Why Do We Buy Art? Finding Yourself in a Painting

Why Do We Buy Art? Finding Yourself in a Painting

 

Why People Buy Art: Finding Yourself in a Painting

Why do people buy art?

Last year, at the Mastery Program Graduation, I had the pleasure of exhibiting one artwork at the Milan Gallery in Sarasota. During a workshop at the gallery, we listened to a talk by the gallery director, Jock Armour, which left quite an impression on me.

As artists, we naturally wanted to know what type of art sells best. His answer surprised us. He said he could not answer that question.

Instead, he encourages visitors to look for a self-portrait.

Not necessarily a literal portrait — but a piece of art that reflects something of your inner world. It might be a meaningful abstract painting that mirrors the waves crashing within you. It might be an animal that reflects your protectiveness. It might be a landscape that feels like home to your soul.

That idea stayed with me.

As an artist, I have always known that buying original art is rarely about decoration alone. Art needs to touch something deeper before we bring it into our homes. But I had never thought of it from the self-portrait point of view.

And then something unexpected happened.

The Painting I Never Meant to Buy

I have always said that I would never buy a portrait of a random person. Yet last November, I did exactly that.

I saw a painting by my wonderful artist friend Sandra Ter Host, and I simply could not stop looking at the woman in the painting.

 

She looked confident — a woman who knew what she wanted and how to get it. She had a few wrinkles around her eyes, signs of a life fully lived. She felt strong, loving, determined.

She looked like someone I aspired to be — full of confidence and clarity — something I still feel I lack on many days.

So, on that cold November evening, I bought the painting — the oil paint still wet.

She now lives in my studio. And every now and then, she gives me a look that says: Get up. Get on with it.

I never thought I would buy that painting. But perhaps I wasn’t buying a portrait of someone else.

Perhaps I was choosing a reminder of who I am becoming.

How to Choose Meaningful Art for Your Home

If you are thinking about choosing art for your home, I gently invite you to look beyond trends or colours that match your sofa.

Instead, ask yourself:

  • What feels familiar?

  • What feels like a mirror?

  • What feels like a quiet truth?

  • What artwork reflects who I am — or who I am becoming?

When buying original art, the connection matters more than fashion. The right piece will stay with you long after trends change.

You may not find it immediately. But when you do, you will know.

See My Original Paintings in the UK

If you would like to see my work in person, I will be taking part in the Rochester Art Fair from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th of March.

My work is also currently showing at:

If you are exploring meaningful abstract art or looking to buy original paintings in the UK, you can also view available works on my website.

And next time you walk into a gallery, visit an art fair, or scroll past a painting online, pause for a moment.

You might just be looking at a self-portrait.

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