Why you shouldn't hold back from buying art if you like it

Why you shouldn't hold back from buying art.

Have you ever found yourself drawn to a piece of art but hesitated to make it yours? Maybe you thought, I don’t know enough about art to buy it, or worried about the cost, or even felt intimidated by the idea of "owning" art.

Let me share something: buying art isn’t about being an expert or spending a fortune. It’s about finding something that speaks to you, something that brings beauty and joy to your life every single day. Whether it’s an original painting or a high-quality print, owning art is one of the most fulfilling investments you can make.

Here are some common reasons people hold back—and why they shouldn’t.

1. You don't really know about art

The idea that you need to know about art to buy it can hold people back from experiencing its joy. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be an expert to love art.

Art is about connection. It’s about how a piece makes you feel when you see it on your wall, the memories it evokes, or the sense of calm or inspiration it brings to your space. If you’re drawn to a painting or print, that’s all the expertise you need.

There’s no "right" or "wrong" way to enjoy art. Trust your instincts, and choose what resonates with you. When you do, you’re not just buying something to decorate your home—you’re adding a piece of beauty and meaning to your life.


Louise Luton painting on the Masai mara
Early mornings on the Masai mara painting the sunrise. Sometimes people who have also been on safari contact me for original paintings because my work resonates with them. They know they'll have a work of art that reminds then of a magical holiday. That sounds like a great reason to have some art in your home

But isn't art really expensive?

Art is often seen as a luxury, but it doesn’t have to be. Original paintings are priced to reflect the time, skill, and materials invested in creating something one-of-a-kind. However, there’s also an affordable and equally meaningful alternative: high-quality prints.

I work with a family-run, independent publisher here in the UK to create prints of my artwork. While they supply some large retailers, at their heart, they’re a small business, just like mine. Together, we create beautiful prints that capture the essence and emotion of my original paintings.

Prints are an accessible way to bring art into your home without compromising on quality. Framed and displayed with care, they can transform a room, spark conversations, and bring daily joy—just like an original piece.


Painting of a highland cow and her calf. Heather and Buttercup by Louise Luton
This lovely painting of Heather and Buttercup has been made into a beautiful print, in two different sizes. Heather and Buttercup is a wonderful way of having a more affordable, statement piece in your home

Art galleries are really intimidating

If you've ever felt uncomfortable walking into an art gallery you're not alone. However, the galleries that I work with are small independent businesses and are happy to welcome you. They don't mind if you don't know anything about art and they certainly won't try to bamboozle you with grandiose language! Instead, they're hoping that you have the courage to walk into their Gallery because you quite liked the look of it. And maybe you saw something in the window that caught your eye. You can browse at your own pace ask questions or simply enjoy the pieces that speak to you. Art should feel approachable because it's made for people to connect with and enjoy not to intimidate or exclude.


This image is a photograph of my solo show at Fisherton mill a couple of years ago. What a wonderful place to wander around and have a browse. Don't ever feel worried about walking into an art gallery you will always be welcomed with open arms. My next solo show at Fisherton mill is in October 2025. I also have originals in the Wey Gallery in Godalming the Mayne gallery in Kingsbridge and Park Gallery in Cheltenham.

AI art is cheaper and just as good?

Ouchie. As you can imagine, traditional oil painters like me might not be too fond of AI generated images. AI might be fast and inexpensive, but it lacks the soul and storytelling of something created by a human hands.  Every brushstroke in my paintings holds intention, emotion, and a piece of my heart. There's no algorithm that can replicate what I do with paint and a brush! When you buy a painting or even a print created by a real artist you're not just getting an image you're getting a piece of their journey, their vision, their craft. These are things that bring lasting value and meaning to your home far beyond what any AI generated image can offer.


Me in my studio painting with a paintbrush not with an AI prompt! Surrounded by animals that I've seen in the wild, the source photographs were taken by me or by my husband. The paint is oil and the canvas is linen. There is something truly beautiful working in this way and it cannot be replaced by a computer.

Why buying art matters

Investing in art isn't just about decoration; it's about supporting creativity, small businesses, and a community of independent artists. When you choose to buy an original painting or print you helping sustain the work of real people who pull their passion into every piece they crea and for you? All becomes a lifelong companion it transformed your space, tells your story and brings daily joy. It's not just something you own, it's something you live with, connect with with, and Treasure forever. So whether it's an original oil painting or framed print don't let hesitation hold you back if a piece speaks to you that's reason enough to bring it into your life


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