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Collecting Art
Deciding to begin collecting art involves a great deal of decisions. There are so many different kinds of art, from many different time periods, from many different mediums that it can be overwhelming figuring out what pieces are worth buying and which are not. First, decide what speaks to you. Do you want to collect art involving a specific item? Some people collect different artworks depicting roosters, for example. |
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They find the majority of their work in later American folk art, and seek out auctions and estate sales to find what they are looking for. Others are interested in a specific artist. And yet others are focused on a specific medium, such as pottery, maybe even from a specific time frame. Once you know what you want to collect, you have an excellent starting point.
Popular types of art for collectors include American crafts, African art, animation art, contemporary glass art, Asian art, fine art photography, historical American art, Latin American art, outsider art, Native American art, folk art, and Western art. These categories provide a broad overview of the different types of collectible art, and you can narrow your preferences down from there. Begin to research and learn as much as you can about the art you want to collect. Art consultants, books, and online sources are all good ways to begin your involvement in the art world. Even better is to just get out there and start looking. Subscribe to art magazines and read art reviews in publications. Visit local galleries to learn about the local art scene and how to deal with gallery owners and art dealers. This is an important aspect of buying art since they are often the ones who are selling it. They are also an excellent guide as you navigate your art education. If art galleries are not your main source of artwork, consider auction houses, estate sales, buying art directly from the artists, local art shows, and the online sources. Each of these methods have pros and cons, depending on the type of art you are wanting to collect. If you are purchasing at an auction, look up the artist's name in online art databases, price guides, or other auction records to see what previous works have sold for. Auction prices are often wholesale, while gallery prices are at retail, and there is often a significant difference between the two. Before purchasing art, be sure to research both the artist and the work. A work's history is a good indicator of its value, and is an important part of researching a purchase. Make sure to inspect the piece for damage or potential problems, and get a second opinion if necessary. Condition will always affect value, and it is important to understand the total worth of any piece of art. Make sure the art is original and not reproduced in any way, for maximum value. Curate your collection carefully. It's been said that the whole is often greater than the sum of its parts, and a collection only increases in value as pieces of work are added. Your collection will increase in value if it is focused and well researched. |
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