GALLERY NEWS

It happens all the time.  A couple comes into the gallery, the husband is attracted to the geometric abstract and the wife is mesmerized by a dreamy landscape.  But neither likes what the other has fallen in love with.  They end up leaving without any art, both disappointed, back to their empty house.
How do you overcome this obstacle so that you and your spouse can collect art, and enjoy it in your home?  Even if it sounds impossible, and you’ve never found a painting you both love, believe me on this one, there is always some common taste that you and your spouse share.  But you can’t get there all at once, so take small steps.  Here’s how.
 

Divide and Conquer

Give each other specific rooms to choose whatever art you want.  Some rooms are obvious.  Your office should have work you love.  Are there other rooms your spouse uses, but you don’t or at least not very often: a sitting room, a library, a dressing room, a walk in closet, a guest bedroom, etc.?  You get one room, your spouse gets another.  Easy.  Don’t argue; let your spouse enjoy their own taste.  You both get to collect art without forcing your taste on the other.
 

Art Diplomacy

It is different in the rooms you share.  One spouse should not be forced to look at something they hate.  You share most of your home, so this takes a little more effort.  But it can be worked out.  Here is how.  Again, take turns choosing the art.  First of all lower your expectations.  The chances of you both loving something the first time out, is small.  Don’t wait for that.  One spouse chooses, while the other has veto power.   Then you switch sides. It works like this:

An Artistic Example

You find a landscape by Dan Young that you love, but your spouse is not in love with it.  Ask her how strong her feelings are.  If she is ambivalent, get the art, and remember it is her turn next time.  Remember if either of you is strongly against a certain work of art – don’t buy it.  That’s your veto power.  Use it.

The Power of Art

Art is like most things in life, it take experience.  Do you like caviar, beer, classical music, or 19^th Century literature?  Chances are, you didn’t like it the very first time.  Art is like that too.  It can take two, three, a dozen times before you begin to see something you like about it.
What will happen over time, is that you will begin to see things in the work you were unaware of.  You may even begin to like it, then to love it.  You are expanding your art experience and growing your taste.  You are also finding areas of agreement with your spouse, and at some future point, you will both find a piece of art you love – together.  It is the power of art, the unfolding beauty that takes time and experience: and is richer for the extra effort you took to get there.
And remember, the Ann Korologos Gallery is always here to help.  We love art, and talking about it.  We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.   Just call us at (970) 927-9668 or email us at art@KorologosGallery.com