Today, it’s never been easier to collect art and display it around your home – it’s no longer a pastime reserved for mega-rich 17th-century millionaires. But where do you start if you’re entirely new to the art world?
Join me, a practising artist; step inside my mind and uncover a new way to consider buying art. I know, I know, it can feel a little scary. But remember, that nervous feeling in your stomach is technically the same as excitement. So, let me help you to convert those nerves into excitement and make some great decisions.
Before diving in and buying a random piece of art willy-nilly, I’d recommend answering a few questions (with example answers):
- Why do I want to buy art? Because the work produced by [insert artist’s name] makes me happy.
- Where will it be displayed? In my living room, above the fireplace.
- Should it be any particular dimensions? Either one A1 landscape piece or two A2 portrait artworks.
- What is my budget? Up to £200.
If I can answer the above questions and still wish to buy a piece of art, I will. It’s that simple. And now, without further ado, let’s get into my top tips for collecting art like a pro…
Tip #1 – Get to know your favourite artists
Instead of jumping on trend-led bandwagons, take some time to get to know the artists behind the work you love. This way, you’ll begin to understand more about their backgrounds, as well as inspirations, motivations and processes. You’ll enjoy watching their styles evolve over time, ultimately making you feel more invested in their journey and artwork.
Unsure which artists you like? Start by considering the art you like. Are you drawn to particular subjects, styles, colours, sizes or materials? Next, research their makers; consider following them on social media to better understand them as human beings (as well as artists). You could also follow galleries and curators to uncover more artists with similar styles.
Artist tip: The better I know someone, the more I enjoy collecting their work. For example, I own more drawings by my mum than any other artist.
Tip #2 – Think differently
It can be incredibly easy to slip into the mindset of thinking ‘art must be a framed picture’. But in reality, art is so much more than that. There are sculptures, ceramics, jewellery, photography, prints, tapestries – the list is endless. Just because a single artwork doesn’t fit into the traditional art stereotype doesn’t mean it’s not worth collecting. Remember, masterpieces come in all shapes, sizes, and materials; don’t let anybody tell you differently.
Do you like texture? Realism? 18th-century sculpture? Whatever your ‘thing’ is, whatever makes you happy, that’s what you should be collecting. It will be displayed in your home, viewed by you the most.
The word ‘collection’ means:
A group of objects or an amount of material accumulated in one location, especially for some purpose or as a result of some process.
Dictionary.com
And that’s just it; your ‘group of objects’ might not have anything more in common than all being owned by you. They don’t all have to be the same style or medium, so all paintings or all photography. In fact, the more varied your art collection is, the more interesting it will look.
Artist tip: If a piece of art stops me in my tracks, makes me think, or tickles a smile, it’s worth considering adding to my art collection. Yes, everyone will have an opinion about what’s ‘good art’ or ‘bad art’. But at the end of the day, I’ll be the person who sees my collection the most frequently, and I like to follow my gut with this kind of thing.
Tip #3 – Collect art from everywhere
These days, there are countless ways to buy art – online, through galleries, directly through artists, auctions, art fairs like The Affordable Art Fair, the Museum Of Modern Art (MOMA museum), Saatchi Gallery, car boot sales, colleges or university graduates, and, in some areas, local coffee shops. There are pros and cons to buying in all of the above places. For example, in a gallery or an artist’s studio, you’ll feel more connected to the artist. However, buying art online can feel less daunting as you can research different artists’ and easily compare works and prices.
Artist tip: I started my collection by following heartresearchuk_shop on eBay for their annual Anonymous Heart Project. This way, I could buy original artwork that I liked from anonymous, established and practising artists. And as a bonus, all the money goes to a good cause.
Tip #4 – Know your budget
Ok, let’s not skirt around the elephant painting in the room; art can be expensive. However, if you have a low budget, there are still many ways to buy cheap art.
- Consider buying art from emerging artists and recent graduates instead of established artists.
- Some places offer payment plans like Buy Now Pay Later or monthly instalments to help you afford the artwork of your dreams.
- Some artists keep their originals and sell prints instead – so, why not consider a beautiful print instead of an original? Before biting the bullet and buying the very first artwork you find, review lots of art, then choose the best piece(s) for your budget.
Artist tip: Remember, all artists charge different prices, which is based on experience, materials and the time taken to create the art. If you’re struggling to decide between a simple pencil drawing and a sculpture made from 24 carat gold, I’m going to hazard a guess the sculpture will be priced significantly higher.
Tip #5 – Look for signed prints or limited editions
Another great way to start an art collection is with limited editions or signed prints. All signed artwork will be worth more than non-signed artwork – even more so as an artist grows in fame and reputation. The main benefit of buying prints is they’re cheaper than originals, so you can buy more pieces of art and grow your collection quicker.
Artist tip: Ever since I started selling my artwork, my most popular signed prints have been Monstera Print, Animal Skull With Flowers, and Suspended Animation.
Conclusion
And there you have it, my five top tips for buying art. Remember to view as much art as possible and find artists that create work that speaks to you. Next, consider where (or how) your artwork will be displayed and set a budget. Finally, take your time and enjoy the journey; Rome wasn’t built in a day (and neither is an art collection).
That’s all for now ✌️
Your paint-pal
Hi there; I’m Rebecca, a British artist and copywriter, and I’ll never be ‘ready enough’ to write a bio in the third person. I’ve been practising my crafts ever since the day I picked up my first pair of scissors in primary school and glued my fringe to a collage. Tasteful, eh?
When I’m neither painting nor writing, you’ll find me gardening, snowboarding, baking cinnamon buns or practising Muay Thai.
Frequently asked questions
Which books can help me buy artwork?
Yes, the book ‘How to Collect Art’ by Magnus Resch, with an introduction by Pamela J. Joyner, is a great place to start, as is ‘How To Collect Art’ by Virginia Blackburn.
Where to buy art?
This depends largely on your budget. For original art for sale online, try the Museum Of Modern Art (MOMA museum), Saatchi Gallery, and auctions. Alternatively, you can buy art offline through galleries, artists, art fairs like the Affordable Art Fair, car boot sales, colleges or university graduates, and some local coffee shops.
