Tips For Buying and Collecting Art
The Do’s and Don’ts
Buying and collecting art is an exciting journey. Good art speaks to you. You are going to hang the art and look at it every day why not absolutely love your art! I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people talk about finding art to match the coach. I cringe each time I hear that comment. Can you image someone purchasing a Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky or one of the Group of Seven’s art work and saying, oh I wonder if this is going to match my sofa. I think you get my point. By not matching your décor you are creating a much more interesting environment.
Buy art that fits within your budget. If your walls are bare and you are purchasing art for the first time avoid posters and other reproductions. Your taste should reflect that you are an adult. When I refer to reproductions I’m not referring to original editions such has serigraphs, collagraphs, woodcuts and lithographs etc. I love original editions.
I’m not going to suggest that you purchase local as the internet as made the world a pretty small place. Should you want to support your local artists visit galleries and art fairs in your community. Artists welcome calls so don’t feel that you would be bothering them by calling and enquiring. You may want to check out an artist’s website.
If I were purchasing art I would want to choose a professional artist. I would read their CV and Biography displayed on their website and I would examine their exhibiting history. I would want to know that they are passionate about their art and they are not hobbyist. I would not be concerned if they were an emerging, a mid-career artist or a long time established artist as long as I liked their artwork.
On that note, I do not concern myself with their educational status. If their work is getting into juried exhibitions and they are professional I’m satisfied. Most artists have taken workshops throughout their art career. An artist doesn’t have to have a master’s degree to be successful and have their work increase in value. Vincent Van Gogh decided to get formal training and shortly after he dropped out as he wasn’t happy with how he was being trained. From the age of seven, Pablo Picasso received his artistic training from his father in oil painting and drawing the human figure. At the age of sixteen Picasso’s father and uncle send the young man to Madrid’s Royal Academy of San Fernando, the country’s foremost art school. Picasso stopped attending shortly after enrolling because he did not like formal education.
When purchasing art directly from artists please, please do not ask for a discount. I have heard and read comments like artists will give you a reduced rate if you ask because they are just happy to see their work go to a home that will appreciate it. Artists have bills. If you must negotiate art do this at flea markets and garage sales. I have also heard and read comments that galleries add on their commissions which could range from up to approximately 50% therefore purchase directly from an artist in order to avoid this add-on. Keep in mind that a reputable artist will not sell below gallery pricing. A gallery will not represent artists who engage in this practice.
In Summary:
. Buy and collect art you absolutely love
. Determine your art-collecting budget
. Good art will speak to you
. Don’t try to match your sofa
. Check out artists online and in your local community
. Look for professional artists and their exhibiting history – not their educational status
. Resist bartering with an artist
Follow my tips for buying and collecting art and have FUN shopping for art you love!
Check out Donna’s website at www.donnawilsonartist.com