Everything you need to know to start an Art Collection.

This Ultimate Guide explains How to Style Art, Why Buy Original Artwork, Art as an Investment, and the difference between original art, hand embellished and prints. 

Few and Far Artists in Residence.

Introducing a collection of original artwork to Few and Far has been a long-held dream of mine! With our focus on 'one-of-a-kind' pieces and our unique approach of blending 'old with the new,' it only made sense to complete our story with stunning, original art. This addition allows us to elevate our spaces with pieces that not only enhance decor but also forge a deep emotional connection.

In this guide, we'll cover how to get into art collecting, offer practical art styling tips, explore different artistic mediums, and discuss balancing art as an investment with personal enjoyment. Our ever-evolving Artist In Residence program ensures each visit to Few and Far offers a fresh, new artistic experience. Join us on this exciting journey to enrich your space and life with the beauty and value of original artwork.

— Tara Solberg, Founder of Few and Far.

Gitte Backhausen’s original artwork, Garden of Companions, is styled atop the Strom Sideboard in the Front Window display of our Berry Store (to the left). Additionally, Follow No Roads (held by Gitte in a field) is featured to the right.

How to Style Art.

Before diving into your art collection, it’s crucial to understand how to effectively style artwork within your home. As highlighted by our Senior Interior Designer and In-House Artist, Gonia Chylinksa, this process involves more than just choosing pieces; it’s about creating visual harmony that enhances your space. For a deeper dive, we recommend checking out her article and downloadable PDF, ‘How to Style Art' Guide. 

Few and Far's Senior Interior Designer and Abstract Artist, Gonia Chylinska, sits beside her original artwork, ‘Odyssey’ (Sold). Above her, you’ll find her original works Wategos I & II (No. 2 Sold Out) & Shallows in the middle. To the right, Kaleidoscope (Sold) rests atop the Strom Entertainment Unit.

1. Measure Your Space:

Begin by measuring the width and height of your available wall space. This ensures you choose a painting that fits proportionally and complements the room's dimensions. For horizontal walls, opt for landscape-oriented art, while vertical walls benefit from portrait-oriented pieces. Groupings of smaller artworks can also create the illusion of larger dimensions if needed. 

2. Choose the Right Size:

3. Positioning:

4. Creative Display:

Why buy original art?

Investing in original art such as original paintings offers a host of benefits that go beyond mere decoration. At Few and Far, our new Artist In Residence program showcases talented female artists, emphasising the unique value of owning original pieces. Each artwork is a direct expression of the artist’s creativity and vision, making it a distinct addition to your collection.

Meet our Artists in Residence (starting from the top left): Gonia Chylinska, Kerrie Jeffs, Natalie Childs, Gitte Backhausen, Jessie Breakwell, Natalie Uhrik, and Victoria Wilson.

Uniqueness and Authenticity

Support Female Artists

By purchasing original artwork, you support living artists and contribute to equity in the art market. As Linda Nochlin highlighted in her historically groundbreaking essay, "Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?", the art market has historically been dominated by men, with works often created primarily for the male gaze. Few and Far’s commitment to showcasing talented female artists not only enriches your collection but also fosters a thriving and empowering art community. Additionally, many of the artists in our program are from the NSW South Coast region and close to our stores, adding a touch of local authenticity to your art purchases.

Natalie Childs’ studio and her original painting ‘Reflection,’ which depicts the night sky over the South Coast of New South Wales (middle image).

 

Art as an investment.

Original art paintings are a timeless investment that often appreciates in value over time. However, please note that this article does not constitute financial advice, and there is inherent risk involved in any type of investment. We recommend conducting your own research beyond this article to understand the ever-changing and dynamic fine art market. A good starting point is the Financial Review's article on the "$10,000 and $30,000 Rules for Art," which highlights that most Australian collectors use art collection as a store of value, with fewer relying on it as their sole means of wealth creation. 

Despite economic uncertainty, the high-end art market remains unexpectedly strong. Earlier this year, the ABC reported that wealthy Australians in 2022 were buying artworks as a ‘hedge against inflation’ in the face of economic instability. Your chosen piece may help preserve wealth or grow in value as the artist’s reputation and career develop, making it a meaningful investment both aesthetically and financially. 

Victoria Wilson’s original works: ‘Champagne Series 006’ (left), an acrylic, foil, and oil pastel on canvas, and ‘Four Seasons’ (right), featuring ink, acrylic, and oil pastel on canvas.

 

Art as an Investment Versus the Pleasure of Just Owning Art.

The decision to invest in art versus acquiring pieces for personal enjoyment involves a balance between financial and emotional rewards. Understanding this dynamic can help guide your choices and enhance your collecting experience.

Art Investment Potential.

Art can be a lucrative investment, with certain pieces appreciating significantly in value depending on factors such as the artist, the context or history of the piece, and its previous ownership. For instance, if an artwork has been owned by a celebrity, it often accrues additional value due to its history. A recent example is Jim Carrey’s art collection, which was announced for auction. Social media commentators expect its value to rise due to the inherent quality of the pieces—such as photography, sculpture, sketches, rugs, and other design marvels—and Carrey's reputation as a credible artist in his own right.

