TIPS FOR COLLECTING & BUYING ART
Buying ART is an intensely personal and, even at times, emotional experience. Even seasoned collectors sometimes agonize when acquiring a new piece. We often feel a pressure to “get it right.” Unlike personal items or even furniture, which may go out of style, ART is often considered to be a lasting investment — one that reflects our taste and our design aesthetics.
Expectations about ART can be high, and may not always be reasonable or realistic. No wonder we feel pressure when faced with a decision about what to buy!
Buy what you like.
When you look at a piece, does it appeal to you, or resonate with you in some way? How does it make you feel? Do you think you will still like it next year? There’s no explanation why certain pieces ‘speak’ to certain people…they simply do.
Trust your eye, instinct and feelings.
Knowing what you don’t like is as important as knowing what you like.
Know what you are buying.
Ask questions about the artist (read the Artist’s bio), the process, the materials used, the artist’s intent (read the Artist’s statement). Does the piece appear to be creatively conceived and skillfully executed?
Don’t buy for investment.
No one can guarantee an increase in value. If you follow your taste and your taste leads you to the next Picasso, then you are one of the lucky ones. Great collections have been built by people simply buying work they liked.
Buy from a reputable source.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with buying street art. Buy art from a knowledgeable and reputable source. The most reputable source is the artist themselves. So if they are on the street, then buy it from them 🙂
TIPS FOR COLLECTING & BUYING ART was originally published on Rafi Was Here Studios
