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Can you imagine having a home full of original artworks which give you joy?

Recently an internationally-respected, follower and promoter of my artwork (Renee Phillips from Manhattan Arts International) asked me if I'd written any articles from the perspective of suggestions which might help the art collector.  I gave it some thought and realised that I hadn't written about it, even though I have collected a number of treasured original artworks over the years without having had a huge disposable income.

WHY:  You see, my experience is that original art ALWAYS gives me better vibes to live with than reproductions ... yes, even reproductions of the best art in history.

Like most young people, I started out by buying pictures and photos to decorate the walls of our home.  One day an artist friend gave me a tiny original oil painting of a native flower.  It was only about 3x4 inches so it sat on a mini display stand on the sideboard.  It became increasingly special to me, not only because it was the gift of a friend, but also because the originality made me keep thinking that my friend had physically applied the paint that I could see and touch.

When I began my own journey of painting (initially as a hobby) I realised that I seemed to keep pieces that had a special something, the ability to take me back to the day and place I painted them, the reason I wanted to paint them in the first place or the ones which just plain made me feel good. They were not necessarily technically the best paintings that I had done nor would they have fetched the highest prices.

The prints on my walls began to lose their appeal and they were gradually replaced by original art.  I had become a collector, albeit it at a snail's pace.

HOW:  I'll share with you some of the ways that I have managed to collect original art without it costing me a fortune.

I began attending workshops by artists whose work or techniquies I admired and when possible I bought the artwork which the artist produced as demonstration pieces for us.  These usually went for a fraction of the cost which those artists could charge elsewhere.  Not only did I acquire original artwork which I love but also those works are great reminders of the other artists I met during the workshops.  In addition, I continue to get to see the techniques that I was shown, up close and personal whenever I study the work.

I've made friends with artists and other people in the artworld with whom I seem to connect ... you know, just how you do in life.  We have swapped artwork.  Mind you, only work that we like enough to want to live with.  Original for original as were on offer.  This has surely got to be one of the best and cheapest ways to acquire artwork.  Not only do you have artwork which you like and which could be very different from your own work, but also those pieces of art are a great reminder of your friendships.

When I see blogs, newsletters and articles like this, I subscribe to the blog posts or newsletters so that I can see works and information from that artist. They'll be sure to let me know when they're going to be in shows, exhibitions and galleries either online ones or bricks and mortar ones.  I'll be amongst the first to see and have an opportunity to buy their new works.

If you're a user of internet social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc, start following artists and message them if you see work that you'd like to own.  Those artists may well be starting out and if so, their prices are likely to be very reasonable.

I go to art galleries, shows and exhibitions featuring both established and emerging artists.  It is perfectly reasonable to ask to buy something on layby when you fall in love with art. 

Sometimes I get the opportunity to visit artists in their own studios during art trails or when I'm travelling.  They are more than happy to direct me to the galleries who represent them so that I can make a purchase.

  Children's art is wonderful as many parents and grandparents know full well.  It has a freedom which few adult artists can emulate and it is proudly given.  Look carefully, as some of those pieces adorning your fridge may be worthy of framing for your walls.  Assigning those artworks which you love, the importance of space on your walls can give both you and the budding artist pleasure for years to come.  Here's an example by my grandson who was 5 at the time.  It was his depiction of the poppies in bloom while our soldiers were falling during the wars. I think it is stark but beautiful and it has meaning to me far beyond any technical ability.

Do you have other family members who paint, sculpt, pot etc? If so, they might be happy to give or sell you their artwork for a reasonable price.  I had an aunt who gave me three paintings, two of which I gave to my sisters.  In like manner, I have given my own children artwork and I get pleasure out of seeing those paintings on the walls of their homes.

As my collection grew, I began to want to collect work by other artists special to me or simply work that I fell in love with.  One year I had a 'significant' birthday and decided to buy myself a present. I began looking through my saved galleries and artists' websites and soon found that a local artist was having an exhibition at his own studio.  I went and fell in love with a piece (as you do) and now go to his annual studio exhibition.  Of course it didn't stop there,  Every birthday,  I now buy myself a piece of artwork, sometimes a second piece from a favourite artist and sometimes from a new artist whose work I like ... just because!

So there's the HOW and WHY I began building my own original art collection.

Please feel welcome to share your own views by commenting below.