Collecting art requires lots of knowledge and deep pockets, a common perception some newbie artists have. It is valid to some extent only. But the most important factors, to begin with, are many apart from finance. In this guest blog post, you will learn some tips to create that perfect art wall in your home. So, make a fantastic art collection today by reading our tips.
Discovering what floats your boat
Before you start collecting, you need to know what type of art appeals to you and what kind of pieces you imagine having in your collection – historical portraits, bright abstracts, bronze sculptures, art jewelry, Chinese ceramics, and contemporary photography. To get inspiration:
- Visit your local public art galleries or browse their online catalogs. Ask yourself which pieces you would happily steal off the walls and take home with you.
- Buy art books, visit the library and browse the art section, visit art fairs, attend preview days at auction houses, and frequent the local dealer galleries in your area.
- Once you know what you like, familiarise yourself with artist names, styles, and movements to understand what to look for and what is good.
Get Involved in the Art
Get yourself on the mailing lists of galleries, artist studios, and art publications. If you are not in the know, you will miss knowing about the opening nights, open studios, and pop-up events you must attend. Then actively attend gallery openings and art events that showcase the artists you are interested in and focus on the types of artwork you want to collect. Make friends and build personal relationships with the gallerists, dealers, curators, other collectors, and artists you meet. These personal friendships will give you valuable insider perspectives and information you would otherwise not access. Cultivating such relationships also gets you the most bang for your buck. You will be more able to negotiate prices, be offered new works before they are exhibited, or even have the best results in an exhibition held aside for you.
Collect what you like
Don’t buy artwork because it’s the latest thing since sliced bread or because you think it will match the latest trends in home décor – buy the art you love, buy the art that makes you happy to look at every day and which adds something to your life. The art you buy doesn’t have to be the latest hot thing in the art world or by a trending artist. It simply must be something that inspires and speaks to you.
Get started online
The concept of a traditional art auction can be pretty daunting, which is not how we often shop. In-person auctions often have hefty auction house sales fees added to the sales price. But several reputable online auction houses in the marketplace have increasingly reduced online costs. It is also much less daunting sitting at home in your pajamas bidding than sitting in a pretentious auction room. Drawings and sketches are other great media to explore buying as they are seen as secondary works to the significant assignments an artist produces.
For this reason, they suit even the smallest art collection budget. Focusing on editioned prints and drawings also allows you to buy minor works from well-known artists. This lets you get the piece by the artist you have your heart set on owning but often without the hefty price tag.
Make a budget
When you come across a piece you really like, it can be worth doing a bit of price comparison research to make sure what you are getting is being sold reasonably. The internet is great because you can Google an artist and get quick information on their previous and current exhibitions and view artwork for sale on their website and elsewhere online. You can then check that the price you are about to pay is in the same ballpark as those advertised elsewhere. Don’t 100% believe presale estimates published by auction houses. They are just a guide, and sometimes the selling price is lower on the day. So it’s best not to write something off immediately if it seems too expensive. Ask some questions, research previous sales prices, and then turn up on the day and see what happens. You might get lucky!
Ready to go
Just remember that there is no right way to build an art collection of your own. Just follow your instinct and jump right in. Next time you see an artwork you love at the right price, just go for it! Your collection may take years to build, so it is about enjoying the process.
Moonoura Art Exhibition – Moonoura Self Connection Variety Show
Get ready to witness over 40 artists from all backgrounds and art disciplines in one place! Moonoura Art Exhibition is coming to The Brooklyn Monarch, NewYork on Thu, 18 May, 5:00 pm GMT-4
Talented painters, photographers, filmmakers, musicians, dancers, body painters, live performances of all kinds, immersive installation artists, magicians, psychics, vendors, DJs, and more will all come together at the iconic Brooklyn Monarch for only one day this May 18th to showcase their unique talents.
This iconic venue will have four art sections:
- Indoors you shall find the main room with a stage for musicians, spoken word, and performers.
- Unique visual artists like painters, photographers & sculptors will be in the visible room.
- Art installations, interactive experiences, and vendors will be in the lounge area.
- A colorful techno/house burner art party will be outdoors on the expansive green patio.
Moonoura Art Exhibition will be featuring the following sessions :
Live music
Live performances
Paintings
Photography
Poetry
Art installations
Body painting
Interactive Art
Vendors
Glinda The Good Bus
DJs
& way more!
So, get yourself registered and experience the true delight of art.