Linda LaStella, a full-time clay artist based in New Jersey, responded to my post about art being an un-savvy investment with this comment. The second paragraph is especially telling.
First, thanks so much for beginning this conversation! As a full-time artist, this is an issue dealt with daily. American society has a very hard time appreciating visual art. In popular media… film, TV…the visual arts are very often demeaned. I believe it is because the visual arts do speak to our spiritual nature, and so call for a degree of quiet and contemplation to appreciate…certainly a perfect element for a true home.
I believe “the investment” you are making when purchasing visual art is in YOURSELF…”priceless,” as the familiar ad goes…will your spirit be renewed daily by living with that object? Does it really resonate with your own interior beauty? Spirit of playfulness? Depth? Will its positive energy enhance every gathering of family & friends you have in that space? That, I believe, is what your are paying for when your purchase a piece of art.
I am reconsidering my opinion after reading so many comments about the virtues of art. Perhaps I should create an “art” budget so buying original creations seems like less of an idol splurge. Do you budget for art? How do you afford it?
UPDATE: Had highlight this comment by reader Tessie, who agrees with me that art is not a good investment, but says I should have bought the pastel anyway.
Unless you are very knowledgeable or extremely lucky, art is not likely to be a good investment. But with this piece of art, you missed the point. It is a watercolor of a place where you have hiked with your mother and sisters and that has an emotional connection to you. Once you lose your mother and end up far away from your sisters, the landscape would bring you good memories time and again. Some day you will regret not having bought it. Some things should not be thought of as investments, but rather as memories.
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
One way to ‘budget’ for art is to create it! I love to quilt, so am three times blessed. Designing, Creating and Enjoying!
art with me is personal…. although i love looking at art, nothing is better than the feeling of triumph and sense of accomplishment as looking at something ive done… although i dont think many people have the money to go out and buy a Picasso, it doesnt take much to go grab some paper and paint to make your own masterpiece. i think it is important for every one to have a creative outlet, whether its model kits (the husbands outlet), sewing, scrapbooking, painting, sculpting- the possibilities are endless….
on a thrifty note- i love to make purses out of recycled military uniforms. doesnt cost much- and seeing my creation on someones arm is priceless….
Unless you are very knowledgeable or extremely lucky, art is not likely to be a good investment. But with this piece of art, you missed the point. It is a watercolor of a place where you have hiked with your mother and sisters and that has an emotional connection to you. Once you lose your mother and end up far away from your sisters, the landscape would bring you good memories time and again. Some day you will regret not having bought it. Some things should not be thought of as investments, but rather as memories.
LOVE what Tessie said; that is why we bought our $200 “sidewalk art”… b/c it’s a painting of where we want to live some day (not sure WHERE in the world it is, but sometimes we stare at the painting and say, “It’s almost like we’re there right now!”)… the emotions involved are SO important to access!
I have to agree that art is special and enhances my life because I live with a painting, sculpture or other object that I purchased…often when I couldn’t really afford it. I personally enjoy local art shows, and only buy from independent artist.
I am an artist and I had to respond to your article! I am fortunate enough to be able to re-create my travel and life memories in watercolors and ink sketches. When I travel i always take a sketchbook and pens. I do quick ink drawings of the cityscapes, landscapes, and architectural details, and then I take a picture with my camera. When I return home I turn the sketch and photo into a watercolored pen and ink or oil painting which summons up all the great memories of my travels. I began selling my work a few years ago, and it’s wonderful to see how people respond to the memories my work conjures up for them. The funny thing is that, if I tell them “This is a scene from Provence”–they will buy it if they have gone there, but if they have only been to Tuscany, they won’t buy my Provencial scene–even though it reminds them of Tuscany. I do make limited edition prints of my work, and they have proved to be very popular because they are affordable, so I really related to your comment about $50.00 prints. I know times are hard these days, but a little addition to your quality of life and a reminder of a wonderful experience is worth millions!
Please check out my work at http://www.linneawrhodes.com or on ArtQuiver and see what you think!