Curvey by Matthew Fletcher $276

In talking to people about how they choose art, I’ve heard about many different methods. In a traditional approach, a buyer finds herself or himself in a gallery, sees works of interest, falls in love with a particular piece, learns about the artist, considers the price, possibly thinks of where it might go in their home or office, then decides whether or not to buy the art.

Preservation or Poaching by Will Eskridge $1,470

Others may have an empty wall in mind first, then the hunt for the perfect piece begins – and it can take years to find just the right art.

reflect by Sandra Boskamp $275

There is another way I hear about more and more often – when people think of art as a design element for a room, and the choice is made with priority on color or pattern.

Mandala Series #1 by Nancy Goodman Lawrence $295

Sometimes I hear from artists that it’s not their preference to sell a work because it ‘matches the furniture’, but then I hear other artists say they don’t mind at all. In terms of art as a design element, I get it from an interior design perspective. It makes sense to think of art as a component that can make a whole room work due to its color or style.

Happy Rainbow Day by Mineko Yoshida $163

In keeping with the notion of art as a design element, these are some paintings wherein it’s easy to see themes of color, pattern.

leisure suit by stephen cimini $322

If you’re one who likes this design approach to choosing art and find it helps you make choices about living with art in your home, I say go for it. Especially if you’re just starting to collect art, whatever way you think about it is a step in the right direction. Down the road your taste in art, or the way you collect it may change. The most important thing is to have fun collecting art, and love what you buy!