The Art of Self-Discovery: A Guide to Buying Abstract Art

Charlotte Wensley
Jun 27
8 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Buying abstract art isn’t just about decorating a space — it’s about journeying inward and discovering something about yourself.

Abstract art isn’t random — it’s highly expressive. It uses color, form, line, and texture to convey emotions and ideas without relying on literal representations. This freedom is what makes it so personal to the artist and ultimately creates a unique connection with the viewer.

Abstract art with vibrant geometric patterns in pink, blue, and yellow. Features dots, diamonds, and stars, creating a lively mood.

Unlike representational art, which depicts the world around us with intentional accuracy, abstract art reflects inner, less tangible landscapes of emotion, thought, and instinct. Non-representational art offers limitless opportunities for the viewer to find their own highly personal connection to it; and it's this subjectivity that is the real beauty of abstract art. What resonates with one viewer may not have the same impact on another.

This diversity of interpretation opens up a dialogue between the artwork and the observer, fostering a personal connection that is unique to each individual and the painting they are looking at.

In various art movements, from Expressionism to Abstract Expressionism to Modern, artists have utilized abstraction to confront and convey their emotional landscapes, often drawing upon personal histories, life journeys and societal contexts. The resulting works serve as a powerful means of communication, often addressing universal human themes of life, love, loss, and existential contemplation.

The realm of abstract art is a sanctuary for artists and viewers alike where exploring the full spectrum of human emotion and engaging with feelings in a profound and transformative way becomes possible.

Colorful abstract painting with pink, green, and blue shapes on a white shiplap wall. Sunlit room with wooden floor and window.

Finding the right painting that speaks to you and your inner landscape is an adventure. After my recent visit to the Affordable Art Fair in Brisbane, I decided to delve deeper into why people connect with and buy art. Here are my thoughts on things to consider when starting a collection of abstract art or adding another piece to your existing collection.

| Feel It

Not literally! I don't mean reach out and actually touch it - though some heavily textured abstracts seem to be crying out for you to do just that.....

One of the best parts of abstract art is that you don’t need to understand it intellectually. If a piece resonates emotionally, that’s enough. Trust your instincts!

Think about how a painting makes you feel when you are standing in front of it and let your emotional response guide you. This sounds easier than it is! In a busy gallery setting or a store it can be hard to zone out of what else is going on around you and let an emotional response really formulate and for your feelings about a painting to really rise to the surface.

Person in white observes a colorful abstract painting with patterns and shapes in a modern gallery setting with bright lighting.

But you can be sure that there's an abstract art piece out there to reflect and engender just about every emotion, so perfect is abstract art at capturing and reflecting the complexity of human feelings.

What kind of energy does the painting emanate?
How might it infuse a space in your home with a particular type of energy?
Does the painting give you a sense of peace, chaos, energy, or an opportunity for introspection?
What sensations do the brushstrokes provoke in you?
Does the physical and visual texture of the painting draw you in to look more closely?
Does the painting feel as though it has hidden secrets waiting to be explored?

Consider how different colors make you feel, and think about the atmosphere you want to create in your space. For example,

soft pastel colours promote tranquility, which might be perfect for a bedroom wall;
bold colours can evoke energy and vibrancy and might feel better suited to a living, dining or kitchen space;
vibrant splashes of red and yellow may ignite feelings of passion and energy;
cooler tones of blue and green can instill a sense of calm and introspection;
do I prefer bold or soft color palettes in general or do I want to add pops of bright colour here and there in my home?

Colorful abstract painting with pink, teal, and gold hues on a wall above a bed with gray bedding. Two white pendant lights hang nearby.

After thinking about the emotional resonance of a piece, it's also important to consider practical aspects like size and placement to make sure the artwork complements your space.

| Size Matters

While the color palette of a painting plays a crucial role in setting the mood, it's also important to consider the size of the painting and the space where it will hang, as this can significantly influence its visual impact and emotional resonance.

Big original paintings are beautiful for big walls, making a striking statement that can dominate a room and create a focal point, commanding attention and setting the tone for the entire space.

Modern room with white sofas, round wooden table, and abstract colorful painting. Arched ceiling and large vase in the corner. Minimalist decor.

On the other hand, small paintings can be just as bold and make a strong statement in any room, despite their diminutive size. Compact works can be incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into a variety of settings, from cozy nooks to more a expansive 'gallery wall' style hang. The intimate nature of small pieces encourages viewers to engage with the artwork on a more personal level, allowing for a closer examination of the details that might be overlooked in larger works.

Abstract painting with vibrant pink and teal shapes hangs above a green sofa with cactus-themed pillows and a beige throw.

Collecting small works can be an affordable way to curate a wall of many different pieces and create an opportunity for you to explore a variety of different styles of abstract art or mix abstract pieces with representational ones.

Colorful living room with a green sofa, pink chairs, a wooden table, patterned rug, and vibrant wall art. Bright, inviting atmosphere.