Art investments can range from modest sums to substantial amounts, depending on the artist’s market presence and the artwork’s significance. Factors such as rarity, provenance, and artist reputation play crucial roles in determining a piece’s investment potential.

Art for personal enjoyment.

While art can offer financial benefits, its primary value often lies in the pleasure it brings to its owner. The emotional connection to a piece, its ability to enhance your living space, and the joy of supporting artists are intrinsic rewards that enrich your life beyond monetary considerations. Our curated collections of original artworks explore a wide range of concepts that reflect the rich inner lives of each corresponding artist and prompt the viewer's contemplation. 

Finding Balance.

To balance investment and pleasure, consider choosing artworks that resonate with you personally while also having the potential to appreciate in value. This approach allows you to enjoy your collection while keeping an eye on its future worth.

Natalie Uhrik’s ‘Pieces Fall Into Place’ (left), an acrylic painting on canvas framed in Tasmanian Oak, and her original work ‘Prayer for Protection’ (right).

 

The Difference Between Original Art, Hand Embellished Prints, and Limited Edition Prints.

Understanding the distinctions between various types of art can help you make informed decisions when building your collection. 

What is Original Art?

Original artwork is a unique creation directly produced by the artist. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, reflecting the artist’s personal style, technique and interests.  This uniqueness adds significant value and personal significance to the artwork, making it a centrepiece of your collection. 

Understanding the artistic mediums each artist uses can help you identify their works across our Few and Far stores. For instance, Gitte Backhausen's abstract landscape paintings explore themes of nature and the human experience through subconscious expression. Victoria Wilson’s large-format abstract floral works combine acrylic, Japanese ink, foil, and oil pastels, inspired by grief and healing. Natalie Uhrik’s nature-inspired paintings, created with a mix of textures and colours, reflect her spiritual journey and personal state-of-mind. Kerrie Jeffs’ colourful abstract works emphasise naivety and simplicity, while Gonia Chylinska’s intricate brushstrokes and use of colour create contemplative, emotionally engaging pieces. Each artist’s distinctive approach and medium contribute to the rich tapestry of our curated collections. 

Jessie Breakwell’s works ‘Chops for Chips’ (to the left, hand-detailed print & framed in Tasmanian Oak) and ‘A Country Falls’ (to the right, hand-detailed print available in paper or canvas & framed in Tasmanian Oak). 

What are hand embellished prints?

Hand embellished prints are reproductions of original artworks, enhanced with additional details or textures applied by the artist. You can explore to-scale hand-embellished prints by Jessie Breakwell in our stores. Known for her quirky, abstract, and whimsical style, Jessie’s prints depict zebras, elephants, tropical birds, serene still life, and intricate landscapes, offering a sense of enchantment and fun. Influenced by Brett Whiteley and Henri Matisse, her vibrant works provide light relief and a satisfying diversion from reality. Hand embellished prints offer a more affordable option compared to original pieces while still maintaining a degree of individuality and artistic touch.

What are limited edition prints?

Limited edition prints are reproductions produced in a set quantity, often signed and numbered by the artist. The limited nature of these prints adds a layer of exclusivity and can make them valuable, though they are not as unique as original art.

What are artist’s proofs?

Similar to limited edition prints, artist’s proofs are early versions of prints, typically produced before the main edition. They often feature slight variations from the final edition and can hold additional value for collectors.

By understanding these categories, you can make more informed choices based on your preferences, budget, and collecting goals.

Mastering the art scene involves a blend of styling, understanding different artistic mediums, and balancing investment potential with personal enjoyment. By following the styling tips provided, you can enhance your home with art that reflects your individuality. Carefully curating your own home gallery offers unique benefits, including supporting artists and potentially increasing the value of your collection over time. Distinguishing between original paintings, illustrations, hand embellished prints, and limited edition prints allows you to accumulate collection that aligns with your aesthetic and financial goals. Unique pieces often sell quickly, and some mentioned in this article may not be available if already sold. Additionally, artworks are frequently rotated across our stores, so please check in with our team to find out where specific pieces are located and ensure you have access to the latest selections.

At Few and Far, we are dedicated to helping you build a collection that enriches your space and resonates with your personal style. Our interior design services are available to assist you in seamlessly integrating art into your home decor, ensuring a cohesive and visually captivating environment.

As you embark on the journey of curating your art collection, remember that each piece should be a reflection of your personal taste and emotional connection. Whether you're drawn to prints, sculptures, one-of-a-kind homewares, acrylic paintings, mixed media works, or designer furniture, your collection can become a meaningful and beautiful part of your home.

Explore Few and Far’s evolving Artist in Residence program to discover fresh, original artworks that can enhance your space and enrich your life. Join us in celebrating the beauty and value of art as we continue to bring unique and inspiring pieces to our collection. If you find a piece in a store that you love or have taken home to display in your stylish space, we invite you to share it on social media and tag us @fewandfarhome.

Embrace the art world with confidence and creativity, and let your home become a canvas for your personal expression.