About the +ART Column
In the +ART Column, we share articles that help you feel closer to art. From seasonal artist features to clear explanations for those new to art, we explore its appeal from many angles. Our aim is to offer little discoveries that let art settle naturally into everyday life. We hope you will enjoy the world of art with ease.
Contents
- Introduction: Buying Art Isn't Difficult!
- What Kind of Art Will You Buy? Decide on Your Purpose
- Set a Budget: Art Isn't Only the Expensive Kind!
- Get to Know the Types of Art
- Where to Buy? How to Choose Your Source
- How to Enjoy and Care for Art After Buying
- Conclusion: Start with a Favorite Piece!
Introduction: Buying Art Isn't Difficult!
Do you think "art is expensive and hard to approach"? In truth, art is something even beginners can enjoy with ease. Simply displaying a piece in your room changes the mood of the space and refreshes your spirits.
In this article, we'll clearly explain the points worth keeping in mind when buying art for the first time. Why not find the work that's just right for you and begin a life with art?
What Kind of Art Will You Buy? Decide on Your Purpose
First of all, before buying art, clarify what purpose you're buying it for.
As Interior Decor
Ideal for changing the mood of a room or adding an accent. The key is to choose the size and color to suit your space.
Recommended reading "For a Stylish Room! Tips and a Display Guide for Bringing Art into Your Interior"
As a Collection
A way of enjoying art by gathering works from artists you love or buying with future value in mind. Pay attention to a work's rarity and the artist's career as well.
Recommended reading "Discover Hidden Talent! A Guide to Buying Works by Emerging Artists"
As a Gift
Giving art as a special gift is another lovely idea. Choosing a work that matches the recipient's taste makes for a more special gift that is sure to delight.
Recommended reading "Perfect as a Gift! Give Art as a Present!"
Set a Budget: Art Isn't Only the Expensive Kind!
When you hear the word "art," don't you tend to picture works traded at auction or displayed in museums?
While there's an image that art equals something expensive, in reality it spans a wide range of price points.
For example, drawings, small works, and prints by emerging artists are easy to purchase at affordable prices, from a few thousand to a few tens of thousands of yen. Works costing several hundred thousand yen or more include one-of-a-kind originals handled by art dealers, galleries, and auctions, and these are well suited to collecting.
As you can see, "art" encompasses works across a wide range of price points, so by choosing a piece that fits your budget, you can enjoy art with ease.
Get to Know the Types of Art
Art comes in a variety of techniques and media, and in many different forms.
Originals (Oil, Watercolor, Acrylic, Nihonga, and More)
As one-of-a-kind works, their appeal lies in letting you directly feel the artist's brushwork and the texture of the paint. The impression also changes greatly depending on the material used, whether paper, canvas, or washi. Since there's only one in the world, originals are recommended for those seeking a work with a special quality.
Recommended reading "For Beginners! Find the Art Style That's Just Right for You!"
Prints (Lithograph, Silkscreen, Woodblock, and More)
Though produced in multiples using a plate, the artist often layers colors by hand and adds a signature or edition number, giving each impression its own distinct value. Prints are also frequently more affordable than originals, making them one of the easier forms of art for beginners to purchase.
Recommended reading "Fascinating Because There's More Than One! The Appeal of Prints and the Art of Collecting Them"
Digital Art and Photographic Works
A genre growing in popularity in recent years, it includes works that make use of digital technology and pieces that present photography as art. Many have a modern, stylish impression and are easy to incorporate as interior decor.
Sculpture and Three-Dimensional Works
Unlike flat works, these add a three-dimensional accent to a space. With works in a wide range of materials such as wood, metal, stone, glass, and resin, part of their appeal is the chance to enjoy each piece's distinctive texture. They also bring a distinctive presence as interior decor.
Check the Size of the Work and Where You'll Display It!
It's important to choose art with the display location in mind.
In the living room, choosing a larger or vividly colored work brightens the space and lets you enjoy it with family and guests. In the bedroom, choosing a work in calm, muted tones creates a relaxing atmosphere. In the office, incorporating an abstract painting, a landscape, or simply a work you love—something that boosts motivation—can spark creative thinking.
It's also important to choose the size of the art to suit the display location. A large work stands out on a broad wall, while a compact piece suits a small space. Choosing the right size makes it easier to keep the space in balance.
The presence or absence of a frame also changes a work's impression. A framed piece can evoke a classic atmosphere, while an unframed work gives a modern, casual impression. Considering whether to frame it to match your interior style helps you create a more unified space.
Where to Buy? How to Choose Your Source
The information and experience you gain differ depending on where you buy art.
Online Shops
A wide range of works can be checked with ease, with plenty of information on price ranges and artists. Since you can choose while referring to word of mouth and reviews, it's reassuring even for beginners. Being able to compare works carefully as you buy is another advantage.
Recommended reading "Complete It All on Your Smartphone! What Makes Buying Art at an Online Shop So Appealing?"
Galleries and Solo Exhibitions
You can see the actual work in person and confirm its fine texture and color. By talking with the artist or gallerist, you can learn the background and concept of the work, allowing you to buy with a deeper understanding.
Recommended reading "For Beginners! How to Buy a Work of Art at a Gallery?"
Auctions and Art Fairs
There's a chance to acquire highly valuable or rare art. At auctions, you may be able to buy below market price, but competition is fierce and some knowledge may be required. At art fairs, many galleries gather in one place, letting you view a wide variety of works in person.
As you can see, there are many ways to purchase art. Try choosing the method that suits you best.
How to Enjoy and Care for Art After Buying
More Than Just Displaying It! Tips for Enjoying Art Even More
Art changes greatly in impression depending on how it's displayed. By using lighting cleverly to set off the work, or matching the frame design to your interior, you can create an even more captivating space. Switching out works by season also lets you enjoy them with a fresh feeling.
How to Store and Care for Works
Direct sunlight and humidity are causes of deterioration. Beyond displaying works in a suitable location, it's also important to store them where temperature and humidity remain stable. Paper and canvas works in particular are vulnerable to humidity, so measures such as using a desiccant will help them last longer.
Recommended reading "Carry Art into the Future! A Thorough Guide to Proper Storage Methods"
Making Use of It as a Collection (On Future Value)
Art is not merely decoration; it can also hold value as an asset. Moreover, by continually gathering works from artists you love, your enjoyment as a collector grows, and there's a possibility that their value will rise in the future.
Conclusion: Start with a Favorite Piece!
Buying art is nothing special; it's something anyone can enjoy. First, find a work that you think "I love!" and bring it casually into your life.
A single piece of art is sure to enrich your daily life and offer you inspiration day by day.
In Closing
We hope you enjoyed this article and that it helped you feel a little closer to art.
Under the concept of "enjoying art," +ART offers services that let you experience contemporary art more fully, from planning and running exhibitions to selling works through our online shop.
With a focus on talented emerging artists, we carefully select and present distinctive works! Offering a wide range of art, including paintings, we make sure that even first-time art buyers can shop with confidence.
To help you appreciate each work more deeply, we also share useful information in our column, including artist interviews, tips on displaying art, and points to consider when buying.
We hope this becomes an opportunity for art to blend into your daily life and enrich it with color.
Why not add a little art to your space?
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