the psychology of collecting art – what neuroscience tells us about art collectors

Have you ever bought a piece of art and felt something shift once it's on your wall? That quiet sense of joy, of connection, of "this belongs with me." You're not imagining it—science backs it up. & the psychology of collecting art is a fascinating topic! In this post, we’ll explore what psychology and neuroscience tell us about why collecting art feels so good. From dopamine to memory, identity to storytelling, collecting original artwork is more than a hobby—it’s a deeply human experience that supports our wellbeing.

collecting art & the brain's reward system

The psychology of collecting art truely is a fascinating one. When you discover a piece of art you love—one that makes your heart skip a beat—your brain lights up. Literally. Neuroscience studies show that viewing beautiful artwork activates the mesolimbic dopamine system, the same part of the brain involved in pleasure, reward, and motivation (Chatterjee & Vartanian, 2014).

In other words, seeing and owning art feels good because it stimulates the same circuits as food, music, and love.

Collecting art provides a sense of achievement and anticipation—we search, we find, we acquire. Each step gives our brain a little dopamine boost.

🤍 take this as permission to collect more art—your brain will thank you.

memory, meaning and emotional connection

Art isn’t just visual—it’s deeply emotional. Many collectors say they “remember where they were when they found a piece” or feel like their art tells the story of their life.

🖼 Art activates the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in memory, emotion, and personal narrative (Vartanian & Skov, 2014).

📌 Every piece you bring into your home becomes a marker in time, tied to who you were, what you were feeling, and why you chose it.

🎨 That’s why collecting feels so personal—it’s not just about what’s on the wall, it’s about what it means to you.

collecting and identity - art as self-expression

Collecting art allows us to curate our space—and our identity.

🧠 Psychologists have found that people collect things as a way to construct and express their sense of self (Belk, 1988). Art, especially, plays a role in how we represent our values, taste, and personality.

🫶🏽 When you choose a piece, you’re saying something about what moves you, what inspires you, and what you want to be surrounded by.

🎭 Some people collect bold abstract works, others prefer delicate landscapes—both say something about the emotional atmosphere they’re drawn to.

💡 Collecting art isn’t about trends. It’s about telling your story, visually.

art and psychological wellbeing

Art isn’t just decorative—it’s therapeutic.

🌿 Studies show that living with art reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels, improves focus, and enhances mood (Bolwerk et al., 2014).

🧘🏽‍♀️ Original art creates a sense of peace and groundedness in the home. It’s a visual reminder to pause, feel, and breathe.

🤍 The process of collecting gives us something to look forward to—something to discover, enjoy, and care for.

caring for and displaying your art collection

Once you’ve started collecting, keeping your artwork in great condition is key.

🖼 frame pieces properly – Use UV-protective glass for prints and archival-quality frames for paintings.
🌞 avoid direct sunlight – Prevent fading by keeping art away from intense sunlight.
💧 control humidity – Excess moisture can damage paintings—keep them in a stable environment.
🏡 rotate your collection – If you own multiple pieces, swap them out seasonally to refresh your space.

💡 takeaway: A little care goes a long way in preserving your art for years to come.

something else to keep in mind about the psychology of collecting art...

There’s no formula for the perfect collection—just follow what moves you. Here are a few final tips:

🤍 Collect what you love, not what’s “valuable.”
🤍 Mix pieces from emerging and established artists.
🤍 Learn the stories behind the artwork—it makes collecting even more meaningful.
🤍 Remember: supporting artists means supporting human creativity.

need help picking a picture frame?

I got you.

I love a simple natural oak frame with a white mat – you can nearly do no wrong. Otherwise a simple black frame usually does the trick.

You know I share all of my studio bits & bobs on my website. You can find everything I use here – from framing & decor to art supplies, studio organisation, books & tech. everything you need for your studio is right here & all available for you to purchase on amazon.

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what's next?

Thinking about starting or expanding your collection? Here’s how to keep the joy going:

🤍 Follow your intuition—what piece makes you pause and smile?
🤍 Visit exhibitions, markets, or browse online galleries to discover new artists.
🤍 Start small. One beautiful piece is more powerful than a dozen meaningless ones.
🤍 Remember that owning original art is good for your brain—and your soul.

I’d love to hear what your favourite piece is and how you found it—send me a message or tag me on social media! 🖼✨

If you’re looking to add a new, original piece to your collection, check out my latest handmade watercolor paintings in my shop!

If you’re in the mood to read more, check out my article on how to start an art collection or how to care for and preserve your art collection. If neither of them interest you, you can have a look through all my articles for more artsy goodness 😌🤍✨

referenced in this article

☼ Belk, R. W. (1988). Possessions and the extended self. Journal of Consumer Research, 15(2), 139–168.

☼ Bolwerk, A., Mack-Andrick, J., Lang, F. R., Dörfler, A., & Maihöfner, C. (2014). How art changes your brain: Differential effects of visual art production and cognitive art evaluation on functional brain connectivity. PLOS ONE, 9(7), e101035.

☼ Chatterjee, A., & Vartanian, O. (2014). Neuroaesthetics. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 18(7), 370–375.

☼ Vartanian, O., & Skov, M. (2014). Neural correlates of viewing paintings: Evidence from a quantitative meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data. Brain and Cognition, 87, 52–56.

questions answered in this article

☼ Why does collecting art feel so good?
☼ How does art affect the brain’s reward system?
☼ How is collecting tied to memory and emotion?
☼ What does collecting art say about identity?
☼ Can living with art improve mental wellbeing?

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hi, i’m sarah, an australian artist head-over-heels for watercolour & creative practice- it truely is good for your soul.

& this ↑, is my girl alys.

i am completely self-taught in all the mediums i use & i am here to share everything i know with you!

i write about all things creativity, watercolour, gouache, hand-made ceramics, collecting art, & my own artistic process. I have degrees in human psychology & veterinary medicine- so you might find some sporadic related facts in my writing.

disc.- the above article may contain affiliate links. that means that at no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission from the purchases made through these links. I only recommend products I have bought myself, use, and love!