The value of art is a subject that can be approached from many angles — aesthetic, emotional, cultural, technical, and financial. Over the past 25 years, I have worked across almost every point in the art world: from selling the work of local artists who had never exhibited before, to representing established names with international followings, to observing the blue-chip market where pieces are as much assets as they are artworks.

This breadth of experience has shown me that The Value of Art can shift dramatically depending on the context. At one end, a painting might be purchased for the joy it brings to someone’s home. At the other, it may be acquired purely for investment — driven by market trends, auction results, and an artist’s position in the cultural hierarchy. Both have legitimacy, but they measure value in very different ways.

The Value of Art in Different Markets

In local galleries, the value of art often lies in connection — a collector responding to a painting because it speaks to them. For emerging artists, the first sale can be as much about encouragement and recognition as about money. For established artists, value can be tied to a solid career foundation, consistent quality, and a body of work that is widely collected.

Then there is the blue-chip market, where art can function like currency. Here, the value of art is often linked to scarcity, reputation, and the track record of sales. A work may be sought after not for its subject matter or aesthetic qualities, but because owning it signals a certain cultural status or represents a safe investment.

Yet the financial aspect is only one part of the picture. The value of art also exists outside the marketplace, in the originality, craftsmanship, and authenticity of the work itself.

The Value of Art in Originality and Voice

Originality is one of the most enduring measures of value. Artists may learn from others — as Austin Kleon writes in Steal Like an Artist — but true value emerges when influences are transformed into something fresh. A distinctive voice makes work recognisable and resonant.

Art history is full of examples of originality redefining what art can be. Andy Warhol reframed mass consumerism through his Pop Art; the Fauves brought colour straight from the tube in ways that shocked, following the Impressionists. These artists built on what came before, yet created something unmistakably their own.

However, originality without foundation can struggle to hold weight. Which leads to another dimension of the value of art — the skill behind it.

The Value of Art in Skill and Craftsmanship

Skill gives form to vision. Whether it is colour theory in painting, composition in photography, or the technical demands of sculpture or ceramics, craftsmanship shapes how an idea is expressed and received. A piece may be bold in concept, but without skill, it risks feeling unfinished or insubstantial.

Conceptual works often generate debate — from a light turning on and off in a gallery, to installations that at first seem puzzling. Seen in isolation, these pieces can appear simplistic. But viewed as part of an artist’s wider practice, they may reveal layers of meaning and intentionality.

The value of art here lies in the synthesis of concept and execution. Rules can be broken — as the Fauves proved — but when they are broken with purpose and knowledge, the results often stand the test of time.

The Value of Art as an Authentic Expression

Beyond markets, originality, and skill, the value of art often comes from authenticity. For many artists, creating is not optional; it is a vocation, a way of making sense of the world. The pull to make work comes before thoughts of selling it.

When art is created from a place of authenticity — rather than to chase trends or second-guess buyers — it carries a certain presence. Collectors can often feel the difference. Confidence in one’s work and the conviction to stand by it can create an energy that draws people in.

This is not to say that every piece will find an audience. However, the value of art, at its most personal, can lie in the act of making — in the process of exploration, refinement, and self-expression.

The Value of Art in Cultural and Personal Legacy

Art does not exist in a vacuum. It enters the world, becomes part of conversations, influences thought, and sometimes shifts cultural perspectives. This long view adds another layer to the value of art — the way it can leave a mark, whether through beauty, provocation, or new ideas.

Some works endure precisely because they broke boundaries while still holding to strong artistic foundations. Others are valued for the way they speak to a moment in time. For an artist, the measure may not be whether the work sells for millions, but whether it holds meaning — for themselves, for those who see it, and for the broader cultural landscape.

Ultimately, The Value of Art is never singular. It can be measured in terms of currency, skill, originality, authenticity, or legacy — and often in a combination of all these factors. The richness of art lies in the fact that it holds space for all of them at once.

Art Advisory – Thinking About Collecting

Navigating the art world — from galleries to auction houses — can be a minefield.
If you ever have questions or need guidance, I’m always happy to help.

