Buying Original Paintings from Me – The Joy of Collecting
There’s something truly special about standing in front of an original painting. It carries the weight of the moment it was created, the layers of colour that built its atmosphere, and the energy of the brushstrokes that brought it to life. Prints can be beautiful, and I love creating Fine Art Giclée Prints so more people can enjoy my work. Yet an original artwork is different. It’s unique. It’s unrepeatable. And when you collect one, you take home a piece of me, a piece of the city I was exploring, or a moment in time that will never happen again.
Buying originals can sometimes feel intimidating, but it doesn’t need to. Whether you’re browsing online, visiting me in person, or stepping into a gallery like Artifex, the process is far easier — and far more exciting — than many people think.
Buying Original Art Online
Let’s start with the most straightforward option: buying online. Through my website, you can browse my portfolio of original paintings at any time. Each work is carefully photographed so you can see the colours and textures as closely as possible. When you fall in love with a piece, the buying process is simple and secure.
Once you place your order, I personally prepare your painting for its journey to you. Each original is hand-signed and comes with a certificate of authenticity. I package the work with layers of protection to ensure it arrives safely at your door. For UK orders, delivery usually takes between 7 and 14 days, though framed originals may take a little longer due to inspection and handling.
The joy of buying online is that you can browse at your leisure. Whether you’re curled up on the sofa with a glass of wine, or sneaking a look on your phone between meetings, my work is just a click away. And when the piece arrives, ready to hang, you’ll know you’ve added something truly special to your collection.
Seeing the Work in Person
Of course, there’s no substitute for standing in front of an original painting. The colours feel more vibrant, the brushstrokes more alive, and the atmosphere almost tangible. That’s why I also offer the chance to see my work in person.
If you’re local, we can arrange a viewing. I love these opportunities because they allow me to share not just the artwork itself, but the story behind it. Often, collectors tell me that hearing about the inspiration — whether it’s a rainy night in Birmingham or a sun-baked afternoon in Prague — deepens their connection to the piece.
Seeing the work in person also helps you decide. Sometimes a painting will surprise you, revealing textures or details you hadn’t noticed online. Other times, you’ll simply feel the pull of a piece — that instinct that tells you this is the one.
Buying Through Galleries
Galleries are another wonderful way to experience and buy original art. At the moment, I’m thrilled to be exhibiting at Artifex Gallery. Artifex is a vibrant space full of inspiring work by artists and makers. They display my paintings beautifully, and visiting them gives you the chance to see my art alongside a rich variety of other creations.
Galleries can sometimes feel formal, but don’t let that put you off. Staff are there to help, not to intimidate, and they want you to enjoy your visit. If you see one of my paintings at Artifex, you’ll know it’s a piece I’ve chosen carefully for that setting. And if you decide to buy, you’ll have the reassurance of gallery expertise and support.
Upcoming Opportunities to See My Work
- My painting Summer Stroll in Prague has been selected as a finalist in the Broadway Arts Festival Competition Exhibition. You’ll find it on show at Theatrebarn, Bretforton Grange, Main Street, Bretforton, Worcestershire, WR11 7JH, from 26th September to 5th October 2025. I’m honoured to be part of this prestigious event, and it’s a fantastic chance to see my work in the company of other exceptional artists.
- In November, I’ll also be the Artist in Residence at the Leamington Studio Artists Art Room. It’s a fantastic space, and I’ll be working there live, sharing my process and inspiration. It’s also perfectly timed for Christmas shopping — after all, what could be more special than gifting an original painting?
- And I’m delighted to share that I have a four-page profile in the October 2025 edition of Artists and Illustrators magazine. It’s a huge honour to be featured in such a respected publication, and the article gives a real insight into my journey, my inspirations, and the way I create.
Why Collect Originals?
So, why buy an original painting? Why not simply enjoy a print?
Prints are a fantastic way to make art more accessible. My Giclée Prints are gallery-standard, long-lasting, and beautiful. But an original carries something more. It’s the only one. No one else in the world owns that exact piece.
When you buy an original, you’re collecting not just an image, but the process. You’re taking home the brushstrokes layered over weeks or months, the glazing that makes the light shimmer, and the tiny imperfections that remind you it was made by hand. You’re also supporting a living artist, helping me to continue exploring, creating, and sharing my vision of the world.
And, of course, originals can be an investment. Over time, they can grow in value, both financially and emotionally. Collectors often tell me that their first original purchase sparked a passion that never left them.
My Process, Your Connection
When I create, I’m not just painting what I see. I’m painting what I feel. The rain-slick streets of Birmingham, the glow of Prague at dusk, or the shimmer of Stratford’s river in the evening — these are not just views, they are experiences. I use slow-shutter photography, sketching, and layering techniques to translate those fleeting moments into lasting works.
When you collect one of my originals, you’re connecting to that process. You’re sharing the noise of the traffic, the glow of the reflections, the stillness of the water, or the laughter of a passing crowd. You’re taking that pulse of the city, or the calm of the countryside, into your own space.
How to Start Your Collection
If you’ve never bought an original before, it’s easy to start. Browse my online portfolio, visit me in person, or drop by Artifex. If a painting speaks to you, trust that feeling. Originals are unique. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Collectors often say that buying their first original was a turning point. It wasn’t just about filling a space on a wall — it was about creating a relationship with the piece, and with the artist. And that’s what makes collecting art so rewarding.
A Final Thought - Buying original paintings by Julie Swinsco
I create because I love to share. My paintings are my way of translating the rhythm of the world around me. When you collect an original, you’re joining that story. Whether it’s through my website, in person, or at a gallery like Artifex, I’d love to see one of my originals find a home with you.
So, if a painting speaks to you, don’t hesitate. Begin your collection today — and take home not just an image, but an experience.