Are you thinking about starting an art collection but don’t know where to begin? Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or someone brand new to the world of collecting, building a collection of art is an incredibly rewarding endeavor. Not only can you fill your home with beautiful works, but you can also invest in pieces that may appreciate in value over time. In this article, we’ll cover some tips and tricks for starting an art collection.
Define Your Style
Start by defining your personal style. Think about the type of art that speaks to you and that you enjoy looking at every day. Are you drawn to modern abstract pieces, classical oil paintings, or colorful pop art? Do you prefer muted colors, bold lines, or something in between? Once you have a general sense of what you like, you can begin to focus on specific artists, movements, genres, and mediums that align with your style.
Start Small
Starting a collection doesn’t mean you have to purchase dozens of expensive pieces right away. In fact, it’s often better to start small with a few affordable works that you truly love. This will help you refine your taste and learn how to spot quality pieces. Consider beginning with prints, photographs, or small works on paper that won’t break the bank.
Support Emerging Artists
One of the most exciting aspects of starting an art collection is discovering new, emerging artists. You can attend local art shows, browse online galleries, or visit small, independent art galleries to find artists whose work speaks to you. Supporting emerging artists not only allows you to collect unique and original pieces, but it can also provide a sense of satisfaction in helping to support the arts community.
Do Your Research
As you begin to purchase pieces, it’s important to do your research to ensure that you’re making informed decisions. Learn about the artist’s background, education, and experience, as well as their style and techniques. Investigate the medium and materials used to create the work. Familiarize yourself with the types of framing and matting that will protect the piece over time.
Invest for the Long Term
While some collectors buy art purely for aesthetic reasons, others invest in pieces that may appreciate in value over time. If you are interested in building a collection as an investment, it’s important to carefully consider the works you purchase. Look for works by artists who have a proven track record of selling their pieces for high prices at auctions or in galleries. Seek out works in historically significant movements or genres that are likely to maintain their value. Consult with art experts or financial advisors to learn about tax implications, insurance considerations, and storage costs.
Protect and Display Your Collection
Finally, it’s important to protect and display your collection properly. Consider investing in archival-quality framing and matting for each piece to protect it from fading, discoloration, and other potential damage. Store your art collection in a cool, dry, and secure location, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Display your pieces in a way that allows them to be appreciated without risking damage, such as on walls or on sturdy shelves.
In conclusion, starting an art collection can be a fun and rewarding experience, whether you’re doing it for personal enjoyment or as an investment. By defining your personal style, starting small, supporting emerging artists, doing your research, investing for the long term, and protecting and displaying your collection properly, you’ll be well on your way to curating a collection you can be proud of for years to come.