If you are inclined towards art, at one time or another you might want to be a collector. This world could sometime seem remote and closed off but, once you unlock the door it is truly rewarding. You can start from buying an artwork for your home but, this isn’t easy either. The whole experience could seem overwhelming, as most people don’t know where to start.
Fundamentally, it is all about buying an art you enjoy so, there is no reason to feel intimidated. People who buy art come from many walks of life and fall into many different tax brackets.
Begin with collecting American paintings
- Immerse yourself: Start hitting up American painting auctions, local galleries and museums if you are unsure of where to even start. You can definitely receive a fair idea about the artist, the investment, history and basic terminology in general. They are also a source of knowing all the emerging artists and their works that could be affordable at times.
- Trust your gut and buy what you like : Your first instinct is generally the best one. Choosing an artwork can be technical but, it truly comes down to loving it and having a connection with it. If an artwork jumps out at you, it’s important to act fast before time runs out. You need to focus on what you like for a few reasons-
-You will be living with the paintings so, you might as well enjoy them.
-You would want to research and learn about what you are buying as you build a collection. So, it is important to be interested when you start out.
- A collection is more than just buying: There is a caution to what we said above. Your collection should have coherence and a unified style as you don’t want to lose sight of your collection as a whole. One of the benefits of collecting art is to get acquainted with it on a deeper level. So, stick with a style, subject matter and time period as it is difficult to be familiar when you hop from era to era and style to style. If this doesn’t work, consider the monetary benefits. Your collection will have a higher chance of gaining value when you learn more about what you buy.
- Know the artists and do enough research: When a substantial amount of your collection are from a single artist, you have a lot riding on the career of another person. This isn’t a good idea so, always spread around to multiple artists in a given style. Art collecting involves getting the right kind of work too and research makes a major part of this process.
Get to know the artist if you can and be familiar with their work, you’ll build a connection and gain insight to what it’s truly about. If the research seems overwhelming go with American art appraisers as they work with a range of collectors and buyers to show you the way.
Where to start buying first
Off season sales: many galleries have American painting buyers offer sales depending on the location and weather.
Directly from artists: this gives an opportunity to know the artists personally and the idea behind creating a piece. Additionally, you will not have to pay as much as at a gallery. That being said, meeting American art collectors and buyers at the gallery can offer the resources to help you locate what you are looking for. They are more than happy to facilitate while reaching out to contacts and assisting you.
Shipping and framing
Lastly, comes the practical skills of collecting an art. When you have bought the artwork now, is the time to get them home and frame. Though not the most exciting part, without careful consideration of shipping and framing, the artwork with be tarnished diminishing the value and purpose of your collection.
The rewards of collecting an artwork is profound and overtime you get better and more comfortable with it. There are plenty of people to help you throughout with the excitement of having the first pieces installed, tilting it back and forth to get it right.
Sarasota Antique Buyers 