Marshall Arts

You walk into a room, see a painting, and feel it in your chest. You don’t know why—you just do. Maybe the colors speak to you. Maybe it reminds you of something you can’t quite name. Maybe you just can’t stop looking. And then someone asks:“What do you like about it?” That question can make even seasoned collectors freeze up. You might feel pressure to explain the artist’s technique, or say something impressive about composition, or throw in an art historical reference.

When I first started making art seriously, I painted whatever caught my interest in the moment—a landscape here, an abstract there, a still life for good measure. It was exciting, but I noticed something: the more scattered my work was, the harder it was to talk about it, to exhibit it, or to sell it. It wasn’t until I started working in series—focused bodies of work with a unifying idea or style—that things began to shift.

When most people think about displaying art, they think: find a blank wall, grab a hammer and a nail, hang it up. But abstract art invites us to break the rules. It’s bold, playful, emotional—so why not have a little fun with how we show it off? If you’re looking for creative, non-traditional ways to display your art collection, especially abstract pieces, here are some ideas to help you think beyond the standard frame-on-a-wall routine.

Let’s face it: art supplies aren’t cheap—and if you’re anything like me, it’s easy to get swept up in trying the latest tools, paints, and materials. But over the years, I’ve found some very real (and very practical) ways to cut costs in the studio without cutting corners creatively. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at this a while, here are seven of my go-to strategies for stretching your art budget and still producing work you’re proud of.

Spring’s here—finally! There’s something about the air this time of year—everything starts to feel lighter.

Karen LaGreca had a 46-year-career as a textile, surface and product designer. She worked with print and cut-and-sew manufacturers.

Abstract art is all about energy, emotion, and personal interpretation. Since the early 1900s, artists have pushed boundaries.

Sarah Canfield is an artist known for merging painting and digital photography to create works in multiple media.

When decorating a room, nothing commands attention quite like a bold statement painting.

Marcia Miele Branca is an artist proficient in printmaking, drawing, and painting. Her work has been shown throughout the New York area.

Abstract artist Evan Stuart Marshall on his career.

In times of political and social upheaval, people often turn to dystopian stories to make sense of the world around them.

Love art but not ready to spend thousands on original paintings? Art prints are an affordable way to start collecting.

For many artists, titling a painting can feel like an afterthought—or even a challenge more daunting than creating the artwork itself.

Abstract art has the power to transform a space, but many people hesitate to invest in a piece because they’re unsure about colors.

When people hear "art collecting," they often picture wealthy buyers dropping thousands (or millions) at auctions.

Every artist, no matter how experienced or prolific, goes through periods of creative emptiness.

As we close one chapter and step into a fresh new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect, reset, and recharge.

As the holiday season unfolds, one of my favorite things to observe is how art captures the magic of Christmas.

Are you passionate about art and creativity? Do you have unique insights or experiences you'd like to share?