There’s an art to buying great art

I kicked-off last weekend by doing one of my favorite things: going to an art opening. The visual stimulation can be inspiring for my design work and occasionally I come home with a new treasure for myself or for a client.

I always enjoy these openings. While the wine, nibbles and conversation with friends completes the fun, discovering new artists or seeing recent works of some I already know is very thrilling

We are lucky to live in a part of the country that boasts one of the most engaged, active arts community in America. Between Savannah (and the Savannah College of Art and Design) and the Lowcountry, we are surrounded by a large number of traditional and innovative galleries as well as exciting exhibit spaces filled with all kinds of art for us to ponder and maybe purchase.

Over the years I seem to have amassed a diverse collection of paintings, photographs, prints and sculptures. Some works in my collection have been created by dear friends (one of the many bonuses of going to SCAD), and others are from artists I have met throughout my career. I’ve purchased pieces at galleries, at galas, at auctions and even on-line. I have even discovered one or two while perusing estate sales.

While a few of my pieces have been somewhat expensive, many have not. I am thrilled if a piece in my collection goes up in value but I have never bought art as an investment. I know it might sound cliché, but if it does not please my eyes I am not going to put it in my living room.

I’ve had clients and friends tell me they’ve felt a bit overwhelmed or intimidated when it comes to buying art. But the process should be fun.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with coordinating the decor of a room around a favorite piece of art. However, art doesn't necessarily have to match the sofa in the great room or the duvet on your bed. In fact, I am always thrilled when a client shows me a treasured piece from their collection and wants to build a room around it. Sometimes I take inspiration from the color palette, other times it is the mood of the piece I want to complement.

If you like to travel, consider buying a piece from the places you visit. A few years ago I purchased a beautiful little watercolor of a Moorish-style arched doorway in Granada. Though small, the piece packs a punch with its vibrant hues and a graphically detailed depiction of mosaics. I carefully rolled it up and packed it in my carry-on for the trip home and now, matted and framed, it hangs on a wall in my bedroom where every day I am reminded of that fantastic trip and the fun I had exploring the wonders of the Alhambra.

While we are on the subject, another thing to consider is commissioning a work of art. I know it might sound complicated but chances are it’s easier than you think. And it doesn’t have to be a painting. There are photographers, sculptors, metal workers, even fiber artists who would be more than happy to create a custom piece just for you. One of my clients in Berkeley Hall had local artist Rhonda Fantozzi make a custom iron gate for their wine room as well as a table base for their breakfast nook. Both pieces are true works of art.

So go out there and explore. Don’t be timid about amassing artful, one-of-a-kind treasures for your home. Build a collection that is fun, personal, and makes you smile. Just remember to buy a piece of art because you connect to it in some way.

This story was originally published March 22, 2016 at 12:34 PM with the headline "There’s an art to buying great art."