I walked into a friend’s house one day and, in the kitchen, saw an unusual picture hanging over the table. The painting was simple and in a huge frame:  an off-black wash with a big red dot off-centered to the left. I looked around the room and didn’t see anything else that matched the big red dot. It was strange and looked weirdly out of place. But, I couldn’t take my eyes off it. As we talked I found myself gazing at that dot.

“Okay, I give up,” I finally said. “What’s the dot for?”

She laughed. “I’ve had a very nice floral numbered print up there for years,” she told me. “I paid a lot of money for it and everything in the kitchen matches the colors in that print. But not once has anyone asked me about it. I took it down and hung this abstract painting that I paid less than $100 for and everyone who has come into my kitchen has asked me about it.  I have decided to start an abstract art collection because this one has been a conversation starter like non other I’ve had!”

Hmmm … Are you tired of the same old humdrum decorations that match what everyone else has? The mass processed photos, knick-knacks and prints? Then why don’t you just have an abstract makeover! Collecting abstract art such as paintings, and other abstract pieces can really change your home and give it a vibrancy that will never grow old. In addition, it starts a collection that will keep conversations going.

So, how does one start a collection? How do you know what to or not to buy? The first thing to do is to research, learn what you can about known or even famous artists and their works. Some prominent names that you may come across are Barnett Newman, Helen Frankenthaler, Hans Hoffmann, Willem De Kooning and Jackson Pollock. You can also go to an abstract art gallery to study their paintings in closer detail.

Once you decide on the kind of paintings or other abstract art you want, you will need to decide what pieces will fit in the allotted space and which you want first. Of course, you need to keep your budget in mind as well, because original works of abstract art can be quiet costly, ranging into the tens of thousands of dollars. Don’t let that scare you, because some of the lesser known artists, and even some artists that are local to your location, no matter where you are in the world, who produce phenomenal work are more affordable for those on a limited budget, with prices from $20 to a couple of thousand.

Some people may be interested in collecting period pieces of abstract art. If this is the case, then you may be able to find the pieces you are looking for by searching on the Internet or through specialty dealers. Some places, both online and off even hold art auctions where you can get a prized painting for a lesser amount.

No matter where your interest lies with abstract art, a collection of beautiful art beautifies your surroundings and brings with it a sense of joy and pride.