If you’re looking to start or build a collection, I offer free private consultations shaped by over 25 years of experience — from sourcing to placement, with a focus on intuitive, considered choices that align with your space and vision.

→ Get in touch

→ How artworks are appraised

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Exploring the Studio as a Space of Inner Transformation

A studio serves as my refuge from the noise of daily life—it’s a quiet haven where I can fully immerse myself in the creative process. Each painting session begins with a simple meditation that grounds me and opens me to new possibilities. By closing my eyes and focusing on my breath, I allow the external world to fade away, creating a mental landscape where my creativity can flow. For me, this process transforms art into a prayer, a personal connection that nourishes my spirit and allows my inner voice to emerge.

In these moments, the studio’s energy begins to shift. A deepening presence invites clarity and inspiration. This alignment is essential for connecting with the art waiting to be created, transforming the canvas into a space of metamorphosis.

Listening and Responding through Art as Prayer

As the painting process unfolds, a state of deep resonance often emerges. Quiet moments bring whispers of inspiration, and it can feel as though a guiding presence supports the hand as it moves across the canvas. Instead, painting becomes less about producing a finished product and more about allowing the process to flow naturally. Each layer of words, symbols, and forms is applied with intention, trusting that even hidden elements will resonate with the observer.

This dialogue between the conscious self and deeper currents of creation can be beautiful. Moments of tingling or a sense of expansion arise, as if a current flows through the creative spirit. During these instances, the focus shifts to channelling whatever wishes to emerge.

The Value of Stillness

Indeed, in a fast-paced world, stillness is a rare gift. Painting provides that space—an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the inner self. Each piece created becomes a silent expression, inviting both the artist and observer into a deeper dialogue with the Divine. This process influences not only the artwork but also the internal experiences of those engaging with it.

In these creative moments, stillness cultivates awareness. It encourages stepping back and reconnecting with deeper emotions and thoughts. Engaging with art created from such a place often reveals layers that resonate within, nurturing connections to shared, personal experiences.

A Unique Journey into Sacred Art for Each Viewer

Art serves as a mirror, reflecting thoughts and feelings to individuals. Each person’s interpretation of a painting is shaped by their inner state, resulting in varied experiences. Sacred art, born from intention, resonates deeply, often reaching the subconscious and prompting subtle shifts in emotional or physical states. Perhaps this is why art as prayer resonates so personally—each experience meets the viewer’s inner world, offering transformation without requiring explicit explanation.

William Henry echoes this idea, exploring how art can serve as a gateway to higher dimensions in his interview on Gaia TV. In this way, standing before a painting invites viewers into a unique inner landscape, rich with emotions and memories. The beauty lies in its subjectivity—one person may experience profound realisations, while another may find solace in colours and textures.

Art Through History and Its Modern Significance

Historically, sacred art invoked protection, grace, and beauty within communities. For instance, in Renaissance Florence, commissioned works served not only decorative purposes but were deeply devotional, acting as anchors of spiritual influence. As a result, this legacy remains relevant—art as prayer, rooted in heartfelt intention, continues to serve as a bridge between the visible and the unseen.

Today, many artists explore how intention shapes the creative process and the viewer’s experience. Resources like *The Art of Meditation* examine how mindfulness enhances creativity, while books like *Art as Therapy* delve into the therapeutic aspects of engaging with art.

Reflection on Art as Prayer in Our Lives

Describing art as a prayer acknowledges a quiet devotion extending beyond the self. Each painting becomes an offering—inviting stillness, healing, and connection to something greater. This journey encourages both creators and observers to engage in a shared experience, reminding us of our collective humanity.

This perspective highlights art’s power—not as a complex or mystical practice but as a grounded way to explore shared existence. In addition, art serves as a pathway to connection, inviting us to discover beauty within ourselves and the world around us.

As this journey continues, consider exploring connections through art. What might be discovered in stillness? What prayer could emerge from creative expressions? Each brushstroke holds the potential for transformation, both personally and universally.

Much of the *Originals* series has emerged from this same place of quiet devotion. You can view the Angel Originals here

Conclusion: Embracing the Transformative Power of Art as Prayer

In conclusion, art serves as a profound vehicle for transformation and healing, touching every aspect of our physiology and spirit. Each layer of words, symbols, and forms invites us to embark on our journeys of self-discovery and wellness. As you continue exploring the powerful connection between creativity and well-being, I invite you to stay connected. Join our community to receive reflections and inspiration on how art can enrich your own journey.

