Escaping the "but I could just paint my own" mentality when buying artwork, and embracing the value of original pieces.
We've all been there...
As artists, I think it goes without saying that we love art. We appreciate it, love to look at it, and find joy in covering our walls with it.
But since most of us are "starving" artists, we often find it difficult to pull the trigger and purchase an original piece, opting to recreate it ourselves or purchase a cheaper, smaller print rather than a print in the original size or on fine materials, from the artist directly.
I've been reflecting on this a lot recently, and I've decided to try and purchase art directly from the artist when I can, ideally the original work!
Here's why:
1.
I N S P RI R A T I O N
is Valuable
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One of the reasons artists struggle with purchasing another painter's work is the lingering thought, "I could just paint that and not spend any money..." Obviously it wouldn't be exactly the same, but we'd have something of an imitation in our home. That would be enough right? Wrong.
Let's say you're an admirer of Monet. (Who isn't?) You long to take your favorite pieces home with you, and buying prints is a great way to do that. However, well-done prints can start to get expensive, so you decide you'll "just paint it" yourself.
Provided you actually followed through with your idea, you'd still have to recreate the work to your satisfaction. You can try meticulously to imitate it, but something is going to be off, no matter what. This is because you are not Monet.
I don't mean you aren't talented or inspired. Of course you are! You are unique and your artwork is unique and beautiful! But that's just the point. Monet is also a unique person with his own life experiences + vision. You can imitate all you like, but that inspiration he had, the motivation behind the piece, you can never imitate or possess exactly as he did. You are a different person.
The inspiration which led Monet to study haystacks in different lighting is beautiful, unique, and valuable.
As artists, we already know that our favorite painting is going to inspire us so much more than a replica we created ourselves. Bringing that unique beauty & inspiration into your home or studio, communicated by the artist himself, is worth it.
2.
E X P E R I E N C I N G
the Original Work
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I'm sure I don't need to tell you the value of an original painting. Having the opportunity to observe the tiny stokes, the careful pigments, the movement of a piece as it was painted is beyond wonderful. (That's why we go to art museums, right?)
For a long time, I never purchased original art, and never sold it other than on commission. However, I've come to realize in my own home that the one random original painting I found at a thrift store speaks to me so much more than the Manet landscape print hanging next to it. That simple original painting is treasured, and it actually me inspires more than an exquisite painting on 5x7" gloss paper... Why?
The one random original painting I found at a thrift store speaks to me more than the Manet print hanging next to it.
I like to think of it as the difference between an email and a handwritten note. There's just something about seeing the person's handwriting, the way they moved the pen and folded the paper, that gives us so much more insight into what they were thinking, how they were feeling, and the time they took to write to you. There's nothing digital about the message that separates them from you, and it's almost like you can feel their sentiment just by holding what they held.
Paintings are the exact same way. This is why seeing an original in a museum or someone's home is a whole new experience. In a way, you're better able to experience the artist himself, feel what he was feeling, see what he was seeing. The artist articulates through painting an experience with Beauty that he himself has had. That's what art is really about I think: experiencing a person. The artist, and God.
My artist friend, if you're able, skip the 8 prints you could have gotten and just buy the original. You won't regret it.
3.
A L L A R T I S T S
are on the Same Team
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No matter how successful one artist is compared to another, the bottom line is that we are all artists. We share the same creative love, expressed in unique ways. It is such a privilege to be able to share that with one another and to support each other.
It's almost like you can feel their sentiment just by holding what they held.
Purchasing someone's artwork isn't like buying a plastic product at the store. You're welcoming a very real piece of someone's heart into your home. You're getting the chance to experience it, day by day, in new lights and in the different stages of your life! How crazy awesome is that???
Since we are all lovers of the same thing, how incredible is it to provide another artist some monetary means of continuing their art, in exchange for their love, their work, their painting!
An
A R T I S T ' S
Treasures
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The biggest objection to purchasing original pieces is the cost. I get it. Most of us are not able to purchase several large exquisite paintings. They are expensive for the artist to create, they require time, effort, materials, inspiration... Not all of us can afford be fine art collectors.
However, so many artists have smaller works and sketches, and these little treasures are a great way to fill our walls! Save up for a piece from your favorite artist's collection, and then bask in all its unfiltered glory!
There's something uniquely beautiful about embracing an artist's work, seeking inspiration there, and treasuring the part of their heart laid bare on the canvas. Every artist knows this, and it speaks to us so deeply.
I truly believe authentic, original beauty keeps our creativity alive, and I am determined to fill my home with it! What about you?
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Have an original piece, but not sure how to protect and frame it? CLICK HERE
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