People collect all sorts of things, and there is a lot of art to collect. That’s why you need some advice in this process. Collecting art is different than buying products online or any other way for that matter. It means paying attention because collectors have different collections with different needs in mind. Collecting should be fun and exciting, not a drag. We will go over a few tips to help you with the whole process of how to collect art.
Anyone can collect art if they give it a try. It can work. Figuring out how to build the right team, keep the pieces safe and purchase new art are all challenges you will face, but the rewards of collecting art are well worth it, and you may even have fun in the process. Everyone loves to love art! Art is an enjoyable part of everyday life, from paintings and sculptures to photographs and handicrafts. But, to buy expensive pieces of art you should have some knowledge and understanding of this industry.
Collecting art can be one of the most exciting things to do with your money. At the same time, it can be one of the most disastrous if you don’t know what you’re doing. This article has been written to help you make informed decisions when it comes to collecting art. This guide will help you understand how to collect art and how to identify the right piece for you.
Art Collections: Why Do We Do It?
Starting an art collection has numerous benefits. Collections can be made as investments, as a means of preserving history or contributing to the arts. In addition to showcasing aspects of your personality, collecting art is also a great way to express yourself.
Buying art and collecting art are two very different things. I think buying art is a random thing we do based on what we like, what we want, or what catches our attention at the time, whereas collecting art is a long-term commitment. Whether you’re buying art or not, you have to be a master at two things if you want to do it right. First, you must be capable of researching, evaluating, and choosing whether or not to purchase any piece of art that appeals to you. Second, you have to select each work to become a meaningful grouping or a collection.
The majority of people are proficient when it comes to buying art on an individual basis but not as knowledgeable when it comes to formulating a strategy for making multiple purchases over time, or in other words, building a collection. There is art almost everywhere you look and in a seemingly endless variety of subject matters, media, and price ranges. The challenge is systematically sorting through it all.
Collecting art is a great profession, and great collectors are well known and respected. Just take a look at the Eli Broad collection, the Barnes collection, or the Chrysler collection. These collectors are famous for demonstrating just as much talent in arranging and selecting their art as the artists do in creating it. Likewise, each work of art represents a great collection that commands a premium price and attracts a great deal of attention due to its quality and the company that displays it.
Collecting art is about separating specific works of art from the scallion of existing pieces and assembling them in a way that increases or advances our knowledge about that art in particular, or in general, the history and evolution of art. An exceptional collector will set the standards, determine tastes trends, and influence the future of collecting in exceptional cases by increasing the value of the whole collection.
Collect Art: How to Get Started
Plan Your Budget
For new art collectors, the first step is to create a budget before they begin their search for works to collect. You can use your budget to find out where you can buy what you want to buy. Begin with a small budget and gradually increase it as your collection grows, your confidence grows, and your understanding of art grows. It could be a good idea to begin with a budget of $1,000 or less, although your income may determine how much you can afford.
Analyze your purchasing habits. How many original pieces are you planning to buy every month? Would you rather purchase one $1,000 piece or multiple less expensive ones? Since your budget is a moving target and will change over time, quality over quantity is a good rule to follow.
Determine Your Goals
How do you intend to use this collection of art? Understanding why you want to purchase art plays an important role in the type of collection you will build. It is best to purchase what makes you happy and that you enjoy. Buying art requires you to live with it, so if you want to be inspired every day, buy something you will enjoy.
You can create and stick to a budget, but never settle for something you don’t love. Similarly, don’t undervalue an artwork because the price is lower than what you perceive as a good price. No matter what the price, if you really like the artwork, I suggest you buy it. It doesn’t always mean the work has to be more expensive.
The most common reason collectors collect is aesthetic, such as to beautify their living rooms. No doubt, art transforms a space and creates beautiful interiors, but what is to be done when an individual’s collection outgrows an individual’s space? Collections of art are becoming larger, so art collectors must take into account logistical considerations, installation, insurance, and storage of their works. A few trustworthy companies should always be on hand in case of an emergency.
Buying art is considered an investment by many people. Though this is a well-considered perspective, new buyers need to realize that investing in art does not guarantee a profit. You should look at mid-career or established artists, which means more expensive works if the return on your investment is your primary reason for collecting art.
Homework is Important
The time has come to do some homework after establishing your budget and determining your goals. Invest some time into learning about the art world if you want to have a fun experience collecting art!
Visit museums, galleries, and social media (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, etc.) to discover different types of artworks, mediums, and styles. Seeing more art will allow you to appreciate the differences between artists’ various methods, media, and styles. Additionally, you will improve your eye and mind’s ability to identify the types of art that you enjoy most.
Doing this will better understand what kind of work you hope to collect. Paintings, prints, sculptures, and black and white photographs may be of interest to you.
