I get it: Thinking about collecting artwork is an intimidating and sometimes outright scary process. But it really doesn’t have to be. Buying and collecting art should be fun! And to get the most important thing out of the way first: No, art is not just for the rich and famous. You can start collecting art with pretty much any budget. In this step-by-step guide, I will walk you through what you need to know to start your own art collection.
Step 1: Find a piece of art that doesn’t just look pretty but that speaks to you
The art in our homes is an expression of ourselves. Art is so much more than just a fancy word for decor. Art is all about how it makes you feel. A piece of art that’s right for your home needs to capture what you love. It should be an extension of you, speak directly to your soul. Sometimes, it’s totally okay to not be able to put into words why you like a piece of art. If it makes you feel something, chances are, you found something special.
And if you are here, chances are, you love nature just as much as I do. It calms us down, it lifts our spirits, it shapes who we are as people. It makes us better people.
“The evoking of feelings and memories is why I chose Lars Gesing art work over others. Each work calls a memory or dream to come.” — Bobby B., collector
So now that you figured out that art depicting nature is for you, the next question is that of subject matter. Do you have a favorite color, like red or blue or yellow? Is there a specific place that is special to you, like Colorado in the fall or the American West? Are you one of those people who loves winter? I’ve created this brief questionnaire that will help you figure out the perfect piece for your home.
Finding the right artwork may take some time. But once you feel that spark in your heart, you know you found it.
THE FANTASY — "COLORADO'S FINEST" COLLECTION. LIMITED EDITION OF 50. CLICK TO LEARN MORE.
Step 2: Make sure you can identify with the artist’s vision
Artists are incredibly passionate people who care deeply about what inspires them. As you ponder what artwork to make part of your home and your life, I believe one important question to answer is whether you buy into the artist’s vision and motivation for creating the artwork in the first place. Here is a brief video that explains why I create my fine art nature images.
I also encourage you to spend some time with the short stories I write with each of my images explaining what moved me to create that specific image. You can find them on the individual artwork’s pages in my online gallery.
“Not only is Lars’s photography incredible, but the writing that he does, which allows you to see into his mind and experience what he was thinking and feeling when he captured that image, is nothing short of awe-inspiring and inspirational. I’ve been lucky enough to acquire two of his pieces. They are some of my prized pieces.” — Michelle D., collector
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Step 3: Don’t let technical terms confuse you…
For anyone who doesn’t spend all their days thinking about the materials that artworks are made with, the lingo can be quite confusing. Here in my online gallery, I’ve worked hard to make sure that everything is explained in easy-to-understand terms.
With that being said, it is is important for you to know whether you prefer a paper print of one of my images or an acrylic print, what the value of a limited edition is and whether you want the image framed or not. Again, no need to freak out: On each artwork page, I walk you through what finish works best for your needs. To learn more about the different materials used to produce my images and how my artworks come to life, take a look at THE BUYING EXPERIENCE. And of course, you can always just ask me if you have any questions — I am here to help you finally complete your space!
Collectors Sam & Phil withECHO — "COLORFUL COLORADO" COLLECTION. OPEN EDITION. CLICK TO LEARN MORE.
Step 4: Figure out what the artwork will actually look like in your home
One of the biggest challenges in buying art online, and really buying any artwork in general, used to be the uncertainty of not knowing what it will actually look like in your home and if it is a good fit. That’s why I’ve integrated a service called Art Visualizer into my online gallery. It’s a simple and free app that allows you, with the help of augmented reality technology, to actually project the image you fell in love with on any surface in your home.
So once you found an image you love in my online gallery, hit the “Visualize On Your Wall” button and within seconds, you’ll be able to digitally hang the artwork in your home using your phone or your tablet to see if you love the piece better over the couch in the living room, in your office or in the bedroom.
“We were really drawn to the quality and beauty of Lars’ photographs of Colorado. But the Coastal Comfort collection really spoke to us as we were married in Key West. It was the perfect gift for our anniversary. We look forward to adding to our collection.”— Kristenne R., collector
By the way: One “mistake” many beginning art collectors make is that they think the artwork needs to perfectly match the decor of their home. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. A piece of art first and foremost needs to match your personality. If it does, chances are, it will match your design aesthetic and it absolutely will be a great addition to your home.
Step 5: Working within your budget is easier than you might think
So you’ve found a piece of art that you love, and you know that it’ll look great in your home. But spending the money is scary, and you think about all the other things that money can buy you. Am I right?
Of course I am. That’s totally normal. I totally understand that we all work within individual budgets.
I hope that by now you’ve realized though that artwork is essential to making your home an oasis of happiness. And to make that accessible for as many people as possible, I have developed several ways for you to bring art into your home AND stick to your budget.
But if your heart is set on a piece from one of my fine art collections, take advantage of my financing option! I partner with Affirm. The concept is simple: You get to choose how to pay for the artwork you love in low, monthly payments — all without any hidden fees or additional costs. You can apply and be approved within minutes - either during checkout, or you can get pre-approved here. Of course, you’ll receive the artwork right away — all without having to worry about paying the price tag all at once!
THE CAULDRON — "CAREFREE" COLLECTION. LIMITED EDITION OF 50. CLICK TO LEARN MORE.
Step 6: Do It! Trust your heart and invest in your happiness
Your mind will always tell you a million reasons why you shouldn’t do one thing or the other. But if you found something that makes you happy, why wouldn’t you make it part of your daily life?
Art has the unique ability to instantly boost our mood. Heck, science shows that fine art nature photography is even good for your health.
Ultimately, all I can say is this: I believe from the bottom of my heart that the path to a happier life leads through surrounding ourselves with what we love most in life. Art is an incredibly powerful tool to bring that happiness into your home.
So, what are you waiting for? Finally fill that empty wall you've been staring at for far too long and create the space of your dreams.
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