How to Choose an Artwork: A Guide for New Art Collectors

Buying an original painting can feel exciting and a little intimidating at the same time.

Many people love art, but are not always sure how to begin collecting it. They may wonder things like: How do I know if a painting is worth buying? What size should I choose? Should it match my home? Should I know more about the artist first?

The truth is that collecting art is less about following strict rules and more about paying attention to what genuinely draws you in.

If you are thinking about buying your first original painting, or simply learning how to trust your own taste, here are a few ideas that may help.

Start With What You Feel

The most important reason to buy a painting is simple:

You connect with it.

That connection is not always logical. Sometimes a painting reminds you of a place, a memory, or a feeling you cannot fully explain. Sometimes it just stays with you.

That is often the best place to begin.

Collectors sometimes worry that they need expert knowledge before purchasing art, but connection matters more than having the perfect explanation. If a piece keeps catching your attention, that response is worth paying attention to.

What I Look for When I Collect Art

Over time, I have noticed that the things that draw me toward a piece are not always the same.

Sometimes it is the mark making in the work. I am drawn to surfaces that show the hand of the artist clearly. Other times it is the colour palette, or the feeling created by the materials themselves.

I have collected encaustic works, printmaking, and more recently, cyanotype printing. Part of what excites me as a collector is seeing pieces that feel different from the kind of work I usually encounter. I enjoy discovering materials and processes that are a little less common. There is something exciting about finding a piece that stands apart from the norm.

What usually matters most to me is that the work shows clear talent and a unique voice.

I do not usually collect work connected to popular culture. There are occasional exceptions. My husband is into Star Wars, so from time to time I may see something in that world and decide it is worth bringing home. But more often than not, I am choosing pieces because they feel original, skillful, and distinct.

Sometimes I buy a piece right away because the connection is immediate. Other times I need to think about it. I may hope to see that artist again at an art fair next year, or I may follow them on Instagram or join their mailing list so I can keep an eye on their work.

As I continue growing in my understanding of collecting, I imagine I will follow artists more intentionally over time. But right now, my process is fairly simple.

I buy what catches my eye.

And interestingly, I am not usually too concerned about where the piece will go when I first buy it. For me, the connection to the artwork comes first. Finding the right place for it usually comes later.

Consider the Space — But Don’t Let That Be the First Filter

It is helpful to think about where a painting might live in your home, but I do not think that should always be the first question.

Many collectors start by asking whether a piece will match a room. That can matter, of course, but I think it is often better to begin with whether the work itself speaks to you.

If it does, the practical details can usually be worked out afterward.

That said, size does make a difference. Larger paintings often bring more presence and atmosphere into a room, while smaller works can create quieter, more intimate moments. Lighting, wall space, and viewing distance can all affect how a painting feels once it is installed.

Still, I would not let those questions overpower your first response to the work. If a piece feels important to you, that is usually the stronger signal.

Learn About the Artist When It Matters

Not every purchase begins the same way.

Sometimes I buy a piece without knowing much about the artist’s background because the work itself is enough to convince me. Other times I need more time. I may want to see more of their work, learn about their process, or follow them for a while before I make a decision.

I think both approaches are valid.

Part of collecting art is learning how different artists work and what keeps drawing you back to them. Over time, following artists through exhibitions, fairs, Instagram, or mailing lists can deepen that relationship and make future purchases feel even more meaningful.

You do not need to know everything before you buy. But sometimes learning more can strengthen your connection to the work.

Available Paintings vs. Commissions

Collectors sometimes wonder whether they should buy an available painting or commission something custom.

In many cases, buying an available painting is the simplest option. The work already exists, which means you can spend time with the actual piece, respond to it directly, and bring it home sooner. It is also often more straightforward and cost-effective than commissioning something new.

Commissions can be wonderful when there is a very specific memory, place, or story you want reflected in a painting.

If you are curious about how commissions work, including pricing and planning, you can read more here:→ Commissioned Paintings: Pricing, Process, and What Collectors Should Know

Let Your Collection Grow Naturally

Most collections begin with one piece.

They do not need to begin with a big plan. In fact, many meaningful collections grow slowly over time, shaped by instinct, curiosity, memory, and personal taste.

Some people collect around a theme. Others collect across different mediums. Some become loyal followers of a few artists, while others simply respond to what moves them.

There is no single correct way to build an art collection.

What matters is that the work continues to feel meaningful to you.

Trust What Stays With You

One of the best pieces of advice I can give is this:

Pay attention to the work that stays in your mind.

If you leave an art fair and keep thinking about one piece, that matters. If you keep checking an artist’s page to see whether a painting is still available, that matters too.

Art has a way of lingering when it is right.

You do not need to have the perfect explanation. You do not need to know everything about collecting. Sometimes the best reason to buy a piece is simply that it keeps calling you back.

A Final Thought

Collecting original art does not require expertise, perfect taste, or a detailed plan.

It starts with noticing what draws you in.

Over time, your eye becomes sharper. Your preferences become clearer. You begin to recognize the kinds of surfaces, colours, materials, and voices that matter most to you.

But even then, I think the heart of collecting stays the same.

You buy the work that speaks to you.

If you would like to explore my current work, you can view my latest available paintings here.