Starting A Fine Art Collection
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- 26-09-2022
Are you thinking about starting a fine art collection? This article considers tips for starting your own art collection.
Starting An Art Collection
Whether you are looking for art to purchase for decorative purposes, as an investment for the future, or simply just a passion and deep love for the world of art, the process of creating and building a strong art collection requires a lot of time and plenty of knowledge.
If you are thinking of starting an art collection, but are not quite sure where you should start, then this guide is made for you. In this beginner's guide, we are going to share all of the vital and fundamental tips and tricks on how to start your art collection. What you should be collecting, why you should be collecting, and how exactly collecting art works.
When first introduced into the world of art collecting, it may seem like a space that is impossible to crack your way into, relentlessly daunting and intimidating. However, we can promise you that this is actually not true at all. In fact, it is quite the opposite. The art world is absolutely beautiful to explore, and there are countless different artists who all use their own unique practices to uncover and learn all about.
It doesn't matter if you are looking to purchase your first major work or whether you want just to learn more to enhance your experiences at galleries and fairs; all it takes is having an open mind for art and a curiosity for design.
For many, the experience of having to buy your first artwork can be an incredibly intense and overwhelming task. It can feel even scarier if you don't know what exactly you should be buying, where to buy it from, or even how to purchase a piece of art within a budget. Despite what people might think about art collecting, it is possible in many different ways to build up a spectacular art collection without completely breaking the bank and still have the experience be deeply rewarding.
This goes for people who are looking for a new statement piece for their home and people who are hoping to purchase art for investments. Everyone can get involved.
Please continue reading, as we are so happy to introduce you to the world of art collecting.
Tips for starting your own art collection
At first, the art market can seem like a deeply daunting place. It can feel as though access to this world is reserved for those who have millions and millions of savings that can be spent on art by all the biggest names in the business. But you absolutely should not be intimidated.
It is possible for everyone to enjoy owning and purchasing art in ways that are highly affordable. It doesn't matter whether the piece of art is a painting, a photographic print, a monotype, or an etching. The important thing here is that you are choosing something that you can buy with confidence because you know that you love it.
Below are some excellent tips on what you can do to start building and displaying your very own art collection.
Trust your gut
You cannot argue against the logic that you should always purchase art for the simple reason that you just love looking at it.
If you see a piece of art and it just sets your mind reeling, you could stare at this art forever, then why not purchase it? Think about the piece of art getting placed up on your wall.
How would you feel staring at that art every single day? Would you still love it? If you wouldn't, and you feel that you could live without it, then that is the time to go with something else.
With art collecting, it is important to be brave and judicious. Perhaps you are looking for a piece of art in a very specific style.
We would recommend settling on a great example of this type of work from a currently emerging artist, rather than saving and saving to buy something considered second-rate just because it has been produced by a better-known artist.
Supporting the next generation of artists is often much cheaper, but as well as this, there is great satisfaction in knowing you are helping an up-and-comer.
Follow your favourite artists on social media.
As we're sure you can imagine, social media is increasingly becoming a highly important place for artists, galleries and collectors to gather. Every year more art collectors are finding and purchasing works through platforms such as Instagram and Twitter.
If you are hoping to discover new contemporary emerging artists, then we would recommend following commercial galleries. Some art collectors use the platform for learning about upcoming events in the arts calendar; for this, we would recommend following art fairs.
Original prints can be an affordable option.
It is pretty common for popular artists to produce printed editions of their art. These will usually be available in smaller and much more affordable batches.
These prints are often sold through non-profit making organisations, so we would recommend keeping an eye on some organisations that you have taken a liking to, so you can then see when they release collaborations with artists or other limited-edition print projects.
Get to know the graduates.
Another great tip for getting to know emerging and up-and-coming artists is to stay in the loop with graduates from all of the major art schools around the globe.
This includes schools such as the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Central Academy of Fine Arts, Royal College of Art, and School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
In just a matter of years, these students could be formally represented by a commercial gallery, and then, at this point, the price for their pieces will absolutely rocket in value.
This means that buying their art before it gets to that point is a highly savvy move. The best way to learn about these artists is to visit graduate shows.
Here you can meet the artists themselves and then talk to them all about their work. This could even lead to you visiting their studio and getting a deeper look into their process.
f you are able to start a personal relationship with one of these artists, then you can become one of their personal clients; you will then be able to hear about any of their new works before anyone else has a chance.
Get it framed right
With framing, it is important to remember that keeping it simple is usually for the best. The focus should be on the art you have purchased rather than the frame. The mount needs to be kept basic, and when working with pieces on paper then, it should match the colour of the paper.
Move it around at home.
If you hang up a piece of artwork in your home and it just doesn't feel right, then it is absolutely fine to move it. Try moving the art around your home. You should be looking to see whether the piece of art creates an interesting dynamic with the rest of the wall around it, for example, any other art or decorations adorning the wall. If the art doesn't work in the living room, then try the dining room, foyer, or bedroom.
The options are only limited by your imagination. Smaller pieces of art always look good when they are hung near a light switch. They can also look great when hung quite low over a piece of furniture, such as a bedside table. Collecting up groups of work together is a fantastic tactic too.
Purchase a selection of frames that will fit the art you are planning to mesh together, and then lay them out on the floor or on a tabletop. Play around with the arrangement until you have something you think looks pleasing. If you want to go a step further, then you can even use masking tape to mark out exactly where you want the art to hang on your walls.
If you don't love it, don't despair.
It is just a fact of life that, over time, our tastes slowly change. This is absolutely fine! There is nothing to worry about here. It is possible to fall in love with something twice.
If you are looking at your walls and you are not happy with a piece of art, or maybe even a couple, then you should never be afraid to admit that you need a change.
Take down the pieces of art and just put them away somewhere safe for a little while. The art can always be hung again at another point.
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