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When we dive into the art world, whether strolling through the halls of a gallery or scrolling through an online platform, a certain magic unfolds. Original art is a diverse language of creativity, inviting us to be part of the conversation. Original art flows into our imagination, sparking countless possibilities. As we absorb visual stories, our minds then become canvases for creativity. The art space is a realm where our artistic potential takes flight to a new dimension.

Embracing Angelic Presence: A Dialogue with the Divine

So, as we embark on our art journey, we delve into the heart of angelic creations. Here, we can explore their profound essence. These artworks become companions, especially during times of introspection and contemplation. By bringing angelic creations into our spaces, we invite a subtle presence of angels who whisper to us in subtle but profound ways. Carrying a unique vibration, each Angel artwork can offer wonder and a deeper sense of connection.

Standing before these paintings feels like entering a conversation with the divine. Art becomes a language of the soul. It invites us to reflect on our spiritual journey and ponder life’s mysteries. This can lead us to the inherent feeling and beauty of oneness. Angelic art nurtures the spirit within us, where hues and forms become channels of serenity, leading us deeper into a world of tranquillity and calm where our souls can find repose.

Art a Doorway to the Divine.

It’s not a one-way observation; it’s a two-way connection. Standing before an artwork sparks a personal dialogue with creativity. The beauty is that you’re not just a viewer; you actively engage with the piece, forming a connection like meeting an old friend who understands you without words.

So, beyond the walls, whether solid or pixels, these art spaces allow paths to unfold for spiritual exploration. Each piece can act as a portal, beckoning us to transcend the ordinary and step beyond the physical. The strokes and textures become guides, leading us through an immersive experience where the divine and earthly seamlessly converge. We begin to see the art from a deeper perspective rather than just looking at it on the surface.

Exploring Symbolic Depths

When paintings serve as portals, we are guided through a narrative, taking us on a visual journey into the depths of the subconscious. Symbols become like friends that speak to our personal stories and the shared human experience. In these moments of reflection, we are not just observing; we are active participants in the stories woven by the artists. We are led by the hand of the artist and into our hearts.

Symbols in art. Aum, also spelt Om, holds a unique high vibration frequency and is seen as auspicious when placed in the home. Aum art for your home.

The meaning and history of Aum.

To have an Aum, Om in your interiors is seen as good luck.

Curating a Personal and Soulful Haven

Art spaces, whether the cosy nooks of galleries or the virtual realms of online platforms, act as retreats for the spirit. The energy from original art resonates with our emotions, providing a haven where stress fades and tranquillity takes over. It’s not just about looking; it’s about finding comfort in colours, lines, and forms that speak a language beyond the linear mind.

Therefore, curating a personal and soulful haven is a great way to establish a space that nurtures your spirit and reflects your innermost self. The process is deeply personal; choosing artwork from the heart that speaks to you on a soul level can transform any room. It’s a beautiful way to create a space that feels truly your own and brings you peace and joy. 

Create a soulful sanctuary with uplifting fine art Angel prints.

Bringing Angels and Art into Daily Life

Angel art can remind us to seek beauty and inspiration in the ordinary. Their gentle presence helps us find the divine in the details of our everyday lives. The world of angelic art can offer deep spiritual reflections to connect the art and us. As we navigate through galleries, whether physical or virtual, we find art and opportunities to delve deeper into the spiritual. Each piece becomes a dance between creativity and the soul that will continue to evolve. A love affair that is made in heaven.

Bring Angelic alchemy into your daily life. 

