Sadly, most people aren't exposed to original fine art in any way as children. The art work they see is primarily found in children's books, or in history books. This results in an abysmal lack of knowledge about art.
Your Art Personality
To decide what kind of art you would be interested in, think about who and what you are. Do you tend toward the traditional? You would probably prefer a fine art print with a recognizable subject: floral prints, for instance, or an art print with human subjects or landscapes that do not make the viewer uncomfortable. A great choice when you buy art would be to look at some of the French Post-Impressionists: Van Gogh, Cezanne, Gauguin and Seurat.
If you have an edgier personality, or you are the sort of person who likes to be daring, look at later art periods. Choose art that appeals to you without necessarily needing to understand it. Something by Jackson Pollock, with his colourful poured-art technique might give you a fine art print you'll enjoy displaying on your wall for years.
Perhaps you prefer history or religion for your art work. It's not likely you can afford an original, but fine art prints based on the remarkable works of Michelangelo or Leonardo Da Vinci, if displayed in excellent frames on your walls, can bring focus to an entire room as well as telling your guests you prefer the classics.
If you prefer to buy art that is original, either for the cachet or for the uniqueness, you can haunt galleries or you can look online for art work that has been done by new and unique artists, for example at a reputable website like: [http://watermarkart.co.uk] There is no guarantee that original fine art like this will ever be worth anything, but many artists recognized today as great could not sell anything when they were young. If you have reasonable taste and are willing to take a gamble, original art works by unknowns can add personality and interest to your home while having a chance of being worth a great deal in the future.
Perfect Art Work for Your Home
The most critical consideration when choosing a fine art print or original fine art is that it should fit well in your home. A dark and brooding art work won't look right in a sunny and cheerful room, for instance. You may prefer a sensual art print in the bedroom, or to buy art work by new artists for your very modern living room.
No matter what you're told by a dealer or friend, never buy art work that does not appeal to you. You'll only grow to hate it. Instead, always purchase your art with yourself in mind. And maintain an open mind. Your favourite art work may be unusual or even disturbing, but if it appeals to you, that is what matters.
