How to build your art collection with stylist Theresa Gromski

Curating an art collection is an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience, but with so much art available, it can be challenging to know where to start. To set you on the right track, we've teamed up with the award-winning stylist and illustrator Theresa Gromski - featured in Real Homes, Grazia and House & Home - for some no-frills advice. If you'd like any more help in starting your collection, our friendly and knowledgeable art consultants are available. 

Why do you think people can feel intimidated when starting their art collection?

Choosing art for our homes...it can be daunting, right? It can be intimidating going to galleries and buying art directly from artists. I think sometimes people feel they don’t know much about art and so just buy generic prints from mass-produced online print sellers, which is a real shame in my opinion. There is so much wonderful art out there, and talented artists and photographers to discover. 

I’ve got an art school background, and even I have that feeling sometimes. Well there’s no need to feel intimidated; at the end of the day, choosing art should just be a gut feeling, something that resonates and ‘speaks’ to you, or simply something you like the look of that will look great in your home and suit your personal style.

We love your Instagram feed at @theresa_gromski! What kind of art do you have in your own home?

I have gathered an eclectic mix of art, prints, illustrations and photographs. To me, art is something personal and I don’t want to have prints on my wall that everyone else has - generic art doesn’t float my boat. To me, it is about evoking a memory of a trip to a special place. 

Where do you source your art from?

I love visiting galleries and markets when I'm abroad, and I always bring prints or art pieces back. I cherish mementoes from a friend or a family member who has created something special for me. It could be a vintage piece found in a dusty junk shop that evokes a bygone time or feeling. Or simply a piece of art that stops me in my tracks and will create a stunning focal point in my interior space.

Featured art: Bisaillon Brothers, 'Modern Simplicity (White) 3', 'Modern Simplicity (Teal) 1', both £4950. Above: Alfie Bowen, 'Prince of Darkness', £395. 

Why would you recommend buying from an art gallery?

If you are interested in building an art collection or even just buying a special, one-off piece, heading into a gallery such as Castle Fine Art is a great place to start . In each branch, they have a skilled, knowledgeable and friendly team of art consultants who can guide you through the process, introducing you to art that you maybe wouldn’t have considered and opening your eyes to new and exciting artists.

What else should new collectors consider?

A special piece deserves to be framed beautifully. A gallery can also guide you through framing options and the differences in finishes. 

Featured art: 'Calm' by Richard Rowan, £3,950. 

Theresa's expert picks

We asked Theresa to browse our extensive selection of original and limited edition art to select the pieces that resonated most with her. She told us: "My favourite works include: 'Calm', a cloudy skyscape by Richard Rowan; the detailed drawing 'Wearing The Ring' by the comedian Billy Connolly; the circular Pop Art 'Modern Simplicity (White) 3' wall sculpture by the Bisaillon Brothers; and the punk rock mixed media artwork 'Queen in Residence' by Illuminati Neon."

Featured art (L-R): 'Queen in Residence' by Illuminati Neon, £5,950, and 'Modern Simplicity (White) 3' by the Bisaillon Brothers, £4,950. 

Find out more about Theresa and her tips on creating a beautiful home on a budget on Instagram at @theresa_gromski. This is a sponsored article. 

From the blog

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