How to Find Art for Collection
Galleries & Art Fairs
You can find art you love in a variety of places. Attending art fairs, attending openings of exhibitions, and visiting galleries are more traditional methods. All of these are excellent resources for finding artists and artwork. Be open to asking questions, forming connections, and reading the biographies of artists. You can gain insider information at these functions by speaking with other collectors like yourself.
Using the Internet
You can also browse art online through reputable websites for artwork to add to your collection. Artwork is often categorized by medium, theme, size, color, and orientation on many websites, which makes browsing easier. In addition to picking a region within which you wish to collect art, you can also select a country within that region.
Getting art online is an efficient and economical way to collect art since it allows you to compare artists, galleries, and prices without leaving the comfort of your home. The online art market offers transparent pricing, easy access to a wide variety of artworks, and the ability to compare artists, galleries, and prices. It’s no longer necessary to ask several galleries and studios for price lists with limited inventory. Browse, buy, and have your favorite original art delivered to your doorstep.
What Should You Purchase
Once you have conducted your preliminary research, you can determine what themes, genres, and artists most appeal to you. As you begin building your collection, you should have a rough idea of which styles you would like to use. Do you have questions about how to get started? The following is a short overview of the different types of media you can purchase.
Prints and Photography in Limited Editions
Paintings are unique works and, as a result, can be expensive. Limited editions and photography are typically created in multiples, so the price is usually more affordable. Due to their ability to be rolled for shipment, limited edition titles are also cheaper to ship. A limited edition by a particular artist could be more affordable than their total price tag, especially if the artist signs it. Limited editions by famous artists may also be less expensive, but their works can still be valuable. The best way to start your art collection is with prints.
Design & Sculpture
As soon as buyers begin thinking of art collections, they focus on framed canvases and overlook sculpture and design pieces. They make excellent additions to a collection of art, and they make delightful pieces of art to display in the home. The most affordable items to consider are sculptural and design objects on small scales. The artist-signed objects you collect can take your collection to the next level and add variety and eclectic touch.
Paintings
Buying original paintings at a much lower cost is possible if original paintings are your preferred choice. Paintings by mid-career artists and those involved in established careers can indeed cost a fortune, but investing in their smaller works is a balanced approach to collecting. This allows you to get an impression of the artists without being intimidated by their price tags.
If you are willing to explore emerging and less-known artists, you can still find stunning original paintings to add to your art collection. You will be one of the early collectors of these under-the-radar artists and help them launch their careers. You will also be able to brag about your knowledge of emerging artists and your support for them.
Is there any way to find an emerging artist who has potential? Look at their CV for any solo or group shows, residencies, press mentions, or if they’re part of an exciting or thriving community. Keep an eye on their social media and see how their followers react to their artwork. Using your eye over listening to others is the key to starting an art collection. A new artist’s work might be in your budget, so get it.
Pro Tips: How to Collect Art
1. Purchase What You Love
Find out what kinds of art you like and don’t like before you begin a collection. Check out galleries, art fairs, and auction houses. Join artist, critic, and curator social networks. However, stay true to your own vision. What is your preferred style, medium, and subject? Consider what artwork you would love to live with and cherish rather than following trends.
2. Get Start With Small
Be on the lookout for recently graduated students or artists gaining recognition. A small painting by an emerging artist could serve as a good starting point for your collection if you’re on a tight budget. It’s likely that you’ll be among the first collectors of emerging artists. This could be a valuable investment if you’re lucky.
3. Visit the Internet
Comparing artists, styles, and prices are easy with online galleries. Often, it’s less intimidating to ask for more information during an exhibition or at a gallery. Especially for new collectors, the internet offers greater transparency and accessibility when buying art.
4. Collect Limited Editions Signed by The Artist
You can start your art collection with limited edition prints. Additionally, signed editions usually have a greater value, especially if an artist becomes well known and regarded.
5. Miniatures by Major Artists
You can still buy from a big name if you want. If you are interested in an etching or drawing on paper, look for one. Select a piece of artwork that you can easily identify as belonging to that artist. Pay attention to the symbols, subjects, and styles. For instance, Damien Hirst’s shark drawing made £4,500 at auction since it’s the subject that helped make him famous.
6. Instalment Payments
In the end, starting a collection of art is impossible without considering the price. Many galleries and online platforms let you spread the payment of artwork over a period of time if you find a painting you love but can’t afford right away. That way, you could pay for an original painting over a few years.
Conclusion
Collecting art is about appreciating and enjoying art for what it is, the deciding factors, and how to get started. Antiques and collectibles can be a fun hobby but have gained serious value as investments over time. Artwork may not be a good investment in the sense that you can resell it quickly, but the added pleasure of owning the art makes up for it. Collect what you like, and in a way that fits your own budget. We have provided you with tips to lead you through the stages of collecting art in this guide about how to collect art.