No home is complete without one thing: art! You don’t have to be an artist or designer to know
that walls seem bare without artwork. There are so many reasons to build your own collection, and there are a growing number of styles to choose from. At Bon Brise Design, we often take our clients through the process of selecting art, or even bring in art consultants to work on a project.
Many people find purchasing pieces of art to be intimidating or too expensive, while others simply don’t know where to begin. There are pieces out there for everyone—and yes, in every price range! We have a few tips on how auctions work, why art collecting pays, and how to find pieces you will love.
Look for Local Artists
If you don’t know where to begin, try looking for local galleries online to familiarize yourself with local artists. At Bon Brise, we so enjoy working with local artists to commission custom pieces. But if you’re not ready to commit to a custom piece quite yet, there are many local art markets and galleries where you can find lovely paintings. It’s always a nice feeling to bring something hand-crafted by a local artist into your home.
View Paintings in Person
Emotional connections to art are more often made when you see pieces up close. Something that you may not have liked online can have a completely different effect on you in person and vice versa. Colors can also be different in person versus online, and in-person viewings allow you to speak with the gallerist or artist to find out about the piece you’re viewing.
Speak With a Specialist
Working with an art consultant is one of the easiest ways to find pieces you will love. They can tell you everything there is to know about art and even help you discover which styles interest you most. They have all the knowledge on their pieces you will want to know, including the background of the piece, its condition, and information about the artist. Bon Brise Design can connect you with an art consultant and ensure that your new investment will fit right into your home.
Buy What You Love
It’s as simple as that. A mistake we commonly see is clients purchasing art they thought they should own, as opposed to buying a piece that they truly like. Take your gut reaction into account when making a decision.
Collect Emerging Artists
If you’re on a budget but are looking to purchase multiple pieces, try looking for emerging artists.
Chicago has so many talented young artists, and their paintings are more likely to be less expensive but just as intriguing.
Do Research
Research is so important when entering the world of art. There are hundreds of styles. Although big names might be out of your reach, spend a day or two perusing the local fine arts museum. When you see pieces that speak to you, write down the name of the artist and the piece. This will help the specialist you’re working with know what styles interest you.
If you’re preparing to redesign your home, give us a call! We work with all styles and many local art consultants to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
