You’ve looked at art. You even channeled your inner Simon Cowell and made your judgments about the work you saw. And then it happened, you discovered your art type.

What now?

Now, you find artists that make your heart flutter and then quickly DTR (Define The Relationship) and have them move in.

Here are five artists I might set you up with depending on what you’re looking for in a match. They represent different styles and mediums, and some offer both originals and prints. Take a look and let me know what you think, and in the spirit of collaboration—tell me about artists you have started taking seriously and which ones you may be introducing to friends and family. 

Donald Robertson

Fun, colorful, whimsical…if these are your art words then you should check out the pop-ish art from Donald Robertson—referred to as “The Andy Warhol of Instagram.” His work takes on culture and pop icons as well as his signature hearts and lips. He is prolific in producing new pieces, however originals seem to sell out quickly. He does offer limited prints of selected works, and if you are so inclined commission pieces. 

Paying homage to the iconic queen of country, this fabulous numbered Hello Dolly! print is currently at the frame shop and will eventually make its way to my client’s pool house. They were looking for something happy and bright that brought a sense of joy to the space and was a juxtaposition to their more neutral interiors. Donald Robertson’s work checks all the boxes.

In an Art and Literature mash-up, in 2017 he published a (now out of print) book with Assouline, called appropriately, “Donald; The Book” If you happen to see a second-hand copy, it’s a nice find. If you don’t want it, I do!

Bella McGoldrick

It’s fun to incorporate art with personal experiences, every time you look at it there is a memory associated with the piece. My husband is from the East Coast, and I spent quite a bit of time in NYC during my previous life as an investment banker. The first piece that caught my eye from Bella McGoldrick was her hyperrealistic drawing of the iconic blue Greek NYC coffee cup, the one that every New Yorker remembers as a staple in city diners until production of the cup was discontinued in 2006. The original painting was no longer available, which was a heartbreaker. That’s the thing about originals, there’s only one. So we purchased a numbered piece. Every time I pass it in the hallway, my mind returns to a memory of the newness of experiencing New York City and the energy and excitement of being young and in love. 

Intricate and detailed, there’s something in her work that is alive, it draws your eye closer. Take a look at some of her more recent work which is available through Tappan Collective.

Nelly Van Nieuwenhuijzen

Is a serene landscape your thing, are you calmed by scenes of nature? This Dutch artist captures tranquil landscapes of her dutch countryside. We placed Nelly van Nieuwenhuijzen’s original piece, “Polder in Zuid-Beveland (May)” several years ago and the color and light are lovely, it’s one that receives a lot of compliments from visitors.

The artist paints variations on a theme with this particular landscape—interpreting the light and weather at different months of the year and times of day. For selected pieces, you can choose from originals or prints.

Flore

Does the dramatic urban excitement call to you? Do you love graffiti? These pop art meets street art pieces from Christopher Florentino (Flore) could do the trick. With studios in New York and Miami, the influence of these vibrant cities is evident in his work. His funky pieces are collected around the world and there are original pieces hanging in the Keith Haring museum. Originals seem to go fast, so if you miss out there are sometimes numbered prints of selected works.

This is one of the prints that was available a few years ago from Art Angels. We placed it and it has been a point of conversation.

Natalie Savage

Are you drawn to still life vignettes, but feel the traditional look might be a tad too conservative for your taste? How about a funky take on the still life concept? Natalie Savage from the U.K. paints vibrant scenes with maximum color and unexpected modern additions. Interpreting a common theme in still life, she imagines a plate of fish with an almost cartoon-like quality. 

Oddly paired objects work together with the vibrant color palette to create a modern take on still life. Like this work with a traditionally symbolic vase of tulips paired with fruit, and then the addition of a plate of cigarette butts and a bottle of “Vino baby.” I’m envisioning her work brightening a client’s kitchen, dining or breakfast room. Until I find the perfect place to install one of her paintings I will continue to enjoy seeing the new work that she creates.

So, Could This Be Love?

These five represent just a few of the eligible art dates you could choose. In your search, who are the artists that look good on paper (or canvas, or sculpture)? And which ones are you planning to take to the next level?

I look forward to meeting your new art partners. Be sure to introduce me when the time is right!