Know What You Like

How to find your art style

A woman looking at a gallery wall with mixed media collages by Allison.

Before you even begin to think about buying artwork, you need to know what kind of art you like!

If you already know, awesome!

Go read my guide for buying artwork!

If you aren’t sure what kind of artwork you like, keep reading!

To start, you need to look at art! Go to a show put on by your local arts organization or to an art fair like The Other Art Fair, where you can find a variety of styles all in one place. Or you can look around a museum website or an online art store like Saatchi.

Take note of what kind of art you are attracted to:

Do you find yourself liking abstract art or more representational art?

Do you like figurative artwork, or are landscapes your thing?

Are you drawn in by texture?

Does intricate line work catch your eye?

One of the great things about art is that there is something for everyone out there.

Take notes! Keep track of the kinds of art you like, the artists you find, and why you like it. You can use your notes to help you discover more artwork and artists you like. Make an effort to find original artwork by living, working, and contemporary artists. The dead ones don’t need the money.

Art fairs like Superfine are a great way to discover art and artists you love.

Remember, the most important thing is to know what you like and don't worry about what others think. The artwork you hang in your home should be art that you love to look at, and that brings you joy.