What if I don't like anything that I see?

Every once in awhile this is something I hear. Usually this complaint (or call for help) is based on color or dimension, sometimes on style but mostly it is a vague and wandering complaint. I try to pin the client down as to what she likes or doesn;t like about particular pieces in front of her. And it seems the more the client thinks about it the more unclear and unfocused the collector becomes.

Don't let this happen to you! Accept the artwork as it comes to you and appreciate it in it's form. Allow the artist to be the artist, she has made very particular design desions. Every aspect of the painting has been carefully thought through. This is the beauty of collecting art--allowing the artist to speak through the painting. Listening to a painting is critical to properly experiencing a painting.

Buying an original painting is very unlike buying a car or a suit or anything else, really. It is NOT custom! You, as the collector, must leave that mentallity outside the gallery. You cannot customize, preorder, refine, or anything else to the artwork. An artist is NOT a decorator, creating an enviornment for you. The artist has a vision and a voice and if you share that vision and voice, then you and the painting can peacefully live together.

So be open, be receptive to what you see. Think mostly (I would say ONLY except that I do understand that collectors have real limitations) about the composition and color and texture. Be positive. Expect the unexpected. Expect to enjoy and fall in love with artwork. Surprise yourself with who you are.