10 Tips on Buying Your First Piece of Art

orange and white flowers on black background

Visual art is an integral part of our everyday lives. Even when we don't notice it, we are surrounded by fine art prints and the magnificent world they encapsulate us in. For this reason, buying your first flower print or fine art photography is a significant stepping stone in creating a cozy home.

Visual art invites the beauty of the unknown into your space. It isn't mere decoration - an authentic piece of art is a statement for how you want to shape your inner and outer worlds." 

Therefore, choosing the right pieces to bring into your life is a decision that requires a great deal of forethought, especially when deciding on your collection’s first piece. It could become incredibly overwhelming. So with that in mind, I wanted to help and come up with my top ten tips for buying your first piece of art. 

1. Become immersed in the world of visual art

Similar to musical genres, there are many styles of visual art that you should expose yourself to before purchasing. Understanding the basics of composition, color theory, and the different types of mediums (painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, etc.) can help you better understand what kind of artwork will suit your tastes.

For example, this is a fine art photography print that utilizes a subtle complementary color scheme (the golden tones of the wine complements the violet flowers). The soft, dim lighting and asymmetrical composition creates a specific mood that makes this art print stand out to some. Understanding why the colors accompany each other so well or why they make you feel a certain way will help you appreciate the art more and potentially guide you to styles you enjoy. You can read more about my Sunrise flower art print here

2. Learn about the history of different art periods and how they've shaped the modern art world

You may know a couple of greats, but it's never a bad idea to brush up on your art history to better understand the influences that contribute to modern art styles. This not only includes painters but photographers and other visual artists who have contributed to contemporary art. Exploring a wide variety of eras and artists will set you up for the next tip. 

3. Add variety to your collection

Perhaps you already have a couple of oil paintings or landscapes in your collection. Adding portraits, floral pieces, and other types of art will not only add to the value of your collection but will contribute to your growing artistic taste.

4. Set a budget

It is easy to impulse buy a piece of art that's out of your price range when you fall in love with it. However, it's essential to think about your long-term art collection. Setting a budget for each piece of art you purchase is necessary, so you can continue to add to your collection throughout the years.

5. Understand how visual art is priced

Visual art is often priced not by physical components, such as size and materials used

“but by the creativity of the piece and notoriety of the producer. Works of photography are often priced by the ability to reproduce the work of art.”

The more copies made, the less expensive the piece becomes. Understanding how pricing works can help you stick to a budget and get real value for your investment.

white and light pastel orange pink flowers


For example, because this flower art print has only 175 copies, it is priced higher than a photo reprinted indefinitely. This is often what separates fine art prints from commercial print photography.

6. Get to know the artist if possible

Behind each artwork is an artist with a story to tell. Understanding their visual art accomplishments and their background will give you a better connection to the artwork and a greater appreciation for what it is saying to you.

7. Think about the space where your artwork will be displayed

Before you purchase a piece of art, I would encourage you to consider where you'll be placing it. Not only do you want a prominent wall or space to hang it, but also one with proper lighting so you can appreciate the depth of the composition you buy. The last thing you want is to hang a winsome work of art in a cluttered space or area where no sunlight is present.

framed white and yellow flower art photo on wall above sofa and chair

8. Consider the mood of the artwork

Art should be gripping and inspire emotional reactions, but you want to ensure that these emotions don't overpower your space. For example, you may not want a wildly energetic or chaotic piece of art in your bedroom where you want to wind down in the evening. Likewise, you may not want a somber piece in the kitchen or entertainment areas where the action in the home takes place.

9. Be patient

It may take some time to find the right design for your home. You want genuinely meaningful artwork to you, not just an object that suits for decoration. By searching diligently, you'll learn a lot about different types of artwork and  find the right one for the right price.

10. Keep an open mind

You may think you know what your tastes are, but keep an open mind and allow the art to speak to you. A true piece of art teaches you something new about the world. Whether it is an emotion you don't have the words to express or a newfound appreciation for the mundane parts of life, an authentic piece of art will do more than hang on your wall. It will transform the surrounding space into a place where beauty and magic can manifest.

With love,