How to buy art

You're Buying The Artist, Not The Art.

Hello,

I’m SLART (Steven Light), an outsider artist based in Swindon, UK. As someone who spends a lot of my time making art, whether in the studio or up a ladder painting a mural, I never expected to become a collector myself. But in recent years, I’ve started buying pieces from other artists. It’s changed the way I see art, value it, and connect with it on a deeply personal level.

Buying art doesn’t have to be mysterious, elitist, or intimidating. You don’t need a massive budget or an art history degree. You just need to care about creativity and feel something when you see a piece. Whether you’re picking up your first print or investing in an original, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

1. Buy with your gut, not for investment

Some people buy art as an investment, but I buy it because I want to live with it.

If a piece makes you pause, feel something, or tells a story that resonates with you, that’s more than enough reason to bring it into your life. Art is about connection, not just value, and the emotional return can be far greater than the financial one.

2. Don’t wait until you have a big budget

Start with what you can afford: every collection begins somewhere.

Small paintings, limited and open edition prints, and original drawings are often very accessible, and many artists offer payment plans to make things easier. Even platforms like Klarna can help you spread the cost. Remember, the emotional and creative value of a piece isn’t defined by its size or price—it’s about what it means to you.

3. Support living artists

Buying directly from an artist or small independent gallery truly matters.

You’re not just acquiring a piece of art, you’re investing in someone’s creative journey. Your support helps artists continue doing what they love, and that’s a meaningful, personal contribution to both culture and community. You’re also supporting the wider creative economy and helping keep the arts alive and thriving.

4. Talk to artists and ask questions

Most artists love sharing the stories behind their work.

Whether it’s at a local art fair or through an Instagram DM, don’t hesitate to reach out. Ask about the inspiration behind a piece or how it was made, those conversations create a lasting connection with the work. Trust me, if you message an artist to say you love what they’ve created, it will mean the world to them. I know this from personal experience, it’s the kind of support that stays with you, both as the artist and as the buyer.

5. Build a collection that reflects who you are

Your art collection should show your personality and what matters to you. Mine includes bold figurative works that express strong emotion and connection, and playful pop art that reflects my love of humour, colour, and pop culture. These pieces don’t just fill space—they say something about who I am.

Art isn’t just for white walls in wealthy homes. It belongs in real spaces… lived with, loved, and part of everyday life. As someone who creates art about the human condition and now lives with the work of other artists, I can tell you: owning art changes the way you see your world. It brings inspiration into your daily routine and, for introverts like me, it’s also a great conversation starter when people visit.

Here are a few of my art picks, all affordably priced between £20 and £170. These pieces are by four talented artists whose work I collect.

Heath Kane

…is a UK-based artist known for bold, pop-inspired work that explores social issues. His Rich Enough to be Batman series mixes royalty with superhero imagery to question wealth and privilege. I discovered his work through a podcast and instantly loved it, it’s striking, thought-provoking, and visually unforgettable pop art.

Rich Enough to be Batman - “Not An NFT” Dollar Note

Price: £50.00 Edition: 25 Size: 15.6cm x 6.6cm

#New World Order Stamp Edition

Price £50.00 Edition: 300 Size: A5

Merny

…creates playful, thought-provoking art inspired by human behaviour, memes, and safety posters. His bold watercolours and street murals mix dark humour with cryptic labels. I first connected with his work after being mesmerised by a mural near Bristol train station, his unpretentious style instantly drew me in. (

Merny

is on Substack too)

Keep scrolling, Riso Print

Price: £20 Edition: Open Size: A4

Ellie Tate

…is a self-taught British artist based in Margate, known for her vibrant, abstract paintings that express emotion through colour and form. I first connected with her work after hearing her on the Talk Art podcast in 2021, her intuitive, heartfelt approach to painting really resonated with me.

Well, Wadya Know?

Original Acrylic on Canvas Price: £100 (Sale price) Size: 30cm x 30cm

Barnnzy

…aka Colin Barnes, is a South London-based artist known for bold, playful works blending digital and traditional techniques. His art explores contemporary culture with vibrant energy. I first connected with him on Instagram, later interviewed him for my Substack, and quickly fell in love with his cartoonish style.

Visible Invisible #1 Price £170 Edition: 20 Size: 65cm x 80 cm