Why Buy Original Art?

Spring is in the air and the daffodils and tulips are out in force to let us know the warmer weather is coming. Yippee, about time, too.  I've even painted a tulip or three this month myself as well as doing my commission work and  little Daily Paintings which will be available to buy, framed and mounted, very soon. Anyhow, welcome to this month's waffle which will be focusing on why we buy original pieces of art. Why do we? What does it do for us?  Well, owning original art has numerous benefits believe it or not. Here's a few ideas you may or may not of thought about:

• To start with art improves our quality of life.  Yes, sounds a bit deep doesn't it, but it's not. Not really.  All you have to do is think about the difference between a room with bare walls and one with walls full of art. It personalises and humanises the places where we live and work.  Art revives lifeless interiors - homes as well as businesses-- and transforms them into unique, beautiful and engaging environments.
  
  
• Artists lead modest lives because producing art is far more important to them than having lots of money - I think this is where "the starving artist" notion originated from. Most artists have second jobs, too, in order to help support their income.
  
  
• Original works of art have certain energies about them that reproductions and mass-produced decorative items simply don't have. You know just by looking at it that another human being has made it, and not a machine.
  
  
• An impressive or extensive personal art collection can be likened in microcosm to that of a great museum, and certainly increases the esteem of the owner among his or her peers. In fact, many of the great personal art collections either end up in museums or become museums in and of themselves. 
  
  

• ​Art that has been commissioned for personal reasons, be it a portrait, landscape or abstract piece, will often be handed down the generations of a family.
  
  

• An original work of art reflects, enhances and sometimes even magnifies the personality of the individual who owns it. Yes, believe it or not that Zinsky original hanging on your wall speaks volumes about you. 
  
  
• Owning original art has unequivocally positive effects for those who own it.  Don't you always feel more uplifted every time you look at your Kay Ashton on your wall?
  
  
• Art makes people proud to live and work where they do. They point to their own pieces and their workplace art collections with pride. Seeing original art in the halls, lobbies and offices of their corporate headquarters has unconditionally positive, productive, inspirational and uplifting effects.
  
  
• Art is environmentally friendly, energy efficient and easy to maintain. It does not increase global warming, use fossil fuels or need to be serviced on a regular basis, and it's certainly not just another expendable commodity destined for the landfill once it outlives its usefulness. Art never outlives its usefulness. In fact, it only gets better with time.
  
  
• For business people who like to make profits, either directly or indirectly, know that many people decide where to spend their time (and money) based on the art that businesses have on display. For example, commercial spaces such as restaurants, hotels and meeting places often attract people because of their impressive art and interior decor.
  
  
• For those so inclined, art can be used to signify wealth, success or power and can even be used to intimidate. For example, imagine a CEO's office appointed with a big bold, vibrant, dynamic painting hanging on the wall directly behind their desk, and two imposing larger-than-life sculptures strategically placed around the office. Anyone who sits and meets with this individual must also contend with their art. So if you want to impress your clients, commission your local artist to create some powerful art to hang in your office.
  
  
• Children are fascinated by art.  It  prompts them to ask questions and encourages them to fantasise, imagine, explore and expand their perceptions of reality, and to dream of unlimited possibilities.  Art teaches children how to be creative and have fun with life and gives them permission to do so as well. It is extremely important for helping to develop their imagination.
  
  
• Art is a powerful form of expression not only for the artists who create it, but also for those who own it because allows people to express their individuality and to represent their beliefs, feelings, hopes, convictions and philosophies. Yes, powerful stuff!
  
  
• An original work of art is not only visually appealing, but it also radiates the personality, abilities, creativity, insight, inspiration, technical mastery, attitudes, and at it's best, the brilliance and genius of the artist who created it *coughs loudly* and those who own art are able to experience,  be inspired and uplifted by these qualities whenever they look at their preferred pieces of art.
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• Art stimulates conversation, dialogue and interchange even between total strangers who might never otherwise say a single word to each other. It gives people permission to share thoughts, feelings, ideas and impressions that they might not ordinarily share.
  
  
• Across the country and around the world, artists move into troubled or blighted neighborhoods or parts of cities that have fallen on hard times and revitalize them with their artistry. Property values increase, new businesses move in and the overall quality of life in those areas improves immeasurably. Sooner or later, the public at large discovers these wondrous transformations, and in some cases people actually travel great distances to visit these creative oases. Think Banksy for starters. Street artists that do wonderful 3-D creations, sand artists who make perfect sculptors on the beach - the list is endless.  In other words, buying art and supporting artists serves far higher purposes than simply decorating your walls. Your ongoing support provides artists with the means to continue improving the quality of life for us all.  

I, for one, cannot think of anything better to do than create art. Doing an oil painting or sketch for someone and seeing their face at the finished piece is, for me, priceless. And for people to want to buy my art that I have created is immeasurable, it really is.  Above all, making people happy through my artwork is the best reason to make more.

Kay

ENTWINED Oil on canvas 30" x 20" Not for sale.

ENTWINED

Oil on canvas

20" x 30"

This piece is not available for sale just yet as it is being entered into an art competition, as are a few other pieces of art. So watch this space!

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Daily Paintings

Keep your eye out for my latest Daily Paintings entitled "Dynamic Duo" which is all about tasty twosomes that compliment each other so well.

Available to purchase.