This approach to collecting not only allows for a diverse array of artworks but also creates an opportunity for you to explore a variety of different styles of abstract art. And by mixing abstract pieces with representational ones, you can create a conversation between the artworks, highlighting contrasts and harmonies that enrich your overall aesthetic.

A playful curation of different pieces can transform a simple wall into a vibrant gallery of expression, where each piece tells its own story while contributing to a larger narrative of creativity and inspiration.

Gallery wall with colorful abstract paintings, white sofa, and a cactus in a bright room. Artwork features vibrant geometric patterns.

Ultimately, whether you opt for grand, sweeping canvases or charming, compact creations, the thoughtful consideration of both size and colour will enhance the emotional depth and visual harmony of your space, making it a true reflection of your artistic sensibilities.

| Start Small

You don’t have to spend thousands or fill your walls immediately. One of the best ways to begin your art collection is with affordable prints and small originals.....and even artists greeting cards or postcards which can be inexpensively framed and hung on your wall or propped up on a shelf.

Framed yellow and purple butterfly art on a wall, with glass vases holding various flowers on a white tablecloth in foreground.

Start with prints or small originals;
mix and match your favourite small works to reflect your multidimensional self;
let your collection grow organically over time;
make a habit of seeking out small independent galleries wherever you go - browsing is fun and free and always welcomed by artists, gallerists and curators even if you're not ready to buy.

| Notice What You Notice

Discovering your visual language sounds like a challenge but really it's just about observing and registering within yourself that which you're most drawn to when looking at abstract art.

Do I love bold colour or a more subtle palette?
Am I drawn to structured geometry or fluid movement?
Do I like high contrast works or paintings with more subtle transitions?
Is minimalism or maximalism more my thing?
Do I want to feel a sense of rhythm in the brushwork?
Do I love the energy of patterns?

Colorful abstract painting on wall above a wooden console. Open drawer with a gray blanket. Black vase with dried flowers. Minimalist decor.

Think of abstract art as being like a mirror; it reflects different things to different people. And remember - collecting art is about expressing yourself through your curation of pieces, there's not right or wrong!

Over time, as you acquire more pieces, you may find that your personal collection begins to reveal themes of things that you love, telling a story of your evolving taste and experiences.

| Belonging

The right piece will feel like it “belongs” to you before it ever hangs on your wall.

Great art doesn’t just match your couch, it evokes something personal,

a painting that stirs a distant memory;
a piece that makes you feel a certain way;
a reminder of a particular time or place or experience with people.

| Try before you Buy

Many artists and galleries will be able to do a room mock up image for you if you supply them with a photo of the space where you'd like a painting to hang. Don't be afraid to ask!

Some artist's and gallery websites offer virtual placement tools where you can upload a photo of your room and overlay a painting to give you a really good idea of how the piece might look in your space.

Non digital options to preview a piece include checking with the artist studio or gallery to see if they offer a try before you buy option. This can be a great way to take a piece home (if you're local) and try it in your space before making a purchase. Artists might offer to bring the piece or take a loan deposit to enable you to 'borrow' the piece for a few hours.

Taking a snapshot on your phone (with permission from the artist or curator) for you to look at again later when you have a quiet moment, is a great way to revisit a painting in your own time before you commit to a purchase. Often galleries will have an online listing for paintings on display, so don't forget to check those out too if you want a reminder later.

Don't be afraid to go back into a gallery and view a painting several times before committing to a purchase!

| Make it Yours

Your style isn’t one-dimensional and your art collection doesn’t have to be either!

Mix mediums: pair a digital print with a textured canvas or a sculpture;
Combine high and low value pieces by hanging an original work alongside a mass-produced print that you love;
Use framing to your advantage - by upsizing the frame or using and extra wide mat surround for prints and works on paper;
Experiment with placement, spacing and layout to make even inexpensive art feel thoughtfully curated.

Mid-century modern living room with blue chairs, wooden shelves, and colorful abstract paintings on a gray wall. Lush green plants add a cozy touch.

| Don't Worry About Trends

Trends come and go, particularly with colours (you've probably heard of the 'Pantone Colour of the Year'), but your taste evolves as you continue on your life journey so remember that;

If a piece speaks to you now, that’s what matters;
Your art collection is a reflection of your growth, not just your taste at one moment in time;
Let your space become a canvas of your evolving identity;
Rotate your artworks periodically to keep your space feeling fresh.

Final Thought: Your Art, Your Journey

Buying abstract art is an act of self-discovery.

It invites you to slow down, look inward, and ask:

What do I feel?

What do I love?

Who am I today?

There’s no right or wrong answer — only what speaks to you.

Enjoy the process of collecting art that authentically represents who you are and allows your personality to shine through each piece you choose.

Your art not only beautifies your home sanctuary but also adds wonderful depth to your life, making it a tangible expression of your unique life story.