How to Choose Art That Speaks to You
Reading time: ~6 minutes
You’ve probably heard the phrase “buy what you love” when it comes to art but what does that really mean? Beyond matching colours or filling blank walls, the right piece of art can speak directly to your heart. Here’s how to tune in to that connection so your home feels deeply you.
Notice what moves you
When you scroll your favorite social platform or wander through a gallery, pause when something moves you to feel peace, curious, nostalgic, joyful or sparks a memory that makes you smile. Take a moment to feel the emotion and enjoy the moment, size and price generally takes a back seat in that moment. Most artists are willing to commission a similar artwork if size is an issue.
Look beyond trends
It’s tempting to follow what’s popular like neutral abstracts or trending colour palettes, but your space becomes meaningful when it reflects your personal story, not the algorithm. A good question to ask yourself is “would I still love the artwork in a few years?”. Why not take a look at some of my original works or limited edition prints to see if something resonates with your style?
Think about memories and meaning
Art is a journey. Maybe a coastal landscape reminds you of family holidays, or a bold abstract captures the energy you want for a fresh start. These personal links make the piece priceless to you.
Mix emotion with design
Once you’ve found an artwork that speaks, use colour and framing to weave it into your space. It’s easier to decorate around a beloved piece than force love for something that just matches a cushion.
Trust your feelings
If you keep thinking about a piece days later, that’s a sign. Art that sticks in your mind belongs in your life.
Let your collection evolve
You don’t have to build your art story overnight. Start with one heartfelt piece and layer others over time. Each addition becomes a chapter that speaks to you.
Browse my latest originals and prints, each one created to spark a feeling and tell a story. If a piece calls to you, trust that whisper. That’s where the magic lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose art I’ll still love in ten years?
A: The best test is whether a piece makes you feel something when you look at it — not whether it matches your sofa or follows a current trend. If you keep thinking about a piece after you’ve closed the browser tab, that response is telling you something. Art that resonates emotionally tends to be timeless; art chosen to match a cushion gets outdated.
Q: Do I need to know about art history to buy a painting?
A: Not at all. The only requirement is a genuine response. You don’t need gallery knowledge, art history, or a design degree. Most collectors start exactly the same way: they saw something, it made them feel something, and they bought it.
Q: How do I know if a painting will work in my space?
A: I offer free room mockups for any work in my collection — send me a photo of your wall and I’ll place the artwork in it so you can see the scale and colour before committing. This takes the guesswork out of buying online.
Q: Should I choose art to match my interior colours?
A: Rather than matching, look for art that rhymes with your space. A piece that contains one colour already in the room — a cushion, a rug, a throw — will pull the space together without looking forced. The goal is connection, not coordination.
Q: Can art purchases be made in person or only online?
A: My shop is online at jessking.com.au, and I ship throughout Australia. If you’re in Brisbane and would like to view work in person before purchasing, get in touch and we can arrange it.
Q: What if I buy a piece and it doesn’t look right on my wall?
A: That’s exactly why I offer free room mockups before you buy — to avoid that situation entirely. If you’d like to send me a photo of your wall, I’ll show you how any piece looks in your space so you can decide with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose art I’ll still love in ten years?
A: The best test is whether a piece makes you feel something when you look at it — not whether it matches your sofa or follows a current trend. If you keep thinking about a piece after you’ve closed the browser tab, that response is telling you something. Art that resonates emotionally tends to be timeless; art chosen to match a cushion gets outdated.
Q: Do I need to know about art history to buy a painting?
A: Not at all. The only requirement is a genuine response. You don’t need gallery knowledge, art history, or a design degree. Most collectors start exactly the same way: they saw something, it made them feel something, and they bought it.
Q: How do I know if a painting will work in my space?
A: I offer free room mockups for any work in my collection — send me a photo of your wall and I’ll place the artwork in it so you can see the scale and colour before committing. This takes the guesswork out of buying online.
Q: Should I choose art to match my interior colours?
A: Rather than matching, look for art that rhymes with your space. A piece that contains one colour already in the room — a cushion, a rug, a throw — will pull the space together without looking forced. The goal is connection, not coordination.
Q: Can art purchases be made in person or only online?
A: My shop is online at jessking.com.au, and I ship throughout Australia. If you’re in Brisbane and would like to view work in person before purchasing, get in touch and we can arrange it.
Q: What if I buy a piece and it doesn’t look right on my wall?
A: That’s exactly why I offer free room mockups before you buy — to avoid that situation entirely. If you’d like to send me a photo of your wall, I’ll show you how any piece looks in your space so you can decide with confidence.
