Yes, You Can Be an Art Collector

During the Hayley Open House Party, several people commented on the various pieces of art that we have sprinkled throughout our home.The Boy and I love art. Fortunately, our tastes are pretty much the same and where we differ, we’ve agreed to appreciate the other’s opinion. And we’re fortunate as well that we still have plenty of room for art purchases to come (and pieces that we have yet to stretch and hang)I thought that I’d share some wonderful advice that was shared with us from one of our favorite artist friends, Miguel Ávila. We commissioned a piece from him, which was stolen at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (may those who stole it eventually sell it to MOMA so it can end up back in our possession one day…). We then commissioned another piece, which you can sort-of see hanging above the fireplace in this photo of our living room.

But enough about our wonderful painting of our kitties and on to advice for building your personal art collection:
Tips for Building An Art CollectionExcerpts from an article by Michael K. Corbin BUY ONLY WHAT YOU LOVE. Would you buy a television or sofa or coat that you didn’t like? So, duh! Don’t buy a painting that you don’t like! Of course, you might be thinking that the artist whose work you’re buying may one day become famous like Picasso. If so, great! But the truth is, even the most knowledgeable museum curators and art gallery owners don’t know who’ll become famous. No one has a crystal ball. Besides, famous doesn’t mean good. Buy what you love and even if the artist doesn’t become famous, you STILL own something you love! Happiness is a good investment.SUPPORT LIVING ARTISTS. I think that it’s best to buy works online from artists who are alive and working. There are so many of them! Thousands and thousands worldwide. They deserve to make a good living creating their art. It’s what they were born to do. I have forged online relationships with artists. The relationships with the artists are just as great as owning the artwork. Trust me on this one!

DON’T BE AFRAID TO NEGOTIATE. This is a tricky one, but here’s the deal. We negotiate for so many things in this world. Why not artwork? Artists live in the real world like the rest of us. They WANT to sell their work. But, keep in mind that they work hard like the rest of us. They’re not going to give their work away. Nor should they! All they can do is say no! If so, respect that and move on. There are plenty of fish in the sea! I think the best approach is to just send the artist an email saying that you love his/her work and ask if they sell anything in the $100 range, for example. Some artists even let you pay in installments. Try it! I’ve done this. I have yet to be disappointed. However, keep in mind that we’re talking about artists who represent themselves. Gallery-represented artists are a whole other ball of wax.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. A painting isn’t necessarily good because it’s posted on some website or hangs in a gallery. Anyway, what’s good art to you may be bad art to someone else and vice-versa. Trust your instincts! Most importantly, if other people judge your purchases, do not be forced into defending your choices. If you like them, that’s all that matters. Politely show your critics the door! (Smile)

DON’T JUST BUY PRETTY PICTURES. Who doesn’t love beautiful art? Still-lifes, landscapes, portraits of attractive people are all nice, but art is about more than just, “pretty pictures.” BE BOLD! CONQUER DOUBT! Buy art that challenges and stretches you. Buy art that makes you think and feel. When considering art, don’t just think in terms of what you like or dislike, think about whether the piece “moves you.” This will help you make more soulful choices. I have some paintings that aren’t conventionally beautiful, but I was moved to buy them. They spoke to me somehow. I believe I’m a better collector for taking this approach.

READ AND RESEARCH. Read art magazines, visit museums and galleries. This will help you determine what “moves you.” It’ll refine your eye. I still have a long way to go, but I find that this helps.

TALK TO ARTISTS. I always like to ask artists what inspires them to create. Knowing what inspires an artist and relating to that inspiration can often help you when it comes to purchasing a piece online. I have found that talking with artists is never a waste of time.

DON’T SPEND MORE THAN YOU CAN AFFORD. I cannot stress this enough. If buying artwork means that you’re neglecting that badly needed brake job on your car, I certainly hope that you’ll put off buying that painting and get your brakes fixed!