Tips on Buying the Right Art for You

So, you have decided to buy art but you are not sure how to start. Maybe you have a new apartment to decorate, or want to take a leap into the world of art investment and wealth management. In this post I have put together some top tips to work out the best art buying path for you.

1. Consider Your Motive for Buying Art

There are many different motives for buying art. Usually, they fall into these categories:

●      Inspirational and Emotional Connection

If an artwork captures a person's imagination, evokes a sense of nostalgia, or entrances them in such a way that they must have the piece, this is a strong motivation to make a purchase. Both first-time buyer and a seasoned collector can be driven to buy art because it reminds them of their personal values, cultural identity, triggers curiosity or a feeling of meaning in their life. 

●      Decorative or Aesthetic appeal

Many buyers of artwork are looking for work that can be leased or placed in commercial settings such as offices, foyers to luxury hotels, and meeting spaces. This is a big market. Interior designers, whether supplying art for a commercial site or private home, are always keeping an eye out for artworks that can provide a striking feature in a room and to create intriguing conversation points. When this is the motivation, it really comes down to where the art will be shown and what will complement the space: the color pallet, theme, building type and other decor. 

●      Support, Connection and Networking

Some collectors buy art to support specific artists, galleries or in general a local art scene. This often comes down to a person being connected to a specific community, an artist's background or values, or a person's cultural identity. For example, there are many collectors that are now supporting artists from indigenous backgrounds that were previously widely underrepresented in the industry. 

●      Financial Investment and Wealth Management

Art can be very lucrative. Year upon year stories of record-breaking artworks hit the headlines. Just recently (November 2025), Sotheby's sold Gustav Klimt's "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer" for $236.4 million, becoming the most expensive modern artwork ever sold at auction. This is what tempts buyers to keep investing in art. Art is also often used for tax benefits and wealth management solutions. For example, art can be held in trusts for tax-efficient wealth transfer.

●      Status and Prestige

Have you ever walked into a stately home and seen an enormous portrait hanging over a mantel piece? Nothing is showier than an original Warhol in a living room or a foyer being dominated by a Basquiat. People that want to flaunt their prestige are often motivated to build exceptional art collections that will wow visitors.

2. What Type of Art is Most Suitable?

This really depends on the motivation as pinpointed in the previous paragraph.

Personal or Professional Taste

If the motive for buying art is for a person’s own enjoyment then the type of art to buy is very simple: personal taste and what fits well in the intended space. People should buy what they love and what evokes a strong emotional connection or intellectual reaction.

When the motivation is business, an investment, what really matters is the financial return and the longevity of the piece.

Ongoing Maintenance

Artwork needs constant care to keep it in good condition so it doesn’t damage and devalue. Pieces may require certain environmental conditions: framing with UV protective glass, humidity control storage, annual checks and professional cleans. It’s easier to maintain and carefully store prints and photographic work than a giant sculpture. Consider the materials that have been used – will they disintegrate in a few years and be difficult to restore? Will the work devalue in any way? These are questions for a professional art advisor. 

Budget for Buying Art

Whether going in with the big bucks or rummaging for a bargain under $100 – it’s important to consider a budget in advance. Knowing the budget will narrow down the search and help to pinpoint where art can be purchased from and what is available. 

Once a person falls in love with an art piece it can be very tempting to stretch the budget. As an artist I’m not against collectors changing their mind and splurging! Finding the right art is like finding a life partner or the perfect home: you just know, and sometimes you have to follow your heart.

My advice is: work out the budget first. Go to places that specialize in selling art at that price point.

Now you know why you want to buy art and what form of art would be most suitable. The next question is: Where do you buy art from?