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If you’re looking to connect with your angels, here are some gentle ways to do so:

1. Create a sacred space: Find a quiet place where you can focus your attention and invite angelic energy into your life. This could mean lighting candles, playing soft music, or simply taking some deep breaths to calm your mind.
2. Connect through meditation or visualization: Focusing your attention and intention through meditation or visualization can create a channel for communication with your angels.
3. Invite angels through prayer or sacred ceremony: Prayers and sacred ceremonies can help invite angels into your life and create a deeper connection with the divine.
4. Explore your creativity: Being creative in any form, such as painting, singing, dancing, or writing, can be a powerful way to connect with angelic energy and healing power.
5. Ask for a sign: Be open to the synchronicities and coincidences that may appear in your life. These may be messages from your angels, such as seeing numbers on a clock or finding white feathers.
6. Spend time in nature: Nature is a healing environment that can help quiet the mind and focus your attention on the present moment. Taking a walk through a forest or along the beach can automatically rejuvenate you.
7. Have a painting or image of an angel: A painting or image of an angel can serve as a gentle reminder that these beings are close by, offering comfort and guidance.
8. Angels may also come to you in your dreams, giving you guidance, so it might be helpful to have a journal close at hand to write and recall any dreams.

I’ve personally experienced the healing power of angels through encounters with orbs, colourful lights, and gentle guidance. By connecting with angels, we can find peace, comfort, and guidance in our lives. Trust that your angels are working for your highest good, even if the outcome may not be what you expected. They see the bigger picture.

Angels are always close by, waiting to be called upon. With their lighthearted nature, angels bring joy and lift our mood, even during difficult times. They have the ability to diffuse challenging situations and offer new perspectives in an instant. Asking for a benevolent outcome allows us to trust that things are unfolding for our highest good.

Connecting with angels is a personal journey. Use techniques that feel most natural to you, and trust the messages you receive. With practice, you will develop a deeper connection with the angels and experience the peace, comfort, and guidance that they offer.

May you find comfort, peace, and healing through your connection with angels. 

If you have any healing stories with Angels, I would love to hear them. Email me at info@iaysha-art.com

To discover the Angelic print collection, visit: https://iaysha-art.com/product-category/prints/angels/

The post Calling on Angels: How to Connect with Divine Energy for Healing and Guidance appeared first on Iaysha Art Studio.

There is much debate surrounding what type of paper should be used for printing fine art.  I am one of those people who believe that using the right paper is essential for quality prints.

And there is no denying it – I’m a total geek when it comes to paper and what I print my fine art editions on.  I love nothing more than sifting through stacks of different types and textures, carefully scrutinising each one for its unique qualities.  Every paper has a distinct aesthetic that sets it apart from the rest; getting to experience that up close and personal is a joy. 

From thick, rough textured papers to sleek, smooth stock, there is so much variety out there that it fires up my imagination as a creator. 

Maybe I am a bit of a nerd when it comes to this stuff – but it’s nice to take delight in what goes into the final creation!  Nothing says “luxury” like printing fine art on high-quality paper. 

So if you want to keep your artwork looking great for years to come and enjoy the best possible results from your printer – go with a superior paper stock every time!  You won’t regret it!

What is the right paper for you?

High-quality printing paper is one of the essential components of a fine art print.  Material options for printmaking can vary, each offering its benefits and drawbacks.  Some papers, for example, are fragile and delicate, making them easier to work with but less able to stand up to wear and tear over time.  Meanwhile, tougher materials like canvas or oiled paper may have more texture and require specialised inks that allow these prints to retain their vibrant colours in the long term.  Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs as an artist.  Whether you prefer to trade off flexibility for durability or vice versa, find a high-quality printing paper that will be right for you.

Various papers can be used for silkscreen and giclee printing, but some papers are better suited for certain types of prints than others.  For example, silk screen printing requires slightly textured paper to allow the ink to adhere correctly, while giclee prints look best on a smooth surface.  However, I use heavily textured and a weight of 310gsm for my giclee prints, so it is a matter of preference.

When choosing the right type of paper for your fine art prints, there are various factors to consider.  The paper’s weight, finish and texture can affect the final appearance of your image.

The most common weights used for fine art prints are:

– heavyweight (300 gsm or above): This type of paper is usually reserved for high-quality prints that will be framed or mounted.  It provides good support for heavier inks and can produce very sharp images.

– medium weight (200-300 gsm): This versatile all-purpose paper can be used for display and storage prints.  It offers a good balance between price and quality.

