Are you scared of Art?
Recently I have been talking with people about art, particularly in relation to buying an artwork whether that be from a local gallery, artist or from (yes let me say it “The Reject Shop” yes i know we have all looked there).
One of the common responses from people I hear is: “I don’t know anything about art”.… which ponders me to think..
Are people scared of art ? and what is this mystical thing people want to know?
Let me start by saying that I am not going to deny there is a something about art, yes there is good art and bad art, yes there are good and great artists and some are better than others… and the only way you will be able to tell the good from the bad is if you go to galleries, look through history, look at lots of art, question yourself about why one is good and one is bad research, it takes time but eventually you will “get” it.
But this post isn’t for those who wish to become art connoisseur, by all means if this is your desire go right ahead discover all there is and I know an artist that is hoping to sell some artworks 
What if you just want a nice piece of artwork to fill a space on your wall ? There is so much to choose from, so many artists, so many prints ? So many variations in prices, how do you know what to choose ?
So, if your thinking about artwork or looking at boring dull white wall, I have come up with a few questions to ask yourself about when your thinking about decorating it with some art.
The first thing I am going ask you to do is try to put all thoughts out of your head about what is good and what is bad, who is a good artist and who isnt. Lets face it if your not into art, and not particularly fussed about owning a particular artwork by a particular artist then all that stuff doesnt really matter does it?
Then all your left with a couple of personal and simple questions to ask yourself.
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What do you like ?
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How does it make you feel?
You see, if your new to art when you place an artwork on your wall, it will suddenly become part of your life! You will see it everyday, whether its conscious or not your artwork will give you a feeling, a thought a reminder about something, its giving in the fact that it will give you something to you everytime you see it. (sounds crazy I know but its true.. stick with me…)
Have you ever watched those home improvement shows where they paint a whole wall / room, yellow or red or blue or have you done it yourself ?
Did you notice that by painting the walls it changes the mood of the room? If its using bright warm colours the room will feel warm every time you walk into it and obviously the opposite is true with the cooler colours.
A painting is the same, the main colours that are used in the painting will affect the feeling that comes off the painting when its hung in the room – particularly if its a large painting.
So, what about style and subject?
Well this is personal as well, What Do You like? Maybe you want to reminded of a particular place you have visited, a feeling at that place ? Well then a landscape of a beach, some mountains for example might be the way to go.
If its a person or an animal then try to choose something which invokes something in you. Sometimes its great to be reminded of nothing in particular so maybe some colours, abstract contemporary pieces might be the way to go.
If you are looking online, once you find something you like bookmark it, put it aside, then you can look for other artworks which are similar, eventually you will narrow it down to be the “one” or style / subject you like.
You may find an artist to which you like their particular style, Did you know that artists have to pay large commissions to galleries or exhibitions who sell their artwork? In most cases around 50% for each painting that is sold. This is why original artworks can be quite high in price, the artist generally wont see alot of that, and that’s before you take out materials, framing etc etc. So understandably original works might be out of the question for the average consumer particularly if the artist is a well known one.
So where does this leave you?
Well if you have come to this stage, congratulations you have actually without realizing it, become an artlover! 
Surprise surprise wasn’t so hard was it? If you really really want a certain artwork, you can contact the artist / gallery if possible and ask them whether they offer prints?
Prints are cheaper, often if your not an art collector your not really willing to pay extra for the original anyway. Prints are a good way of still having a piece of art in your home you love without the higher cost. Many artists particularly if they are marketing themselves well will be happy to sell you a print.
From an artists point of view when creating an artwork I think about all these things for myself and from the point of view of eventual owner of the artwork. Take for instance my latest artwork while its not of anything inparticular, i wanted to do something bright something colourful something flowy (if thats a word) something that would look good on a wall and which i would hope bring hapiness to its new home.
Thats it! A feeling, a thought, nothing scary or fancy or specific.
So if your thinking about adorning your walls, need something to spruce up your home, or even if you just want a constant reminder around you to make you feel good, will be surprised about how positive a piece of art on the wall will make you feel.
Don’t be scared when looking at art, its a personal item for your home there are many reasons to own a piece of art hopefully today I have given you a couple to get you started.
Tags: Art Business, Artworks, Inspiration
