The Surprising Way Art Can Lift Your Spirits
An installation of three of my floral paintings specifically chosen by the collector to bring the joy of the garden into the office space.
We often think of art as decoration—but research shows that owning original art does much more than please the eye. Studies demonstrate that being surrounded by beautiful artwork at home can reduce stress hormones like cortisol and boost mood‑enhancing ones like dopamine and endorphins (ft.com). Simply gazing at art creates a calming, restorative effect—much like spending time in nature (en.wikipedia.org).
For collectors, this benefit goes even deeper. A Financial Times analysis of art collectors found that acquiring pieces isn’t just about wealth—it’s a powerful, self‑expressive act, one that brings personal meaning, joy, and a sense of order to a home (ft.com). When you own a painting that resonates deeply, it becomes a quiet companion, a source of ongoing inspiration and comfort.
Engaging with art doesn’t require going to a museum. A recent Cambridge study revealed that simply encountering art—such as seeing it at home—encourages abstract thinking, lowers anxiety, and unlocks fresh perspectives (theguardian.comthetimes.co.uk). In a world overloaded with screens and obligations, having original artwork in your space can serve as a gentle, grounding reminder of beauty and human creativity.
This group of small artworks was a special commission project… each painting represented something meaningful within the collectors life. Learn more in this post ‘Storytelling with Art, 5 Paintings, that together, Tell a Story’
Engaging with art doesn’t require going to a museum. A recent Cambridge study revealed that simply encountering art—such as seeing it at home—encourages abstract thinking, lowers anxiety, and unlocks fresh perspectives (theguardian.comthetimes.co.uk). In a world overloaded with screens and obligations, having original artwork in your space can serve as a gentle, grounding reminder of beauty and human creativity.
Art also supports mental wellness beyond mere viewing. Frontiers in Psychology emphasizes that art therapy—active making and engaging with art—dramatically reduces anxiety, builds self‑esteem, and enhances overall well‑being (frontiersin.org).
Collecting original pieces offers similar rewards: choosing art that moves you nurtures self‑awareness, purpose, and emotional nourishment.
Through my floral oil paintings, inspired by life in the garden, I aim to offer just this emotional uplift. When collectors bring one of my floral paintings into their home, they often tell me flowers, like daffodils and irises, remind them of loves ones who grew those flowers. This kind of deep emotional connection is evidence of art's power—not decoration, but resonance.
Whether buying your first small original or adorning your home with meaningful pieces, you're investing in more than something that matches the sofa. Your choosing mood, memory, and meaning. As UCSF researchers found, even small joy‑filled acts—like looking at art—can significantly enhance emotional resilience and life satisfaction .
So, if you're looking for meaningful ways to lift your spirits, consider positive benefits of looking at original art. Even just a small artwork can boost your mood.
If you’re curious about starting your own art collection but unsure where to begin, I’ve put together a free guide called The Art of Collecting on a Budget. It shares thoughtful, approachable ways to begin collecting small works—without breaking the bank.
[Grab your free copy here →The Art of Collecting on a Budget]
