'm always happy to discuss what you need.
Next steps: If you see something in my online gallery that you like, but you want to know more, contact me for a chat.
Photos by Beazy, Fabienne Hübener, Roberto Nickson, Alexander Kovacs, Mick Haupt