Collecting art isn’t just about finding a great conversation piece to hang in your dining or living room. It’s a way to expand your horizons, to reflect on your experiences, and to express yourself through a tangible means. Art inspires. It leaves you a better, more well-rounded person for having experienced it. And it connects you with others in a deep, meaningful way.
Every brushstroke is a reminder of the artist behind the artwork. It’s evidence that the piece of art before you didn’t leap into existence from nowhere. It has a history. It’s an artifact that began in the mind of someone with unique experiences, thoughts, and feelings. It was planned and created by a specific person with a specific vision. And when you hang it on your wall, you are displaying all of that and more.
That’s why it’s a great idea to get to know the artist behind your artwork better. As you learn more about the artists who created the art hanging in your house, you’ll see them in a new light. You’ll appreciate those brushstrokes a little more. You’ll get why they chose the medium they did. You’ll come to see things that you’d previously missed. And you’ll be able to talk about your artwork with a far greater degree of fluency and understanding.
So, how can you learn more about your favorite artists? The internet has opened up a multitude of ways for getting to know more about the artists behind your artwork. Below, we outline 4 ways to understand your favorite artists better. Take advantage of them and you’ll be well on your way toward a greater understanding and appreciation for your favorite artwork.
Browse the Internet
One of the simplest ways to get to know an artist better is simply to put their name into a search engine. Most artists, whether known locally or internationally, will have information on the internet. By using a popular search engine like Google, you’re sure to find details on them from a variety of sources, including their own website, news articles, opinion columns, reports from art exhibitions, and more. You may even come across interviews that they’ve done.
All of this information will provide you with a tremendous amount of insight into the artist behind your favorite artwork. It will give you a much better idea of their past experiences, their influences, and more. You may even discover other pieces of artwork they’ve done that pique your interest.
Follow their Socials
Most artists who are creating art today take advantage of social media platforms like Instagram, Tik Tok, Twitter, and Facebook. If you come across any social media accounts while searching the internet for your favorite artist, be sure to follow them. Social media accounts will give you insight into new artwork as it’s being created. You’ll likely be alerted to any awards that the artist has received. In addition, you’ll be able to see what their followers and fans are saying about them. You might even discover that there’s a whole community of fellow collectors dedicated to them.
Talk to Collectors
Fellow collectors can also serve as a phenomenal source of knowledge about a particular artist. This is especially true if you can find collectors who have been following the artist in question for a lengthy amount of time.
Collectors will often have greater insight into the reasons that a particular artist is appreciated. They can often give deeper commentary about the artist and how they’re received. This is especially true if you’re able to visit an exhibition that features the artist. The critics and collectors there will be able to offer you a far better understanding of what makes the artist unique.
Speak Directly to the Artist
While all of these ways of learning about an artist are great, nothing beats talking to them directly. Fortunately, the internet has made this easier than ever. Many artists have social media accounts that you can interact with directly. Or, if you visit an art exhibition featuring the artist, you may get a chance to speak to them there.
Once you’ve connected with an artist, be sure to ask about their craft. Why do they prefer the media they do? What are their greatest sources of inspiration? Which artists do they look up to? What do they consider to be their most significant works? What do they dream of creating, but haven’t yet?
Ask as many questions as you can and strive to learn everything you can about them. By doing so, you’ll have a much more robust understanding of their artwork. And you’ll be better equipped to purchase and collect the right pieces of art.
