Art 101: How to Identify Your Personal Art Style (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Mary Katherine Fickel- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
So, you're standing in a gallery (or scrolling online), and you see it: the piece. Your stomach flips. Your brain buzzes. You want it but why? What about it speaks to you?
That feeling is your personal art style whispering in your ear. And if you're going to start (or grow) an art collection, getting to know that voice is the first, and most powerful, step.
You don't need an art history degree. You don’t need a mood board with Pantone swatches. You just need curiosity, openness, and a willingness to pay attention to what makes your heart race.
Let’s dive into how you can identify your personal art style, and start buying with bold, beautiful confidence.
🎨 What Is a Personal Art Style, anyway?
Your personal art style is the combination of aesthetics, themes, and emotional responses that make certain types of artwork resonate with you.
It’s like your taste in music, books, or fashion; uniquely yours.
Maybe you're drawn to bold color. Maybe it's melancholy landscapes. Maybe it’s abstract chaos or delicate botanical sketches. Whatever it is, identifying your preferences makes collecting easier, more meaningful, and way more fun.
🔍 Step 1: Start with Your Gut
Before we get technical, let’s get emotional.
Ask yourself:
What pieces have made you stop in your tracks?
What colors or textures feel like home?
What artists or eras have always drawn your eye?
Don’t overthink it. Just feel it.
Walk through your favorite art museum (IRL or virtually at Google Arts & Culture) and make note of what pulls you in.
🖼️ Step 2: Create a Visual Library
Start a Pinterest board, a folder on your phone, or even a physical scrapbook.
Collect:
Artworks you love
Interiors that inspire you
Color palettes that make your shoulders relax
The more you gather, the more patterns you’ll start to see.
Still stuck? Try browsing curated platforms like:
The Good Art Company (shameless plug we curate with heart)
Interior designers often use art to anchor a space, inject color, or add personality. Browse Architectural Digest to see how the pros do it.
🧠 Step 3: Learn the Language of Art Styles
Here’s a super quick cheat sheet to help you put words to what you’re seeing and loving:
Abstract: Art that doesn’t try to look “real.” Think emotion, movement, and color. (Example: Kandinsky, Rothko) Realism: Art that depicts subjects truthfully. It can be landscapes, portraits, or still life. (Example: Vermeer, Hopper) Impressionism: Soft edges, visible brush strokes, and natural light. (Example: Monet, Cassatt) Expressionism: Emotion over accuracy, often intense and dramatic. (Example: Munch, Schiele) Minimalism: Clean lines, limited color, and simplicity. (Example: Agnes Martin, Donald Judd) Surrealism: Dreamlike, strange, and symbolic. (Example: Dali, Magritte) Pop Art: Bold, graphic, often referencing pop culture. (Example: Warhol, Haring)
Use these terms as tools, not boxes.
🛋️ Step 4: Consider Your Environment
Your collection isn’t going to live in a vacuum; it’s going to live on your walls, in your rooms, next to your couch or above your coffee bar.
Ask yourself:
Do I want art that calms or energizes?
Do I want to match or contrast my space?
Am I drawn to large, statement pieces or intimate, smaller works?
Pro tip: Interior designers often use art to anchor a space, inject color, or add personality. Browse Architectural Digest to see how the pros do it.
🧩 Step 5: Ask “Why?”
When you love a piece, don’t just admire it. Interrogate it.
Ask yourself:
What emotions does this stir in me?
Does it remind me of something or someone?
Would I want to see it every day?
The deeper your “why,” the stronger your collection will be.
🧬 Step 6: Connect to the Artist
Sometimes, falling in love with a piece means falling in love with the person behind it.
Many collectors choose art because they resonate with the artist’s story, heritage, or philosophy.
Follow artists on social media. Read their bios. Watch interviews. The more connection you feel, the more meaningful the piece becomes.
Explore interviews with contemporary artists on Colossal or our own featured artists on The Good Art Company.
💡 Bonus: What NOT to Do
❌ Don’t buy art just because it matches your throw pillows.
❌ Don’t follow trends if they don’t excite you.
❌ Don’t worry if your style isn’t “cohesive.” It’s yours.
✨ Want to Learn More About Collecting?
Are you looking to start or grow your art collection but unsure where to begin?
Our Free Digital Guide to Collecting Art is your ultimate resource!
Packed with expert insights, practical tips, and must-know strategies, this guide will help you navigate the art world with confidence whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector.
📥 Download it now and discover how to:
Find artwork that aligns with your taste
Understand value and authenticity
Build a collection you’ll cherish for life
🖼️ Final Thought: Your Style, Your Story
Identifying your personal art style isn’t about impressing anyone, it’s about expressing yourself.
It’s about building a visual story that lives with you, grows with you, and reflects who you are.
Art collecting is a journey. The best collections aren’t the biggest or most expensive; they’re the most personal.
So, start exploring. Trust your instincts. And remember you’re not just buying art. You’re curating a legacy.
Hi there! I’m MK, owner of The Good Art Company and The Good Artist Mentorship. Thank you for reading Art 101: How to Identify Your Personal Art Style (and Why It Matters More Than You Think).
To keep up with our latest announcements, events, and art, follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. And visit our Online Art Shop daily for new available artwork!
