The Simple Guide to Art Collecting
Why Collect Art?
1. The piece speaks to you
Probably the most important consideration when shopping for art is the emotional impact that a particular work has on you. Original art will outlive both the collector and the maker. Since the dawn of time, people have had the compulsion to create art and organize their life experiences into “story” through pictures, poetry, music, and a variety of narrative forms. I’ve stood in front of pieces and wept unexpectedly. I’ve stood in front of others and had a purely joyful reaction or an abstract sense of peacefulness. And yes, I’ve sometimes stood and felt nothing at all. A thumbs down.
2. The art reflects your values and interests
Sometimes an artist or an artwork pulls at you because it expresses a shared view or familiarity with the subject. Your art collection is another way you can express you! The art we own gives tangibility to our interests and values.
3. It adds value to your daily life
Art is a powerful mood enhancer. When you add the decorative value, the personal emotional connection, and the human story behind a work all together, each time your glance falls on the art piece it’s an opportunity to enjoy it or subconsciously realign with the meaning it has for you.
4. It fits your budget
There are art pieces in all price ranges. If you’re determined to live with a piece that is otherwise unattainable, consider a reproduction. Reproductions are generally not thought of as investments because they don’t have the material lifespan, texture, and as intimate of a connection with the artist. However, there is a place for them when you want to enjoy an image for your lifetime and don’t need it to hold value for your estate or future generations. Archival inks are generally colorfast for over 100 years). The first painting I purchased for myself (I come from a family of artists, so I grew up with free original art all around me) was a tiny landscape from a painter in Cambridge, England. It still bookmarks that experience for me- being in that city and meeting that artist. I don’t remember the cost, but I know it wasn’t extravagant by any means. I also own a print of a Van Dyck painting, some Botticelli’s and more. There is no hope of originals of those exact pieces of theirs that I love!
5. You buy originals as part of your investment or legacy strategy
I looked at the top picks at Art Basel 2015, and personally, I don’t get it. Then I found a photo of some of Bill Gates’ most expensive pieces, which include a Hassam and a famous Winslow Homer, and I felt much better. Billions of dollars change hands each year in the art market no matter the financial climate. I don’t think investment should be the only reason to buy a piece, but it doesn’t need to be overlooked either. Art is a changing organism, and it’s thrilling to learn about and guess which artist will hold or gain recognition at whatever level you are able to engage. Watch high end art that you like and notice the price tags. If you learn to spot art you love that’s been curated by pros, it will give you a better eye for finding more affordable works that the big guys don’t know about.
These are my personal guidelines to consider when looking at buying art and wondering when to say “yes” and when to say “no thanks” (you'll keep looking!). If you think I missed something important or want to offer a suggestion, please feel free to write to me. I’d like to hear what you have to say on this interesting topic.
Please do not distribute this article without my consent. Instead, please share my website link and let your friend download their own!
by Thimgan Hayden