How to Talk About the Art You Collect (Even If You're Not an Expert)

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feel pressure to explain the artist’s technique, or say something impressive about composition, or throw in an art historical reference.