Those not in the know often dismiss abstract art as a bunch of paint splatters, but the category that encompasses all these abstract works is so much more. If you've decided you'd like to decorate with abstract paintings, you're going to have so much fun looking through what's available. Even if you stick to original works only, there is a huge variety. Where do you even begin? You find dealers and start looking at online catalogs, and refine your requirements as you go.

It Doesn't Have to Have a Message, but It Can

Abstract art is open to a lot of interpretation, some of which match up with what the artist intended. But viewers can read so much more into the art, and you may want to take time and figure out what you want people to be reminded of when they see the painting in your home. For example, red splatters and a name that references a historical battle are going to give observers a rather specific impression. But drifting clouds of colors, for example, with a less-descriptive name, will be more open to interpretation.

Some interpretations have a rather practical side along with any abstract views, such as the ones you might think of when you look at art that follows the Light and Space movement. This style looks at how the effects of, you guessed it, light, space, shape, and so on could change the space around them. Think about what you want observers to take away (specific messages, more flexible interpretations, or just an appreciation of color coordination).

Light Concerns

Where you plan to display the art is important because that spot will have a particular type of lighting. It may get indirect sunlight during the day and be exposed to warm-color LEDs at night, and you want the painting to look good in both conditions. This is harder to evaluate when you're in a gallery where the lighting has been set up specifically to make the painting look its best, but it is possible to determine what will look best in your home.

They Can Contain More Than Paint

Original abstract paintings may actually contain more than just paint. They may contain ink and other mixed media. If you want only paint, such as an abstract oil painting, you'll need to specify that as you search. But do take a look at mixed-media paintings as there are some neat ones out there using mixed paint and glass microspheres, special papers, and resins.

There is a lot of abstract art for sale, and finding an original painting is rather simple. Finding the painting that will go in your home, however, takes more consideration. Start looking now and enjoy the search.

For more information, contact a local business, like Dragon Fly Studios.

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