How to Buy Abstract Art: A Beginner's Guide to Collecting Original Paintings By María José Benvenuto | Abstract Artist, Sydney, Australia
By María José Benvenuto | Abstract Artist, Sydney, Australia
Buying abstract art for the first time can feel overwhelming. Unlike a landscape painting or a portrait, abstract art doesn't come with obvious visual cues to tell you whether it's "right" or "wrong." That's exactly what makes it so exciting — and so personal.
After years of painting in my studio at North Head, Manly, and meeting collectors at exhibitions across Sydney, Dubai, Miami and Basel, I've seen the same questions come up again and again. This guide is my honest answer to all of them.
What Is Abstract Art, Really?
Abstract art doesn't try to represent the world as it looks. Instead, it captures how things feel — emotion, energy, movement, memory.
When I paint, I'm not painting a specific wave or a specific mountain. I'm painting the feeling of standing at the edge of Sydney Harbour and watching the light change on the water. The gestural brushstrokes, the layers of acrylic, the raw linen underneath — they all work together to create something you experience rather than just look at.
This is why abstract art often resonates differently with different people. Two people can stand in front of the same painting and feel completely different things. Neither of them is wrong.
5 Things to Consider Before Buying an Abstract Painting
1. Buy what moves you, not what matches your sofa
This sounds obvious, but it's the most common mistake first-time buyers make. Abstract art is a long-term relationship. You'll see it every morning. You'll live with it for years. The piece that gives you a physical reaction — a catch in your breath, a sense of calm, a burst of energy — is the one worth buying, even if it doesn't "go" with your current décor.
Rooms change. Great art stays.
2. Understand the medium and why it matters
When you're buying an original abstract painting, pay attention to:
Acrylic on canvas — versatile, durable, vibrant colour. Works well in most environments including humid spaces.
Acrylic on linen — a more luxurious surface that gives paintings a subtle texture and warmth. Linen is archival and ages beautifully.
Acrylic on paper — often a more accessible price point, with a different, more delicate quality. Works on paper are a great entry point for first-time collectors.
Mixed media — may include ink, watercolour, or collage elements layered over the primary medium.
The medium affects not just the look but the longevity of the work. Ask the artist or gallery for details.
3. Consider the size before you fall in love
Large-scale abstract paintings (anything over 100cm) make a powerful statement, but they need space to breathe. Before purchasing, measure your wall and think about ceiling height, surrounding furniture, and natural light. A 150x150cm painting that dominates a small room isn't always a bad thing — sometimes that's exactly the intention — but it's worth imagining it in situ first.
Many artists, myself included, are happy to send you a photo of the work in a room context, or create a simple mock-up to help you visualise it.
4. Ask about provenance and certificates of authenticity
Any reputable artist or gallery should be able to provide a certificate of authenticity with the work. This document typically includes the artist's name, the title of the work, the year it was created, the medium, the dimensions, and a signature.
This matters both for the integrity of your collection and for the long-term value of the piece.
5. Think about framing — or not
Abstract paintings on canvas or linen are often displayed unframed, which is perfectly appropriate and can look very striking. Works on paper, however, generally benefit from framing — both for presentation and preservation. UV-protective glass is worth the investment to prevent fading over time.
If you're unsure, ask the artist what they recommend. We know our work best.
How Much Should You Spend on an Original Abstract Painting?
There's no single answer, but here's a useful way to think about it.
Pricing for original abstract paintings is typically based on a combination of:
Size — larger works require more materials and time
The artist's exhibition history and reputation — artists represented by galleries, exhibited internationally, or collected institutionally typically command higher prices
Medium — works on linen or with complex layering techniques tend to be priced higher than works on paper
Edition vs. original — a unique original work will always be priced higher than a limited edition print
For collectors in Australia, original abstract paintings by established emerging artists typically start from around AU$1,500–3,000 for smaller works on paper, and AU$5,000–15,000+ for large-scale canvases. Mid-career artists with international exhibition histories sit higher.
Art prints are an excellent entry point if you love an artist's work but aren't ready for the investment of an original — they allow you to live with the aesthetic while you decide whether to commit to a larger piece.
How to Find Abstract Art to Buy in Sydney
Sydney has a genuinely exciting abstract art scene. Some places to start:
Commercial galleries — spaces like .M Contemporary (Waterloo) represent established and emerging abstract painters and offer a curated buying experience with expert guidance.
Art fairs — Sydney Contemporary, held annually, brings together galleries from across Australia and internationally. It's one of the best places to see a wide range of work and meet artists in person.
Artist studios and websites — buying directly from the artist means you get the full story behind the work, often at a better price than through a gallery, and a more personal connection to the piece.
Instagram — increasingly, collectors discover artists through Instagram before ever visiting a gallery. Follow artists whose work you respond to and watch how their practice evolves.
What to Ask Before You Buy
Whether you're purchasing from a gallery or directly from an artist, these are the questions worth asking:
Is this an original work or a limited edition print?
What is the medium and surface?
Does the work come with a certificate of authenticity?
How should I care for and display this work?
Is the artist represented by a gallery, and does that affect resale?
Can I see the work in a room context before committing?
A good artist or gallerist will welcome these questions. They're a sign of a serious collector.
A Note on Buying Art as an Investment
While some abstract paintings do appreciate significantly in value — particularly works by artists with strong exhibition histories and gallery representation — I'd encourage you not to buy art primarily as a financial investment.
Buy it because it changes the feeling of a room. Buy it because it makes you think differently. Buy it because some mornings you'll wake up and walk past it and feel lucky to have it on your wall.
That's the real return.
Browse Original Abstract Paintings
If you're interested in seeing my current available works — original paintings on canvas, linen, and paper, as well as limited edition prints — you can explore them here on my website.
I work from my studio at North Head, Manly, and exhibit regularly in Sydney and internationally. I'm always happy to answer questions about specific works, discuss shipping, or help you find the right piece for your space.
View Available Works →
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María José Benvenuto is a Chilean-Australian abstract artist based in North Head, Sydney. She has exhibited at Sydney Contemporary Art Fair, Scope Basel, Aqua Art Miami, Parc Lima, and held solo exhibitions in Sydney and Dubai. Her work is held in private collections across Australia, Chile, Europe and the United States.