Collecting art is not a sprint, it’s a journey. It is something that you could choose to begin as a solo passion project; a hobby that enriches your soul. It can also be a captivating hobby that you can share with someone special; a parent, sibling or a spouse. Something that you can plan day trips around and weekends away together for years to come.

My art journey is something that I’ve done together with my husband for over twenty-five years. When Bruce and I first started collecting, we made it a point to try to buy at least one piece of art that we loved per year. That hunt for the perfect piece of art was the catalyst for many memorable date nights. The important thing to remember as you begin your own art collection is that how the art makes you feel is significantly more important than how much it costs. An art collection can be started on any budget. In this blog article, I’m going to give you some tips and tricks to help you begin your collecting.

Buying Art vs. Collecting Art

I’ve learned a lot and have dealt with many dealers and artists over the years, and an important thing to know when you begin collecting art is this. There’s a difference between buying art and collecting art. They are two different things.

An art collection is not something that is acquired in just a day, a month or a year. It is an accumulation of pieces over a lifetime. My taste in art and my art collection has matured over the years just like myself as a person has changed. For me, the art surrounding me in my home brings me a lot of happiness and gives our home a unique personality.

Buying art is more of a random activity based on likes and preferences at any given moment, while collecting art is more of a long term commitment. In both instances, you need to buy what you like, but if you are trying to collect art and do it right, you need to master two additional skills. First you need to evaluate, research and decide whether or not to buy whatever works of art attract you. The second is being able to choose each work of art in a way to form a meaningful group of art or collection. What I feel the most important step is to be true to your tastes. Be aware of what kind of art you like and not what kind of art you’re supposed to like or what seems to be the current rage.

Tip Number One: Figure Out What Kind of Art You Love

There are all forms of art out there. Are you passionate about photography? Glass? Or, is it post modern art that you gravitate towards? There are numerous websites and platforms devoted to specific types of art and artists where you can learn about the artists and art you love the most. Facebook and Instagram can be great places to search for pretty much every kind of art imaginable. There is also a ton of information on the internet on the trends and happenings in the art world.

Tip Number Two: Research the Genre of Art You’re Interested In

Jump in and learn all there is to know about famous artists in this genre. Educate yourself before you buy, so that you can be an informed buyer. Take every opportunity to discuss what you’re looking at with as many different experts, artists, collectors, galleries and other informed art people as possible.

Tip Number Three: Start Small

You don’t have to spend a lot of money at a gallery or from an art dealer to start your art collection. This holds true especially if you're young and still trying to figure out what kind of art you like and what type of art you want to collect. I’ll be sharing more tips and suggestions on this subject in a later blog post.

Tip Number Four: Go Find It!

You can attend local art walks and street fairs in and around your city supporting local artists. This is a great way to get started, and both of these are fun and cost effective ways to begin your art journey. I’d also suggest attending art fairs at art schools and at fine art colleges. Typically the prices are lower and it’s a great way to get to know up-and-coming emerging artists.

Yes, it’s important to be aware of your art goals and aspirations. But the number one thing I have to say is how much it costs does not always equate to the eyes of the beholder. “Owning a unique creation from the hand of an artist is something you’ll enjoy for a lifetime” and no matter what the piece costs, it’s truest value is how much joy it brings you.

Smooch!

xx Barbara