Art, in its broadest sense, is a form of communication. It means what the artist wants him to mean, and that meaning is shaped by the materials, techniques, and forms he employs, as well as the ideas and feelings he creates in his viewers. Art is an act of expressing feelings, thoughts, and observations.
The art world is notoriously dark.
From private buyers and secret sales to precious paintings that simply disappear, even the most enthusiastic art lovers can find themselves lost in the art world. Attending any auction means you’ll come face to face with a complex, labyrinthine world where individual coins can go for tantalizing sums of money and millions of dollars change hands.
However, don’t let this discourage you from building your art collection. You don’t need to spend millions or have an art history degree to collect.
If you’re looking to build your art collection, here are some tips from art historian and author Anna Tietze.
Do your research
Keep up to date with what’s going on in the art world Identify artists said to be raising stars and keep an eye out for what is selling well in the art market and at what price.
Tietze suggests “going to auctions, first only as an observer to see how they work. Find out who the renowned art dealers/gallery owners are in your area and their price range, then ask them for advice on which artists are worth investing in. Therefore, go out and check out the reviews of paid people to know and educate yourself on the ins and outs of the art industry.
You may also want to consider consulting an art consultant. Find out how an art consultant can help you build a collection that you will cherish for years to come.
Know your focus
You don’t necessarily need a theme to unify your collection. But, at first, it can be helpful to make decisions about what era or style you want to focus on (like modern art, pop art, etc.).
Cost is another factor. Are you going to buy high-end pieces or create a larger collection with affordable pieces?
“The tendency to collect contemporary art is certainly for the works of living artists, or those of a relatively recent past – from the end of the 19th century at the earliest,” explains Tietze. “Works by previous artists – the so-called ‘old masters’ are extremely rare these days, as most of them are already in collections, often public.”
Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with turning the tide and turning to artists who are no longer in fashion. Take, for example, Amadeo Modigliani. Until recently, “he did not have a great reputation among art historians and critics” $ 100 million.
Trust your taste
If you think it’s best to target a work of art that she should appreciate, you can also purchase pieces exclusively to your liking. To build a truly personal collection, let your heart choose the art, not always your head.
The best art collections are those that combine passion and knowledge of art. While art can be a worthwhile investment, it’s important that you genuinely appreciate and admire the pieces in your collection. Do your research, identify what you like and start collecting!
