How to Start Collecting Art—Even If You’ve Never Bought Original Art Before

What Caught My Eye

This might sound surprising, coming from an artist, but I used to think of myself as a pretty non-visual person.

Give me a big stack of books, a blank journal, a long rambling conversation, or a great music album—and I’m happy. For years, I didn’t think much about what things looked like. Stylish clothes, carefully decorated rooms, trendy anything? Not really my lane.

Honestly? It’s still not. I’m writing this from my studio, where I can see at least seven different shades of wood. Nine if you count the guitars. The furniture “matches” because of couch covers. The gold accents? Courtesy of rub n buff.

And yet—I love living with art.

I don’t mean high-end gallery stuff or perfectly curated spaces. I mean the kind of art that makes you pause. That pulls you in. That makes you feel something when you see it again the next day.

If you’ve ever thought collecting art sounds too complicated, too expensive, or too “for someone else”… let me tell you from my eclectic little corner of the world: it’s not. You can start right now.

Why It Matters

A lot of people think “art collecting” is for people with big budgets or polished interiors. But here’s the truth:

Collecting art is about memory, emotion, and connection. It starts when something stops you in your tracks. When you feel that little nudge inside: this one belongs with me.

You don’t need to overthink it. Start small. A print that makes you breathe deeper. A small original you pass in the hallway every morning. A piece that reminds you of someone you love, or someplace you miss, or something God whispered in a hard season.

For me, it started with a flower my sister painted. A local sketch of a bridge in Rhode Island. A guest book painting from my own wedding—created before I even considered myself an artist. (Also before I knew much about archival quality. Oops.)

Your collection doesn’t have to match your couch. It just has to matter to you.

From the Studio

This week, I’m knee-deep in my new collection. I’ve been thinking about those bright yellows, but something softer snuck in—this delicate peach I mixed from the same palette. It surprised me. And I think I’m a little in love with it.

I’m also working on capturing more photos of me with my work. Which, as it turns out, is an entire job in itself. So I brought in a photographer friend with a better eye (and significantly more patience). We’re experimenting, laughing a lot, and trying not to get paint on the lens.

If This Hits Home

If something in my work tugs at you—don’t wait. That feeling? It’s the beginning of your collection. Start with a print, a small original, a piece that anchors you to what matters.

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Tell Me

Do you remember the first piece of art you brought home—and how it made you feel?

I’d love to hear your story in the message box below. (Bonus points if it wasn’t archival either.)