To buy original artwork?

[Ripperofknitting]

I've always fancied the idea of having an original piece of art but generally it's always been out of my price range. The piece I have my eye on probably still is as it means dipping into savings and we're supposed to be saving up for a bigger house.

But I like the idea of owning something that no one on the world has that would bring me joy every time I see it. I can't ask DH at the moment (armed forces and un-contactable for another few weeks) but obviously if I wait that long someone else may snap it up.

I guess long term it may be an investment but who knows?

AIBU to think fuck it and deal with the repercussions when DH gets back (repercussions likely to be no more than him being in a grump for a little while) or should I just hope that it's still available once he's back?

I've a painting on bedroom wall bought with a Christmas bonus that should have gone on paying back bank loan. Had it 15 years. Loan long paid off, and I love the painting...

I can't comment on what's financially appropriate in your marriage ( by the sound of it, we operate very differently) but I think that original art is worth it.

We have a few original pieces in the house and hope to buy more in the future. Personally, I'd even compromise on cheaper furniture to afford better artwork as it has a greater impact on the space and doesn't wear out a few years later.

I think you have to be very well educated on the subject to use it as an successful investment.

If something will bring you pleasure then buying it is purely based on utility gained and only you know the answer to that. I wish I could afford the original but can only have the print.

I'm toying with the idea of commissioning a piece of art from an artist I like for DH's Christmas present. He has quoted me a price. We have a lot of original art but most of it only cost £150-500 range, nothing properly expensive.

Ooh! I've just remembered I have an original piece arriving today. DH got me a voucher for Artfinder.com for my birthday and the one I choose arrives today. I think he'll be surprised. It's a painting of a geisha girl holding a revolver. Modern and edgy. Most of our stuff is old school, beautiful scenery etc.

Buy it and enjoy it, Ripperofknitting. I have several original artworks that dh and I have bought over the years - some have been birthday, anniversary or Christmas presents, as they have been a bit more pricey, but others have not - I have a beautiful picture of snowdrops on my bedroom wall, that was painted by a friend - I bought it for £20 in our art group's annual exhibition and sale.

In the future, if you like original art, it is well worth going to local groups' exhibitions - the art is original, and often of very high quality, but is less expensive than professional artists' work.

Btw - your nickname suggests an interest in yarn crafts - you may not be aware, but MN has a strong streak of knitters and crocheters. We have a group called Woolly Hugs (you can find us on FB and here. We make blankets for bereaved MNers who have lost a spouse or a child, as well as comfort blankets for children in hospital, for children suffering from cancer in Africa, for the children of Chernobyl who come to the UK each year, and for angel babies at the Brompton Hospital.

We also have online craft sales to raise money for various charities. Do come and find us - the more the merrier!

Sorry I think in your situation it isn't a great idea. What happens if your partner hates it? Especially if it ends up losing/ not gaining any value.

When he comes home I would talk to him and explain that you'd really like an original piece and agree on a few artists at the very e.

At the very least. My phone decided the rest of the letters were unnecessary.

You might want to look at Own Art?

My husband and I have a small business selling original artworks that cost between £100 and £500. Buying non-contemporary art - the kind we sell -can be more affordable.

Having these artworks around - we work from home - gives me enormous pleasure.

As with any domestic purchase, it helps if it's something both people like - especially if money is tight and the picture is in shared space as opposed to a private workroom.

(If anyone wants to know more about what I/we do, feel free to send me a PM.)

A lot of galleries in the UK offer a collector plan whereby you pay a 10% deposit for a work and can take it home, then pay the remainder in 10 or 15 interest-free instalments.

Just putting it out there that most artwork doesn't retain its value unless it is very collectable. You need to at least consider if he will like the piece too.

I have a few original pieces, mid-price, bought because I love them and they're special to us.

I doubt they'll ever make us rich, but I have pointed out the ones that the kids should probably not just bin and use the frames when we die

I'd only buy original artwork. YANBU in the slightest

Thanks everyone! I've did the deed!! I can just about justify it to myself as between my wee £2 piggy bank and a dividend I'm getting in a couple of weeks, I can scrape together probably about half the cost. The other half I can put back in to savings early next year hopefully if I get an anticipated work bonus.

Its definitely a gamble that dh will like it but he's generally an "if it makes you happy" kind of husband - if he hates it, I'll just put it up in my little den that I'm planning for our new house.

I won't get it for a couple of weeks as it's been exhibited first but I love the idea it'll have a lovely sold sign on it now so other admirers will have to keep their mitts off.

STDG - I'll certainly have a look at woolly hugs - what a lovely thing you' re doing for fellow MNers!

Now that you've bought it, could we see a picture please? Or at least the artist's name . I'm plain nosey, won't bother denying it.

God no.

Go to a local auction.

Didn't RTFT. sorry!

Pics!

Glad you made your decision. We have quite a few original pieces in our house and every one has a story attached to it. My husband commissioned one of them without telling me, but thankfully I love it. It's helpful that we have similar tastes (in art anyway )

Hope he loves it too and there's no grump!