The Art of Collecting
Collecting art can and should look different for every individual, and by “collecting” I simply mean buying it and bringing it into your home.
First of all, buy original art because you connect with it, not because it matches your sofa or it’s on trend. Original art is an investment in an emotional experience that will only get better with time. It’s the classic example of “I’ll know it when I see it.”
The right original art should make you feel like you do when you slide on your favorite boots, denim jacket, or pajama pants. It can transport you to a favorite memory or location. When you feel a connection it’s because there is one; the energy of the art likes you and wants to be with you. This is what you need to pay attention to, not the voice asking “but where will it go?”
I love to sell my art in person to have the opportunity to connect with the new owners. Once artwork leaves the studio or a market, it becomes part of someone else’s daily life. It greets them in the morning like a cup of coffee, or every time they walk into their home. It quietly becomes part of the memories made in their space. That's when a painting truly comes to life.
If you’re uncomfortable curating the perfect space for your new art, here are a few simple suggestions. Start with the room where you'll enjoy the piece the most. It doesn't have to be the most formal space in your home. Sometimes a favorite painting belongs in the breakfast nook where you have your morning coffee or in the hallway you walk through several times a day. Art is meant to be lived with, not tucked away in a room you seldom use.
When it's time to hang your artwork, keep it close to eye level (57” - 60” from floor). That's usually where it feels most natural and inviting. If it’s going to hang above furniture 6-10 inches is a good rule of thumb. And don't be afraid to give it a little space. Every painting deserves room to breathe, allowing you to appreciate its colors, textures, and details without competing for attention.
Light is another important consideration. While natural light can be beautiful, prolonged direct sunlight can gradually fade colors over time. Choosing a spot with soft, indirect light will help preserve your artwork while allowing it to be enjoyed for years to come.
The best collections aren't built overnight. They grow one meaningful piece at a time. You may discover that your favorite abstract painting looks wonderful beside a landscape, or that a colorful floral brings life to a room filled with neutral furnishings. There are no hard rules—only thoughtful choices that reflect your personality and tell your story.
Most importantly, don't be afraid to rearrange your art. As your home changes, your artwork can change with it. A painting that once lived in your living room may someday feel perfect in your bedroom or home office. That's part of the joy of collecting. Also, don’t be afraid to mix styles. I am so lucky to have Beth Williams of Pink Moon Therapeutics curating exhibitions at In Demand Art Studios. Some of my favorite walls have combined very contemporary art with traditional art. Collections just need something in common to make them cohesive; color, frames, energy, etc.
Original art is one of the few things we bring into our homes that continues to reveal something new every time we look at it. It can inspire us, comfort us, remind us of a special moment, or simply make us smile.
So don't worry about creating the "perfect" display. Create one that feels like you.
Because the most beautiful collections aren't the ones that follow all the design rules—they're the ones that are loved, lived with, and enjoyed every single day.