Is buying original art expensive?
Art buying can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. However, think about for a moment what goes into creating artwork, the process. Art is usually created by someone who is artistic. They have a specific vision--or point of view--that manifests itself into a physical form. In other words, the creation goes from imagination to canvas. In my case, typically, I can see the finished artwork in my head and create it based on that vision. Other times, I will see a palette of colors that I think will look great together. Right now, I'm loving the colors pink and yellow. They don't normally compliment each other; they're both bright… very bright. Bold and vibrant, they are, but somehow there is harmony… symmetry if you will.
With that said, I can create a piece of artwork in 48 hours or 48 days. The process is the process. But the longer an artist works on an artwork, the pricier it can get because of the time spent on each work. Thus, the bigger the size, the more surface space an artist has to cover. However, I will say, just because an artwork is smaller, doesn't mean that the piece took less time to create. Many artists have a "comfort zone" when it comes to painting size. I have a lot to say, so my comfort zone is around 36"x48," give or take a few inches. If I go smaller, I do have to "quiet" my voice. If I go larger, I have to scream from the mountain top! My abstract painting price tends to reflect the amount of work put in, ranging from $150-$700.
I like abstract art but I am wondering how to incorporate it into my traditional home. Should I try to pick a more sedate piece and try to blend it into my current interior design or should I go bold?
Abstract art does have a place in traditional homes. The pop factor should be the art. The juxtaposition is tradition and modern. I would focus on the color palette. Abstract art doesn't necessarily mean "busy." Abstract means that one is painting from the subconscious. Some artists have a lot going on in their subconscious and they want to express themselves, unfiltered, that way and other artists are subconsciously conservative. Pick a piece of art that “speaks” to you.
Should I choose a artwork with colors that match my home?
Absolutely! Color coordination is always the goal with artwork. Well, for me as an artist anyway. One should never lose their sense of style because abstract art comes into play. Art should be bold, expressive and match the drapes or ottoman.
How do I know if a piece of abstract art is "good?"
When I tell people that I’m a painter, the first thing they blurt out is, “I can’t draw to save my life.” I respond, “It’s a good thing I’m an abstract artist.” Good is relative. I admire Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn and Vincent Van Gogh, but none of them speak to me the way that Hans Hofmanm or Jackson Pollack does. Did I mention that Williem de Kooning was worth a mention?
Can I mix & match abstract art with more traditional pieces?
You can certainly mix abstract artwork with traditional pieces. The key is to color coordinate or scheme match--similar painting styles between artists.
Should I choose an abstract art piece on my own or should I hire an expert to help advise me?
Abstract art is subjective. You either look at it and it moves you--or it moves you away. With that said, if you are looking for a truly cultural piece--and you don’t have a lot of experience--you can certainly trust the eye of an interior designer. Not only that, an interior designer can help pull the entire room together.
Should the room (bedroom, kitchen, living room) impact my choice of abstract art?
An abstract art installation should be a part of the room, not define it. Matching each room’s décor is the name of the game, with abstract art.
If my budget is tight, should I buy a print of a famous abstract artist's piece or buy an original art piece by a less-known artist?
You can do both: buy a print from a famous artist or buy an original piece from an emerging artist. I, for example, am a fan of Jackson Pollack and Hans Hofmann. But, I’m also a fan of Sabrina Hartel--seeing what thoughts and colors I can pour onto a canvas.
How big is too big? My home isn't big & spacious like a gallery, how big can a piece of art be in relation to the size of my wall?
An art piece should be no more than a third to a half the size of the wall, if you don’t want the piece to overwhelm the room. Ask yourself, is it the focal point of the room or is it the room? Is there furniture along the wall as well? At my home, there is a piece of art on every wall. Some of it is large abstract wall art. Some of it is small abstract artwork. But none of it is overwhelming.
Can I get a custom painting done about a subject of my choosing? Can I choose colors, etc.?
Some artists create custom pieces, or "consignment" art. However, I do not. I paint from the soul… feeling... color mood… what’s going on in the world. That is my inspiration.
Money is tight but I want to buy a specific piece of abstract art... will an artist/gallery offer a payment plan or do I have to pay the full price right away?
I have seen a trend of online art galleries offering payment plans or even “try it at home for a few days and see how you like it” offers. I say, commit to it. Start with a piece that is within your budget and dive in, head first.
Do I need to buy a frame for my artwork?
You don’t need to buy a frame that is on a canvas. Very few pieces of my artwork that are at home have frames, except two; that’s because one of them is a watercolor and the other is a wood art installation. My canvases are unframed.
I am thinking of doing a feature art wall with many pieces… Would it be wrong to group different abstract pieces from different artists together like this… or will they play nice together?
Those art pieces will play together well… If… they are of similar color schemes and/or similar artistic styles. With that said, if you like to live on the edge, like me, you would like the juxtaposition of many art “flavors.” You just want to make sure that there is at least one thing that you can tie them all together. Like, is it art? LOL.
