Style Tips

Yesterday I received a copy of Pottery Barn (the Fall Forecast edition) and I found myself flipping through it without even thinking.  Same old think on this page, same on this one too, I thought again and again as I saw the same items that stared back at me from catalogues of years past.  Then, something new.  "Style Tips" they call them.  Every 5-10 pages they have "Style Tips," which are sentence-long helpful hints about decorating.  Surprisingly, most of them are actually pretty helpful.  For example:

With one industrial element in a room, everything else--even traditional pieces--look contemporary.

And another:

Frames can "follow" architectural details like moldings or stairs for an eye-catching effect.

So, this got me thinking.  Maybe it is important to point out the obvious sometimes, because people do like being reminded of things.  I began thinking it might be nice to offer up some style tips of my own when it comes to art.  So, here it goes:

• Buy what you love, because you will have it forever.
• Your art doesn't have to match your couch; you can always recover!
• If you always decorate with traditional furnishings, try something contemporary on the wall. You will be pleasantly surprised with the result.
• Frame your art to best present the painting, photograph or print - not to match your decor.
• Emerging artists are not necessarily less talented than established artist, and they usually cost less too!
• Go with your gut when you are choosing art.  Let it elicit an emotional response in you, and when it does, you will know it is right.
• Works on paper are always a great option when a little money needs to go a long way.
• Don't listen to the "rules," if you want to collect several pieces by the same artist, go ahead--it's your collection.
• Start small: if you can't afford large paintings, then buy small ones.  They often have the same effect.
• Buy local - Whether it is a local artist or a local gallery, you will likely feel more of a connection with the piece and you will be supporting your local talent!
  

Hopefully, with these few tips, you will feel more equipped to step foot into the world of art collecting.  Good luck and happy art buying!