If you are lucky enough to be a Mosman home owner, you will no doubt want the interior of your abode to look as stunning as its exterior. This includes beautiful styling and walls adorned with quality artwork.
There is nothing like a beautiful piece of art to create a talking point or bring a sense of calm to your surroundings. However, if you are not familiar with buying art, it can be hard to know where to begin.
Find out how to buy art and where in Mosman you can source paintings, prints and sculptures, often from local talent.
How to buy art
You don’t have to have a degree in art history to be an art buyer, but it does help to do your homework.
Before you go shopping, consider artworks that most appeal to you. Do you prefer abstracts with bright colours or detailed landscapes? Photography or paint on canvas? Your art can travel with you no matter where you live, so it is important to select pieces you will love to look at for many years.
Visit some local galleries and exhibitions to get a feel for what ‘speaks’ to you. It is also important to consider where your art will be hung and who will see it. A small piece of art will be lost on its own on a large wall. A startling image may not work well in the entryway to your home (unless you wish to deter visitors).
There are two ways to purchase art: with your heart and as a strategic investment. There is nothing wrong with buying a piece you absolutely love and can’t stop thinking about, even if the artist has never sold a painting before and isn’t recognised by those in the know.
To buy your art as an investment, speak to the gallery owner about the artist. Find out how many paintings they have sold and how their value and credibility has increased over time. Research the artist’s profile and see who has commissioned their work. You may wish to enlist the help of an art consultant to help you make a decision.
How to hang your art
Experts recommend hanging art where most people can see the centre of the picture at eye level.
Some other quick tips include:
- Hang your art so the bottom is six to eight inches from the top of the furniture it sits above
- Treat a collection of small images as one art work and be careful about the spacing as even a centimetre of misalignment will draw the eye to the wrong place
- If your art is hanging above a sofa or cabinet, it should be centred and take up about two thirds of the space
Quality framing is also important. The right frame will highlight your art without engulfing it and will be in a colour that complements the picture.
Where to buy art for your Mosman home
Art lovers are lucky to be spoilt for choice in Mosman and the lower north shore. Your first stop is Mosman Gallery, which regularly showcases the works of local artists. You will find numerous works depicting scenes of the beautiful areas surrounding the area, including Sydney’s harbour and beaches.
Formerly the Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery, Harvey Galleries, as it is now known, represents a stable of 35 diverse artists with a focus on Australian practitioners. This gallery provides a personal art consultant service so you can find the best piece for your taste and space. Harvey Galleries also offers a delivery and hanging service.
Art Reflection on Military Road provides fine arts that are distinct and timeless. You’ll find a large ranges of original and fine arts over two levels, as well as a custom framing service.
Also on Military Road, Moulton Galleries has an enormous selection of paintings by well established Australian artists. The owners allow clients to try before they buy, offering a ‘loan’ service to help you see if the art will work in your living room, bedroom or hallway.
Choose your art wisely and you could stand to benefit financially while enjoying an eternally beautiful addition to your Mosman home.
