Art & Entertainment

Don’t Be Afraid to Buy Fine Art
by Lori Levin, Soulful Studios

Imagine walking into a room filled with images that touch your heart and please your eye. The art on the walls represent places you have been and emotions you have felt. The space is unique because the paintings are original and one of a kind. The pieces feel familiar and like “home”. This is what collecting original art is all about.

People often feel intimidated by art. They don’t feel they know enough about it to have an opinion, let alone buy it from a gallery. Is the painting worth the price and is the artist any good? These are questions they ask themselves. 

First, let me say that art is for everyone. You do not need a degree in art history to know what pleases your eye or what moves you. Art buying does not need to be a mystery. The artist paints from his or her heart and the patron needs to select works that touches theirs. Do not feel intimidated. Some high end galleries will try to impress you with artists’ names and resumes, but in the end it all comes down to what you like and what you don’t. It is as simple as that. 

Surprisingly, fine art originals can be found at very affordable prices. Some galleries will offer small works by emerging artists for lower prices. An even better bet is going directly to the artist’s studio. Self-representing artists often have original paintings and drawings at prices equivalent to what you would spend on a mass produced framed prints at the mall. These artists do not have to share proceeds of the sale with a gallery or shop, so they tend to keep their prices lower. Many offer prints of their more expensive originals that are signed by their own hand.

Self-representing artists like to deal with the public. They look forward to speaking to you and answering questions; they want to share their passion with you. Learning about their art and inspirations directly can make your art buying experience very comfortable and informative. Some artists will create custom commissions of images you request such as your pet, a family member or your home. 

Finding artists is easy. Locally, Salem County hosts a yearly event in the spring where the artists open their studios to the public. Many have works for sale. Quite a few of these artists sell all year round directly from their studios. They paint images of local scenes, events and people you may know. Because they are part of the community, many feel an instant connection to their art.

Original fine art is not just for museums or the wealthy. Your home can be filled with meaningful images that bring a sense of peace to the room and spark conversation. The best thing is it can be found in your own neighborhood, a place that is already home.

About Lori Levin, Soulful Studios
Inspired by the Salem County countryside, Lori Levin left the corporate world to start her own business creating custom pet portraits and fine art landscapes. Soulful Studios, her artist’s studio in Pilesgrove, was born out of the need to express her belief that understanding and caring for animals is the key to health and happiness. Graphite and traditional oil paints are her mediums of choice. Her pieces are realistic and exquisitely detailed yet still have an impressionistic and romantic flair. Each piece she creates touches her deeply as if the animal was a part of her own family. For more information, please visit www.SoulfulStudios.com.