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Everyone buys art. Oftentimes we don’t even realize it, but when we buy that piece of jewelry, scarf, book, photo, windchime, or chatchka, we are collecting art.
But why do we buy art?
What draws us to buy a particular piece?
Often it can be as simple as it fits a need. But art can be so much more than that. Think about your favorite scarf or piece of jewelry, that piece on your coffee table that brightens your day, or the painting displayed in your entryway that you love to show off to friends and guests.
Here are my Top Ten reasons to buy art:
1. Drawn to it: perhaps it’s the vibrant color or maybe you are feeling adventurous.
2. Artist’s technique: meeting the artist and hearing their technique for making the art. Better yet, seeing their demo or their art studio to see where the magic is made.
3. Artist’s inspiration: hearing what inspired the artist to make the piece. What were they doing or thinking when the inspiration hit? Being able to share that story forever more is exciting and powerful.
4. Artist’s story: learning about the artist’s background and artistic journey. Connecting with some of your own creative dreams and ambitions.
5. Reminiscent of a time or place: somehow feeling that you’ve been to that scene - as a child, on vacation. Maybe you can’t pin it down but you connect with it nevertheless.
6. Reminder of a special person or pet: the person in the painting may look familiar or their mannerism may take you back to an old friend or family member.
7. Conjures up feelings or emotions: it may not be art of a person or place but just something that touches your emotions. It makes you “feel” in some way. You may not know why. It might strike you later. But either way, you feel the tug.
8. Unique piece: a painting or sculpture or windchime, the likes of which you’ve never seen before. Your eyes keep coming back to it.
9. Showpiece to share: you can share all the stories, the connections with people that comment about that piece.
10. Support local artists: Dripping Springs is full of hundreds, if not thousands, of talented artists offering their creative works, their stories, their connections.
Some of my favorite pieces from our collection:
‘Pomegranate’ by Annie Newton: this piece is beautiful and reminds me of my grandmother’s living room
‘Spinner’ by Mary Orcutt: I enjoy the various images and reflections as it spins above our back porch
‘Saw Owl’ by Cristian Granucci: such cool metal art next to our front door
‘3 Generations’ by Maddie Friedman: me with my father and son on a hike
‘Acrylic Flowers’ by Jennifer Friedman: creative use of scrap acrylics
‘Alcohol Ink’ by Jennifer Friedman: vibrant colors and textures are mesmerizing
‘Feebled Dancing’ by Jennifer Friedman: dancing during my recovering from shoulder surgery; note the x-ray overtones
‘Sisters & Me’ by Tiffany Sierras: popping colors reminds me of my sisters every day
‘Hiker’s Mountain View’ by Allison Buckner: takes me back to hiking with my Dad
‘Ice Cream’ by Morgane Xenos: I watched the artist paint this live and had to have it!
It may be tempting to pick up your art from Hobby Lobby or Target, but do those pieces really emote any specific connections or inspiration? And did you know that local art is also often very economical? Many artists offer pieces for under $50.
Where do I find such artists?
Your Dripping Springs Art League serves over 230 local artists and galleries including glass artists, ceramicists, fiber artists, jewelry makers, writers, woodworkers, photographers, painters of every kind, and so much more.
And the DSAL helps bring these artists and their fabulous artwork to you:
West of Weird Art Tour - February 28-March 01: see all types of art at 35 local art studios and galleries across Dripping Springs. Meet the artist, see where the magic happens, hear their story. See the map and types of art displayed at www.https://artindripping.com/wowtour-2026/
Art in Bloom! Art Market in the Triangle - March 28: dozens of artists will be displaying and demoing their art along with activities, snacks, and music. Come on out!
‘Night to Inspire: Color Our World’ Art Experience - April 16: the Dripping community comes out for an immersive art experience including artists, demos, live art, photo booth, and featuring the tapas creations of Chef Keii as seen on Food Network. Tickets go on sale February 25th. Learn more at https://artindripping.com/nighttoinspire2026/
Dedicated to Shannon Woodruff
This article is dedicated to Shannon Woodruff. Shannon is not only a friend and fabulous oil painter, she is truly a patron of the arts. When the DSAL was formed in August 2023, she offered her expertise and energy to provide free consulting services. She helped founders form an artist- and community-focused organization that continues to blossom in 2026. We had an invigorating discussion on the topic of ‘Why do people buy art?’ at her recent goodbye dinner. Though Shannon is moving this month, her passion and impact will always be with us.
Instagram: @shannon.woodruff
