Buying art

[Losingthewilltolive999]

We’re moving to a new house with a big wall in the kitchen that’s crying out for a big painting. I’ve had a look at lots of websites and have no idea how to pick anything. I like it when people have art that they buy on holiday etc - not possible at the moment obviously - but everything I can see looks pretty generic. Does anyone have any tips? I’m so rubbish at this kind of thing!

Depends what you like. I've a friend who is an artist and I have many of her sketches in my house, mostly wildlife and landscape sketches. She also does large oil paintings etc which I can appreciate but wouldn't choose to put on the wall.

I'd recommend searching for a local artist online, see if they have a gallery oinez Instagram, Etsy etc. Get a feel for what you like.

Have you looked on Etsy? Or twitter/ insta for artists work you enjoy, some will do commisions as well depending on who you choose.

Look at the #artistsupportpledge on Instagram; lots of artists offering affordable pieces, it started off as a covid thing.

Thanks both. I’ll have a look. I just don’t want it to look like an abstract hotel type picture! Local artists is a very good shout.

@HoneysuckIejasmine I need an artist friend!!

Emma Carlisle makes beautiful work; she’s Devon/Cornwall based and is on Instagram

I know what you mean about generic art. There’s loads of beautiful work out there, the sky’s the limit really. Depends on your budget ;-)

Do you want art in the sense of a painting/drawing or would you also consider a photograph or some vintage advertising or something like that? Might be some other options to consider.

Also have a look on Artsy - you can select the things you like and it will give you other recommendations.n also has links to galleries and auctions.

Yes, we’ve bought from Artsy too

I think the best place is visiting some local art galleries and then deciding what you’re after - landscapes, animals, still life, abstract etc. Obviously if you’re looking at spending under around £300 then high quality prints from Instagram or Etsy might be better especially if it’s something large.

But as you’re saying you don’t want generic then definitely check out some galleries.

Check out Yvonne Coomber art if you like flowers. She is from Devon and her work is stunning.
I bought a large print which is my highlight of the kitchen.
But I dont live with a man and not sure her work would appeal if I did!

Partnership Editions have some lovely stuff (and also budget-conscious prints). It really depends on how much you want to spend.