– lightweight (120-200 gsm): This paper is typically used for budget prints or those that will be handled frequently.  It is more susceptible to creasing and damage but can be a cost-effective option.

Paper finishes

The finish of the paper can also play a role in the final appearance of your print.  Glossy papers have a high sheen that makes colours appear brighter and sharper.  Matte papers have a soft, muted look that can give images a more classic feel.

The texture is another consideration when choosing paper for fine art prints.  Smooth papers are best for detailed images or those with subtle gradations of colour.  Textured papers can add depth and interest to prints, particularly black-and-white photographs.

Printing on German Hahnemuhle Etching Paper

One of my favourite papers for fine art prints is the German Hahnemuhle Etching Paper.  This paper is made from 100% cotton rag and has a beautiful texture that gives your prints a unique look and feel.  It also has a high archival quality, meaning your prints will last for generations without fading or discolouring.

Here are five reasons why I love German Hahnemuhle Etching Paper for my prints:

1 – The texture gives your prints a unique look and feels that cannot be replicated with other types of paper – it adds a real sense of luxury to my prints.

2 – The high archival quality ensures that your prints will last for generations without fading or discolouring.

3 – The heavy weight of the paper lends itself well to larger prints and minimises the risk of warping or buckling.

4 – The natural white colour provides a beautiful backdrop for any colour scheme or subject matter.

5 – The paper is manufactured in Germany using only the highest-quality materials and processes, ensuring you get the best possible product.

I use German Hahnemühle paper for nearly all of my prints, and I love it!  The quality is fantastic, and the overall finish is beautiful.  The paper’s fine texture gives my prints a high-quality look and feel.  It’s essential for my print to be archival quality, and this paper meets that criteria.  I’ve tried other papers, but I always come back to Hahnemühle.  It’s always a pleasure to work with such a high-quality product, and the prints will look great for many years to come.  It’s simply the best!

Close-up images of the paper can be seen.  Head to my prints section to see the full selection of my Angel  Abstracts or Spiritual Art limited edition prints.

Visit Art4site for Printing Fine Art Prints

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Art is a powerful force. Accepting its beauty with no intellectual understanding can be challenging but it allows us to simply feel and explore our own emotions on a deeper level. This makes the process of buying art completely personal. Logic is not always at the fore, but learning to appreciate, love and feel these creations should be at the forefront of any purchase.

This connection often resonates on a hidden, deeper level. A beautiful landscape might represent a place we possibly would like to escape to. An abstract piece might allow you to lose yourself without trying to work it out. A cow cut in half could be inspiring to a person who is exploring their relationship with death.

How an art consultant helps
An art consultant will connect with your desires and passions to guide you through the infinite choices of the art world to find the piece that you connect with. As a consultant my job is not to tell the client what they should be buying, but to guide them on their personal journey. People are often confused by the choice or unsure where to look. If that sounds familiar, I can help make the journey easier for you by finding the right piece of art to adorn your walls that will inspire you, or allow you to lose yourself or just make your heart sing.

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You might have heard of ‘mindfulness’. It’s the new buzzword. But what, exactly, does it mean? And can we really be mindful in this new digital world where everything moves so fast we don’t have time to eat, sleep or notice? Sometimes it’s hard even to notice our loved ones.

Mindfulness is a practice. It’s a discipline similar to meditation where we focus on our inner world – becoming aware and conscious of our thoughts. By practicing mindfulness we become immersed in our everyday lives without judgement and allow life to flow harmoniously.

How do we stay in this unique state when the world is bombarding us? We turn our awareness inwards creating space, so we can function in the outside world but with a more centred approach.

Once we understand that the only permanent thing in life is change, we learn that everything will soon pass. Whether it’s good or bad. This comes as a relief because we know we have the power to move forward.

Awareness like this cannot be learned overnight. Like most disciplines it takes practice – especially when life is not going our way. And with practice we eventually begin to see results.

So how do you feel now? Is it empowering to realise that situations can’t control you? If the answer is ‘yes’ you have finally become aligned with your happier true self – a side of you that isn’t controlled by external circumstances.

Mindful drawing workshops offer guided meditations that open up your intuition and help you practice mindfulness. Using drawing techniques the workshop gives you the tools to harness your power within.

