"The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls."
- Pablo Picasso
Whether you’re looking to brighten up your home space, supporting emerging artists from your social circle or otherwise, or even wanting art for the purpose of investing money, collecting art is a truly rewarding experience.
Art is of many kinds. No one can tell you which type of art you should go after. However, there are certain guidelines you can follow to start an art collection that best suits your needs. Let’s dive into some basic tips to help you get started on this colorful journey.
- Define What You Truly Want
First things first, ask yourself: why do you want to collect art? Is it for personal enjoyment, a savvy investment, or a bit of both? Maybe you’re fascinated by abstract pieces, or perhaps you love vintage masterpieces. You can explore what styles and artists make your heart skip a beat. To do that, you can visit galleries, and art fairs or even sit at home and surf the internet to learn as much as you can.
- Get The Best IntelÂ
Educating yourself on art history and current market trends will help you make better decisions. You must follow art blogs and magazines to keep yourself informed about new artists and styles in the industry. Â
- What's Your Budget?
Let’s talk about money. It’s important to set a budget that you’re comfortable with. Remember, collecting art isn’t just about the initial purchase. You’ll also need to factor in costs for insurance, framing, shipping, and maintenance. Decide how much you’re willing to spend upfront and plan for any ongoing expenses. This is the reason why starting small and building upon it is the way to go.
- Start Small And Work Your Way Up
You don’t have to jump in with a big purchase right away. It's always better to begin with affordable pieces from emerging artists. Prints, photographs, and limited editions are usually more budget-friendly options that can still go a long way. If your allocated budget allows you to go for buying art from tenured artists, go for it!
- Build Healthy Relationships
Getting to know people in the art world and building a network is beneficial for a starting art collector. You can build relationships with galleries and art dealers who offer valuable advice and access to quality works. Attending gallery openings and exhibitions to network and learn more about the art scene will do wonders for you. Instagram is a great place to collaborate with not only up-and-coming artists but also those who have been in the game for long.
- Know What You're Buying
With the advent of prints and artists recreating old work, it can be a challenge to straight away tell if it's an original or a copy. Before making the purchase, you should always ask for certificates of authenticity and check the provenance (the history of ownership) to ensure the artwork isn’t stolen and has a clear legal title. A bit of due diligence will always benefit you.
- Purchase and Documentation
When you’re buying art, always try to negotiate the price. Some galleries are willing to offer discounts to new collectors. It's also very important to keep all your documentation in order, including receipts, certificates of authenticity, and provenance records.
- Maintain Your Collection Smartly
It's always a good idea to protect your investment by insuring your collection against theft, damage, and loss. Also, you must invest in proper conservation and framing to keep your artworks looking their best. Moreover, having a routine maintenance regime will keep your art always looking fresh.
- Your Own Home Gallery
Displaying your art thoughtfully can really make it shine. Consider lighting, humidity, and overall aesthetics when setting up your pieces. If you run out of display space, make sure to store any additional artworks in a climate-controlled environment to preserve their condition. It's better to learn and adapt to it the easy way, rather than having an artwork go bad. This is another reason why you should be constantly educating yourself.
- Fine-Tuning Your Art Collection
As you build your collection, periodically evaluate whether it still aligns with your tastes and goals. Don’t be afraid to sell or trade pieces to refine your collection. Moreover, if you're getting a good deal for any of your artworks, go for it!
- Get The Best Advice
When in doubt, seek out the pros. Art advisors, curators, and consultants can provide expert guidance tailored to your interests and budget. Also, consider consulting legal and financial advisors about estate planning and the tax implications of your collection. Google and YouTube are great ways to learn about your art concerns.
Conclusion:
While it is important to stay updated with the market trends, you should always go for art that excites you. For the more expensive pieces, you can go for prints and renditions of these masterpieces to light up your collection. All the points mentioned in this blog will help you as guidelines on your art collection journey, whether you're just starting out or deep into your art endeavor.Â