5 Tips on Beginning Your Art Collecting Journey

Beginning your art collecting journey can be intimidating. When you think about ART COLLECTING, what comes to mind? A gallery or museum? We like in a time where art is readily available and ALL around us! This makes it easier than ever before to find the art you resonate with and collect what brings you joy!
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1. Identify what STYLE of art you like. Is there a specific type of art that your drawn to? Are you looking for a contemporary painting to add to your more modern home or may be a landscape to have a more traditional feel? Do you enjoy bright, vibrant statement pieces, or maybe a more neutral painting that can be moved around the house? Either way, one of the best ways to figure this out is to look at a lot of art. Try searching for artwork on Pinterest or in a general search engine and see what comes up. What do you like about it? Does it make you feel a certain way? Does it spark a memory? Explore away! It’s the only way to figure out what you like!

2. Set a BUDGET. In many ways, this could be step one. Art can be an expensive investment. This is especially true in the case of original art. The great thing about art is that it tends to appreciate with time. An artist prices almost always go up, never trending down. Nevertheless, it’s important to set boundaries and a budget when considering art for your home. Be realistic with your budget. As an artist, I know a first time art buyer is not gonna spend thousands of dollars on their very first piece. Try looking at smaller pieces or works done on paper from an artist that you like. They tend to be more affordable, and a great way to begin your art collecting journey.

3. Follow your FAVORITE ARTISTS and galleries social media and get on their newsletters or email lists. Artists almost always have a NEWSLETTER or some sort of email list that offers sneak peeks at thier upcoming work and can even give you first access or coupons on various sales they run. This is a great way to support the artists that you enjoy following as well as keep up on the most recent work.

4. Purchasing limited edition or signed reproductions a.k.a. PRINTS can be a great way to begin collecting art and how many choose to begin.  Prints are an affordable option as well. Many artists offer limited-edition prints of their most popular works. Not only is it a great branch of income but also an opportunity for all walks of life to have access and the opportunity to purchase and enjoy those works. Most reproductions range anywhere from 5 x 7 all the way to 30 x 40 (or larger if you can find a printer) and can be a fraction of the cost compared to its original.
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5. Are you looking for something specific or need a certain size, then COMMISSIONS are the way to go. Many artists offer custom pieces of art a.k.a. commissions as a part of their business. This is a specific and tailored to piece of art just for you. When a client approaches me about a commission, we discuss all aspects of the piece. You begin with size and materials and the client's vision. Are you wanting a work on canvas or planning on adding framing to a work on paper? What are the colors in your home? What fabrics and decor are included in the room such as drapery, wallpaper, pillow covers, sofas, etc. Everything is tailored to your specific wants and needs, sometimes even down to details in the painting. Although more expensive (as are most CUSTOM things), commissions could be a great way to begin your art collecting journey, if you were looking for that special one of a kind piece.

My motto, eat the cookie, buy the art! Just know, no matter how you choose to begin your art collecting journey or your price point, your support for fine artists means the world and NEVER goes unnoticed from that artist. Many (including myself) do a literal HAPPY DANCE when we see someone has made a purchase and investment in the beauty of their home. You've made someone's day.