Art that Moves You
How do you go about finding art that moves you..... that makes you feel something, each time you see it? Let’s dive into this very personal and inspiring journey together!
Hey there! I’m Peter Ashworth, and as an artist, I know firsthand the power that art has to move us. Art is more than just something pretty to hang on your wall; it’s a way to transform a space, evoke deep emotions, and connect with your own inner world. Whether it’s a painting that brings you joy or a photograph that reminds you of a cherished memory, the art you choose can have a profound impact on how you feel each and every day. So how do you go about finding art that makes you feel something? Let’s dive into this very personal and inspiring journey together!
1. Discover What Moves You
The most important thing when choosing art is to look for pieces that make you feel. Art that moves you might sound a bit abstract, but I promise, it’s simpler than you think. Take some time to explore different kinds of art—go to galleries, scroll through online marketplaces, or even visit your local art fair. When you're viewing a piece, notice your reaction. Does it make you smile? Does it give you a sense of peace? Does it remind you of a special moment or experience in your life?
The beauty of art that moves you is that everyone reacts differently to it, and that's okay! What moves one person to tears might not have the same effect on someone else. It's all about finding what resonates with you. So, as you explore, let your emotions guide you. If you feel a connection with a piece, there's a good chance it's the right one for you.
2. Tune into Your Space’s Energy
The environment in which you’ll place your art can have a huge impact on how you experience it. Take a moment to think about the space where you want to display your new piece. Is it a lively living room where you entertain guests, a tranquil bedroom where you unwind, or a creative workspace where you need a boost of inspiration?
Each room has its own energy, and the art you choose should reflect or enhance that feeling. For example, in a bedroom, you might want a piece that brings calmness, such as a soothing landscape or abstract art in soft tones. For a space where you want to feel energized, like a home office, go for bold colors, dynamic shapes, or something that sparks your imagination.
By aligning your art that moves you with the mood of the room, you create a space that not only looks beautiful but also makes you feel at home.
3. Follow the Emotional Palette
Art is like music; different colors, shapes, and forms can evoke different emotions. When choosing a piece of art, pay attention to its "emotional palette." Just like the way a song's tempo and lyrics make you feel a certain way, the colors and style of a piece can affect your emotions.
Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow tend to be stimulating and energizing. They can make a room feel lively, happy, and welcoming.Cool colors like blue, green, and purple are more calming and serene. They can make a space feel peaceful, soothing, and reflective.Neutrals and earth tones like beige, brown, and gray often bring a grounding effect, offering warmth without overwhelming a room’s atmosphere.
The style of the artwork also plays a big role in how it makes you feel. For example, abstract art with loose brushstrokes and organic shapes can evoke feelings of freedom and spontaneity. Meanwhile, a detailed, realistic landscape might transport you to a specific place and evoke nostalgia or tranquility.
When choosing art, think about the emotions you want to evoke when you enter that room. Do you want to feel calm and centered? Energized and inspired? Playful and whimsical? Let these emotional goals guide your art choices.
4. Find Art That Tells a Story
One of the reasons art can be so powerful is because it often tells a story—whether it’s the story of the artist, the subject matter, or even your own personal connection to the piece. When you choose a work of art that has a story behind it, it becomes more meaningful and can evoke deeper emotions every time you see it.
For example, you might choose a piece that reminds you of your childhood, a favorite travel destination, or an important milestone in your life. Or, you might find a piece by an artist whose story or inspiration resonates with you. When I create art, I always infuse it with elements of my own journey, whether it’s a mood I’m experiencing, a moment I want to capture, or a story I want to share. And I find that people often connect with the art that reflects something about their own lives.
So, if you find a piece that makes you feel like it’s telling a story—your story or the artist’s—it will likely become a cherished part of your space.
5. Listen to Your Gut and Trust Your Intuition
When it comes to choosing art that evokes emotion, trust your gut. Art is a deeply personal experience, and sometimes, you just know when you’ve found the right piece. You might be walking through a gallery, and suddenly a painting catches your eye and gives you chills, or you're browsing online and can’t stop staring at a certain print. That’s your intuition speaking.
Choosing art is not a logical, step-by-step process—it’s about how a piece makes you feel in your bones. If a work of art speaks to you, pay attention to that feeling. Don’t worry too much about whether it “matches” your furniture or if it’s the “right” style. If it moves you, it’s right for you.
6. Embrace the Power of Imperfection
One of the things I love most about art that moves you is that it’s not meant to be perfect. Often, it's the imperfections in a piece that make it feel human and relatable. Art that creates emotion is rarely flawless—there might be wild brushstrokes, unexpected colors, or unusual textures that make it stand out.
If you’re someone who likes things neat and orderly, it can be tempting to look for art that is polished and symmetrical. But sometimes, letting go of the need for perfection can open you up to finding pieces that truly speak to your soul. Embrace those raw, imperfect, and unique elements that make a piece feel real.
When you find art that’s beautifully imperfect, it reminds you that life is also beautifully imperfect—and that’s something worth feeling.
7. Create an Emotional Connection through Personalization
One way to guarantee that your art makes you feel something is to make it personal. Choose pieces that connect to your passions, hobbies, memories, and aspirations. For instance, if you love the ocean, find art that captures the waves, marine life, or beach vibes. If you have a love for travel, seek out art that reflects your favorite destinations or evokes the spirit of adventure.
I often work with collectors who are looking for art that feels deeply personal to them, and we find ways to customize pieces or select works that tell their story. When your art reflects who you are, it has the power to bring you joy, comfort, and inspiration every single day.
8. Pay Attention to How You Feel Over Time
Emotions change over time, and so can your reaction to art. One of the best ways to know if a piece is truly right for you is to spend some time with it. If you’re shopping online, save the image of the piece you’re considering and look at it over a few days. If you’re at a gallery, visit the piece more than once.
Do you feel the same spark of emotion each time you see it? Does it continue to resonate with you as you reflect on it? If the answer is yes, then that piece might be perfect for your space. Art that creates lasting emotion is the kind that continues to speak to you, even as time goes on.
9. Let Art Change Your Space—and Your Perspective
Art has the power to shift the energy of a space, and sometimes even change the way you see the world. I’ve had collectors tell me that a piece of art brought new energy into their home, or that it helped them see things in a different way.
When you choose art that makes you feel something, you’re inviting a piece of that emotion into your daily life. You might find that a vibrant piece of art brings joy and playfulness to your mornings, or that a serene landscape brings calmness to your evenings. Art doesn’t just hang on your wall—it lives with you, enhancing your life and your perspective.
In the end, choosing art that creates emotion is about following your heart and connecting with pieces that make you feel something real. Let yourself explore, experience, and be moved by the art you encounter. And remember, there’s no right or wrong way to choose art—just pieces that speak to you and bring a little more beauty and feeling into your world.
Happy art hunting, and I hope you find pieces that fill your space—and your soul—with all the emotions that matter most to you!
—Peter Ashworth
Peter Ashworth is a Southern California impact artist (@peterashworthart) whose purpose is to inspire people to feel alive, take them on a journey of transformation, and help them live their best creative life. Hi purpose is to inspire and uplift people to feel alive through his art, to take them on a journey of transformation, and help them live their best creative life. Contact him for custom artwork commissions, or check out his original art, and high-quality reproduction prints in his store, peterashworth.art
“I want people to feel something when they experience my art.”