I can’t believe I’m going to say this but… don’t buy art the first time you notice it. Art buyers view a particular piece 5 to 6 times on average before purchasing—that includes in-person and online—and it might not be the same exact piece of art either. Dishing out big bucks for something you don’t need but love is a process your head and your heart must work through. Your heart is infatuated with the piece and your head recalls the balance of your credit card. Is it good? Does it fit in my home? Does it even match my couch? Can I afford it?
Let’s start with: Is it good? This, of all the questions, doesn’t matter. It got your attention didn’t it? You’ve stared at it for some time. You can’t take your eyes off of it even after perusing. You think about it the next day and the next. You bring it up in conversation. If it has occupied your mind this much so far, it’s good—good for you. Art Appreciation 101 first point is: If you appreciate it then it’s good art.
Whether the art fits in your home or apartment, literally and figuratively, is another heady logistical thing your brain does to prevent your heart from buying what you love. Personally, I like to be surrounded by beautiful things, fun things, things that make me happy. You’ll figure out what to move to make room for it and chances are the couch already fits what you like. Grow your art collection and then design your living space around it. If you’re thinking in this direction it means your brain is falling in love, too.
Finally, affording something is sticky. Art as an investment or something you just cover the wall with is not going to make the price reasonable. Affording art is a gift to yourself and it should be neither stressful nor blasé. Take your time and don’t over think it. After all, seriously, it is just art.