The Journal
A collector’s guide to original art
Guides on choosing, buying, hanging and living with original abstract paintings, written from the studio of Svitlana Morhunov in Troy, Michigan.
Topic
Buying original art
Practical, honest guidance for buying your first (or fifth) original painting.
How to buy original art
A step-by-step guide to buying original art with confidence: budget, size, style, buying direct from the artist, and what to ask before you buy.
Read the guide
Original painting vs. print
What is the real difference between an original painting and a print or giclée? Compare texture, value, longevity and price to decide what is right for your home.
Read the guide
How much does original art cost?
What determines the price of an original painting? A clear look at how size, artist experience, materials and where you buy affect cost, with real price examples.
Read the guide
Original art as a gift
Giving a painting for a wedding, housewarming or anniversary? How to choose original abstract art someone will love: size, color and presentation.
Read the guideTopic
Living with art
Sizing, hanging, styling and caring for the art in your home.
What size art above a sofa?
How big should a painting be above your sofa, bed or console? Learn the two-thirds rule, ideal hanging height and spacing, with an interactive size calculator.
Read the guide
How to hang a canvas painting
A simple guide to hanging an unframed canvas painting: the right height, hardware for every wall type, how to level it, and mistakes to avoid.
Read the guide
How to care for acrylic paintings
How to clean, protect and store an acrylic painting on canvas: dusting, light exposure, humidity, temperature, and what never to use on a painting's surface.
Read the guide
Choosing abstract art for your home
How to choose abstract art that suits your space: using color psychology, matching a painting to each room, choosing a focal point, and mixing art with your decor.
Read the guideTopic
Understanding abstract art
How to look at abstract painting, and what the artist is reaching for.
How to understand abstract art
Abstract art can feel puzzling. A practical guide to looking at abstract paintings: color, line, texture, composition and five questions to ask.
Read the guideMusic and abstract painting
How music and abstract painting share a language of rhythm and harmony, and how Svitlana Morhunov's music degree shapes her acrylic paintings.
Read the guide
Spirituality in abstract art
Why abstract art has long been a language for the spiritual, how light and color create contemplative space, and how faith shapes Svitlana Morhunov's paintings.
Read the guideTools & references
Plan with confidence
Interactive tools and references to help you choose, size and understand a painting.
Art size calculator
Enter your sofa, bed or wall width and see the ideal painting size, drawn to scale.
Open the toolPainting finder
Four quick questions about your room and mood, matched to the right painting.
Take the quizArt glossary
Clear definitions of 39 terms, from impasto to provenance.
Browse the glossary
Buying FAQ
Pickup, shipping, payment, hanging and care, answered.
Read the FAQThe collection
Find a painting that feels like home
Six one-of-a-kind abstract paintings, signed, varnished and ready to hang. Free pickup in Troy, Michigan, or shipped to your door.