Can anyone draw? Yes of course. You just need to take the thinking mind out of the way and ignore your inner critic. It’s about realising the difference between SEEING and looking, and learning how artists perceive a subject and become inspired. The workshop will help you to do these things.

No drawing experience is necessary – only an interest in meditation. The goal is to help you combat your inner critic, enjoy the art of drawing, and bring harmony, flow, awareness, and inner stillness to your life.

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I was 21 at the time when I decided to visit the Met. And that was when it happened.

The work was Eve by Barnett Newman. It blew me away: I loved the composition and the whole feeling of the piece. There is something very powerful in the silence of this work – it had so much going on and resonated with the core of my inner being.

I subsequently found out that Barnett Newman was one of the major figures in abstract impressionism and one of the foremost of the colour field painters. Now owned by the Tate Gallery, Eve was one of two paintings undertaken by Barnett before his second one-man exhibition in New York in 1951, the other painting being called Adam. The colour field style, with flat fields of colour separated and united by thin lines or ‘zips’, is what Barnett himself considered to be his mature style.

I didn’t know this as I stood in front of Eve. I only knew that this painting had changed forever how I viewed art and that my love affair with Modern Art had begun. And I could feel how powerful and transformational art can be!

One of the most rewarding things in my art consultancy, is when I get to deliver a similar moment for a client. A moment when their world shifts and a work makes them look at things with fresh eyes.

To discuss how Modern Art could change the way you see things

Call Iaysha on 07876 253324

The post Why I First Fell In Love With Modern Art appeared first on Iaysha Art Studio.

Modern Art is also not one coherent style. It’s a loose term for the succession of styles that dominated Western art and architecture for much of the twentieth century.

Despite the loose nature of the umbrella term of Modern Art, there are common themes and ambitions that unite the various styles:

• It grew out of the Impressionists’ rejection of the ‘imitation of life’ school of art
• It rejected the past as a model for the art of the present
• It is characterised by constant innovation
• It was fuelled by various social and political agendas
• It is associated with ideal visions of human life and society, underpinned by a belief in progress, stemming from the often utopian philosophies that inspired it

The desire for constant innovation led to a number of spin-off movements associated with modern art, including:

• Cubism
• Bauhaus
• Surrealism
• Futurism
• Pop Art

As with all things fashionable, the winds change, and what was once all the rage begins to fall out of favour. Time was called on Modernism in the 1970s, when artists began to react against it and post-modernism was formed.

But although Modern Art became consigned to history in the 1970s, the works are still exciting, challenging and inspirational. They call upon us to re-examine the world around us and how we view them. And they continue to influence many of today’s influential and up-and-coming artists.

To discuss how Modern Art could transform your space call Iaysha on 07876 253324

The post A Beginner’s Guide To Modern Art appeared first on Iaysha Art Studio.

Malevich is one of the pioneers of Modern abstract art, so I was really pleased to finally see a retrospective of this Ukrainian-born painter at the Tate Modern. The exhibition takes you on a fascinating journey from early cubism and futurism through his suprematist period, ending with his figurative works, which are influenced by folklore.
The works on show are colourful and dynamic. Malevich experiments with the idea of pure shape forms, which led to the beginning of modern abstract art. Suprematism, a word I had not heard before, was coined by Malevich. It was a new system of art using geometric shapes (squares, triangles and circles) free from political or social meaning – simplistic and clutter free.
This is epitomised by The Black Square, which was originally exhibited in 1915. This simple black square painted on a white canvas changed the course of art history.
Looking at the black square, Malevich liberated us from the clutter and constraints of the real world, raising art to a new platform. You have nowhere to go but just to experience and feel the piece. Can we define it? Do we need to? After all, it allows us to get out of our heads.
This iconic piece of art is hung in the top corner of the room, usually left for icons in Russian homes. The positioning is not coincidental: the work was seen as blasphemy when it was first exhibited.
I found the exhibition rewarding and a relief to see someone painting a hundred years ago still makes us stop and think. In the absence of anything, we still have ourselves.

To discuss how Modern art can change the way you view things

call Iaysha on 07876 253324

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