Why Human-Made Art Matters and Original Artwork Vs Print

How many art posts did you see yesterday? And how many do you remember?

If you are anything like me, the ones that stay in your mind are the posts where we see the process, the artist, the fails, the reality.

Why human-made art matters

Human-made art is fragile. It means starting over and over again, and it takes hours, days, months and years for an artist to become good at it. That adds an intangible value that AI art simply does not have. It also connects you to something real: a person, a decision, a regret, a place, moment or bird, that someone took the time to observe and recreate.

I've noticed a shift, with more people wanting human-made art. Often though, they are afraid of reaching out to artists or asking for prices. Yes, hand-made art is more expensive, but there are also alternatives. And asking about a price never commits you to buying.

Me painting live while at an Outdoor Market

 

Art prints: an affordable way to own art you love

Most artists offer art prints of their work. They are a more affordable alternative, and they come in more sizes and applications. I, for example, offer prints in A5, A4 and A3, and the same artwork can also become bookmarks, keychains, pins, notebooks and more.

Prints are a really affordable way to have artwork you love that fits both your needs and your wallet. They are a close relative of the original and a thoughtful gift, either for others or yourself.

Art print of the digital series Lovers

Original artwork: one of a kind

When an artist sells original work, it is always more expensive, but also more exclusive. You have something made by hand. You can see the strokes, the decisions, the errors, and all of that makes it human and real. An original also has a texture a print can't fully reproduce: the grain of the paper, the layers of pigment, the pressure of the pencil.

Some artists sell original artwork at more affordable prices. Usually these are tests or studies, older styles and try-outs that did not match the artist's vision.

I have a folder full of originals for sale, from birds to people to subjects that are hard to categorize. All of them date from when I was still finding my style and vision, so there is a little something for every taste. None of them costs more than €10.

Making of "Great Spotted Woodpecker"

How do you know what is right for you?

First of all, ask yourself what you want or need:

• Is it a gift for someone, or something you want for yourself?
• What use do you intend to give it? Is it purely decoration, or do you want something functional?
• What is your budget?

These answers will guide you to what suits you best. If you want something to invest in, an original is hard to beat. If you want flexibility, or several pieces at once, prints are the better route.

A piece with a story

Getting a piece from an artist, especially a small one, is always special. You have something unique that tells a story, and the artist gets to share their work and, hopefully, make a living from what they love.

If you would like to have a little of my work with you, take a look at my online store, where you can find art prints and other merch made from real, hand-made art.

If you are interested in original artwork, feel free to connect with me via email or Instagram, and I will happily send you a catalogue of all the original, hand-painted work I have available.