After only buying vintage art, I’m now committed to buying more art directly from artists – here’s why
I have a new appreciation for artists, especially those just starting out
Amanda Jones is one of Ideal Home's new Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts on sustainable living and decorating a home in way that is good for the environment. See the rest of her articles here.
I love art, and I’ve bought some fabulous vintage pieces over the years. I buy art instinctively, and until recently, like lots of people, I’ve not thought too much about the artist, why they paint, or how they live their lives.
I go with my gut when choosing art. I never look at what’s trending, I just buy purely based on how a painting makes me feel, and colour is a massive draw to me. I’m a bit partial to a female portrait, much to my family’s despair, who do not share my enthusiasm. Last year I was asked not to bring anymore ‘strange women’ into the house, but to be honest, I’m not sure how much longer I can hold out, I LOVE female portraits.
I quite like an old frame too, one with bits missing, a bit of gilt, or one that someone painted many years ago, and that’s now a bit faded and chipped. Many of my paintings don’t even have frames, they are just propped up against the wall or piece of furniture, or strategically placed to hide a plug socket (another thing that irritates my family).
Most of my art is old oil paintings. I love the texture of oils, and that they don’t fade from the sun that streams through our windows. I don’t just hang art on my walls, I also have a huge vintage map of Great Britian and Ireland on my wall, it’s an old school chart, snapped up at a bargain price. The more colourful and quirkier something is, the more I love it.
For my 50th birthday my friend bought me a beautiful painting of Venice, it’s one of my favourite cities. That painting was the start of a small collection of Venice paintings, I’ve bought over the years. They are now grouped together on my dining room wall. All from different eras, different styles, and different frames, but work together so well.
I mainly buy from small sellers in person, at vintage fairs or online. One of my favourite sellers is my good friend Julia, who sells art on her Instagram Antikquity and she also has a shop in Nottinghamshire. In her shop you’ll find some very eclectic and interesting art works.
Whilst I can appreciate art, and the skill of the artist, I had thought very little about the artist, why they paint, or how they manage to make a living through their art. That changed last year when my daughter Mia, returned from university.
After going to see a David Hockney exhibition, she was inspired to start painting again. She loved painting so much, she decided to set up her art business, Art By Mia Jones, over on Instagram. Over the past year Mia has sold original oils and sent hundreds of prints across the world.
For a new artist, just starting out, she has done very well. That said, this last year has been hard, a steep learning curve. I don’t think Mia realised how difficult it would be to create art, run a business, and promote yourself on social media. As I’ve watched all her highs, and lows over the last year, it has given me a deep appreciation for artists, especially those just starting out.
Although I’ve mainly bought vintage art in the past, I also know there are many wonderfully talented artists out there, so I’ve made a pledge, after seeing how hard my own daughter has worked, to try and support more of them.
This year I’ve not only bought some of my own daughters’ paintings, but I’ve also supported other artists too. I’ve bought a painting from Fiona Cumberpatch and a screenprint from Hannah Carvell, a fellow Open House writer. Both pieces have added another layer to my home, another part of my story.
If you love art and interiors, please consider supporting some of the independent artists out there. Let’s avoid the mass produced, AI generated prints, and focus more on individual artists. Whether it’s buying a small print, or commissioning a larger piece of art, the artist will be very appreciative of your custom.
If you can’t afford to buy anything right now, engaging in their social media platforms, liking and sharing their content, is another way you can help them.
After many years of buying vintage paintings, I’m now starting to view things a little differently, yes, I will continue to buy second-hand, but I will also be seeking out beautiful, interesting art, directly from living, breathing artists. Art really can enhance our homes and bring us much joy, let’s in turn support the amazing artists and creatives out there.
