Starting Your Own Art Collection: A Beginner's Guide
So, you've decided to embark on the exciting journey of building an art collection? Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or just starting out, collecting art can be a rewarding and enriching experience. In this guide we share some helpful tips to help get you on the way to building your very own art collection.
1. Define Your Goals
Passion and Interest: What kind of art excites you? Is it modern, contemporary, or perhaps something more classic? The only way to figure out what you like is to spend more time looking at art and discovering new artists. The beauty of art is that it’s subjective and therefore ok if you don’t like every painting you lay eyes on, and honestly, there may be more art you don’t like than do. The most important thing to remember is that collecting art is a personal experience and you should always buy what you love.
Budget: Not every work of art is sold for eye watering amounts of money like a piece by Warhol or Monet would be, at least not yet anyway. If you have millions to spend, that will no doubt make your journey into the world of art collecting a little easier but for the rest of us, it’s important to define your budget early and stick to it. With the right help and by looking in the right places you will find amazing work that works for your budget.
Space: It’s always important to think about what you’re actually going to do with a painting once you own it. Artists don’t spend their lives creating work for us to hide it away in storage, art is meant to looked at. Consider the space you have available and go from there.
2. Do Your Research
Art History: Learn about different art movements, styles, and periods. This will help you understand the context and value of the artworks you're considering. Try narrowing it down to a couple of your favourites and start to really understand the importance of the period.
Artists: Research artists whose work you admire. Look at their biographies, exhibitions, and auction records. Sometimes art can be confusing and often, that’s the point. There will lots of artists whose work you like but might not yet understand. Take some time to research their life and begin form a picture of who they really are.
Galleries and Dealers: Find reputable galleries and art dealers in your area or online. They can provide expert advice and access to a wide range of artworks. It can be very intimidating standing in a gallery feeling like you don’t belong, the easiest way to change that is to ask questions and meet people. Build relationships, attend events and see how the art industry really works.
3. Start Small
Affordable Prints or Originals: Prints are an incredible way to start a collection. Most artists will release a limited number of prints to accompany an original work, and these prints will be numbered and signed. Yes, they aren’t the original but they are much more accessible way of collecting art. Original works by emerging artists are also a great option. Many emerging artists work is much more affordable as they themselves are just entering the world of art. Beginning with affordable prints or smaller original works by emerging artists really allows you to experiment and build your collection gradually.
Art Fairs and Auctions: Attend art fairs and auctions to discover new artists and potentially find hidden gems. There are tons of art fairs and auctions happening on a daily basis, so why not try and attend. Art fairs like The Other Art Fair are a great way of discovering emerging artists and auctions will give you good idea of the value of art and what people want. One tip is to look out for university and college events as these can be a great opportunity to discover and buy work by young artists who are relatively unknown.
4. Consider Authentication and Provenance
Certificates of Authenticity: Always request a certificate of authenticity from the seller or gallery. This document verifies the artwork's origin and authenticity. Most reputable sellers will provide this without you even having to ask but if you are purchasing art off the beaten track, then it’s best to make sure.
Provenance: Learn about the artwork's history. Knowing its previous owners can add value and significance to your collection. Art is all about the story and sometimes who owned it before you can be just as intriguing as the artist who created it. If you are buying work, ask the seller if they can document previous owners for extra peace of mind. This can also be handy if you ever want to sell the work further down the line.
5. Don't Be Afraid to Negotiate
Price Flexibility: Art prices can be negotiable, especially for emerging artists or smaller galleries. Don't be afraid to ask for a better deal. Remember, stick to your budget and walk away if you aren’t comfortable.
6. Enjoy the Process
Personal Connection: Collecting art is a personal journey. Trust your instincts and choose pieces that resonate with you. The thrill of researching and finding a piece you want to add to your collection is just as much fun as getting to look at it every day. Take your time and remember that you will make mistakes but as you build your collection, you'll gain knowledge, experience, and a deeper appreciation for art.
Additional Tips:
Join Art Communities: Connect with other art enthusiasts and collectors through online forums, social media groups, or local art organizations.
Read Art Books and Magazines: Stay informed about the latest art trends and news by reading art-related publications.
Consider Consulting an Art Advisor: If you're unsure where to start or need expert guidance, consider hiring an art advisor.
Remember, building an art collection is a personal journey. Enjoy the process, learn from your experiences, and most importantly, have fun!
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