To ask how to buy art work...

[ChristmasCrumpet]

Recently started a thread explaining that I have circa £1500 to choose a 40th birthday present, and a little flummoxed as to what to get.

A couple of posters suggested a piece original art work, and I think this is a great idea, but don't know where to start.

Those in the know... where's a good place to look? Any particular artists or styles that are likely to appreciate?

I think I'd prefer a piece/picture to hang on the wall, but would be open to a little sculpture/vase/stand alone piece too.

Any pointers in the right direction would be very much appreciated.

Thank you for this thread, everyone. I don't know when I can spend on a luxury like art again, but definitely want to.

If there is an artist you really like they may bring a selection to your home so you can see the aunties in situ. Lighting is important too. I have a row of small adjustable spotlights which work well.

Buy something that takes you breath away.

It almost certainly won’t appreciate in value, but you will love it every time you see it.

The issue with art value is that it’s dependent on the right selling environment. There are very few pieces that have an innate value. I have several pieces that are technically worth a few thousand each, but I’d have to get them into the right auction at the right time and be lucky with the right buyer in order to make the value. Fortunately I just love them.

1.5k is a lot, but it's not "investment" art money really.

Buy art you love, that you want to look at every day, that gives you an emotive response.

Personally I'd find an Emin I could afford and then hang it by my desk so I could stare at it every day.

Please please don’t rush into buying something. I have bought a few original paintings. The two that I bought because I was rushed, pressured and I felt I HAD to, I now hate. I bought them because I THOUGHT I should. I THOUGHT I wanted them.

Go to the art fair to look without a set idea that you will buy. There will be a sense of needing to buy quickly, but don’t. Take photos of anything that you like and then flick back through the photos. Take your time. See how it FEELS when you go back to one you are interested in.

I’d avoid the art fairs to be honest. A bit soulless in my opinion. I’d go to local art galleries and see what you FEEL when you look at the pieces.

Enjoy the process of looking. Art galleries with a friend and lunch before/after is one of my favourite things to do. Take a year to choose!

As you may be able to tell, I’m wanting to live this vicariously. What a joyful position to be in!

I’ve bought a few pieces from here and always been happy with them.

good luck in your search

https://newbloodart.com/

Not sure if you've managed to find something yet but I'm going to shamelessly offer up my daughter! She's in her second year of Fine Art and Print making at Uni. She's outstanding. She's open to bespoke pieces, a little bit gritty, but also specialises in realism. I shall add a few example to this post x