Art tells a story...And, when you love a piece enough to hang it on your wall, that story speaks volumes about you. Whether it’s your personality or what you value in life, art can be the perfect translator. It lets you forge deeper connections with those who come into your home.  I am often asked "How do you buy art?"  Here is the strategy behind buying something personal.  Something that tells a story. Something you talk about when entertaining.  What are your walls telling your guests?

1. Start with the end in mind
Have a project in mind: Maybe it’s an empty space on your living room wall that needs to be filled, or a desire to add energy or a specific color to a room.

2. Know your budget
A good first priority is your budget. You can buy original artwork regardless of what your budget is.You can get a very nice original painting by an emerging artist for less than 500 dollars. If you only have 50 dollars there are abstract pieces you can purchase. (But you will still need to frame them.)

3. Look for a deal
A good way to get great artwork on a small budget is to buy work directly from a new artist at a show. The work might even go up in value. You can always openly ask if there is any flexibility in the price. Galleries often incorporate a 5 or 10 percent discount so it doesn't hurt to ask.

 5. What is the work’s “story”
Art is a conversation starter. When someone comes into your home and sees it on the wall, you hope that it’s good enough to inspire conversation. As the owner of the artwork, you really want to know the story behind it. So ask questions like: Who is the artist? When was it created? What does it mean to the artist? Color facts about the piece? Where is the artist from?

6. Buy something you love
Get out and start looking at artwork! The more you look, the more you’ll understand what you like. And no matter how little you know, or how afraid you feel, if you see something you know you love, buy it. You’ll be living with this art so you want to be inspired by it every day. And don’t worry if others don’t show the same appreciation of what you have chosen - Art is subjective and very personal. That’s why you want to show YOUR taste in your home.

7. Get your artwork professionally framed
Once you discover professional framing you will never want to trust your artwork to a box store again. I recommend taking things you want framed to a Professional Custom Framing Shop. I use Noel Flynn Gallery & Frame Factory -- his staff is amazing and will help you get a great look for your original artwork. I have found his prices very competitive with Michales and Hobby Lobby. The Noel Flynn Gallery and Frame Factory in downtown Roseville. Owner Noel Flynn is an artist who has sold hundreds of pieces, mostly watercolors both nationally and internationally over the span of 30 years. They will ensure your piece of artwork will look its absolute best!

Recently I have had the pleasure of working with International Art Consultant Nancy Hogstrom, owner of the International Art Source. She has shared with me some original artwork resources and broadened my knowledge of artwork in all mediums. Nancy has been curating artwork for International Hotels, Corporate Buildings, Hospitals and Homes for more than 20 years. If you would like a second opinion on art or to look at some original artwork, please reach out and we can discuss it.

***We held a Meetup event to learn "How to Buy, Mat and Frame Artwork" and it was very informative. We met at Noel’s shop in downtown Roseville, CA and you can see photos from that event here: https://www.meetup.com/Home-Decorators-Club/events/262980012/

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Jonelle'