Embarking on the journey of art collecting is a thrilling and addictive adventure that promises to introduce you to the vast and diverse world of artistic expression. Whether you are drawn to one-of-a-kind paintings, sculptures or original art prints, building an art collection is a very personal pursuit with no right or wrong answers. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore some essential steps to help you navigate the art world, make informed decisions regardless of your art expertise, and embark on the journey of discovering your own art aesthetic and style.
What is Art Collecting?
Art collecting in simple terms is the acquisition of art. People collect art for a multitude of different reasons, including likeability, design and value. However, it’s important to understand that whilst there are many reasons to collect art, at the end of the day collecting art is an expression of your own unique tastes and perspectives. It is completely subjective and your collecting should reflect your own personal connection with each of the individual artworks.
- Define your Artistic Style
The first step in your art collecting journey is to define your own personal style. Now this doesn’t mean that you should just collect masterpieces or abstract works, because your artistic style could include a range of different artistic genres and mediums and doesn’t have to be limited to just one. Take the time to explore local galleries, museums and online art platforms to get a sense of what draws your attention and stands out to you.
Remember, there are no right or wrong choices when it comes to art, and your collection should be a reflection of your own tastes and preferences. This could also mean that your artistic evolves and changes as you grow and explore the art world more.
- Set a Realistic Budget
Art collecting can be as affordable or extravagant as you want it to be. So, before you begin you want to set yourself a realistic budget that aligns with your financial comfort zone. This will help guide your choices and prevent impulsive purchases that may lead you to regret later on.
Whilst you should love the artwork you collect it shouldn’t level you in a position of financial hardship. So, if you are looking for high quality art on a lower budget don’t be afraid to move away from conventional galleries and instead look at local art fairs or markets, and don’t be afraid step away from well-recognisable names in the art world and instead look for up-and-coming emerging artists that may offer more affordable works.
At the end of the day, if you are new to collecting don’t be afraid to start small and gradually increase your budget as you become more confident and experienced in understanding the art market.
- Learn about Art History and Techniques
A well-rounded art collector is an informed one. Take the time to learn about art history, different techniques used in the art world, and prominent artists that you may come across in your journey. Having an understanding of this helps you to explore the context behind an artwork, the artist’s background and the cultural influences that may have informed the work. All of this would only enhance your appreciation and connection with the art.
Attend workshops, lectures and free gallery events; as well as read books and watch documentaries to deepen your knowledge and help you to familiarize yourself with art terminology. The more you know, the more confident you will become as a collector.
- Visit Galleries, Museums and Art Events
An easy way to get started is to immerse yourself in the art world. To do this regularly visit galleries, museums, art fairs and other art events. This hands-on experience is invaluable for refining what you like, understanding different art styles, and staying updated on different, current art trends. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and engage with the people around you. Gallery owners, curators and even fellow art enthusiasts are wells of knowledge for you on this journey. As well as well as growing your network within the art community which can provide valuable insights and even opportunities for you.
- Build Relationships with Artists and Galleries
As mentioned above, you want to build a network of people around you in the world and this is often a very rewarding aspect of art collecting. Establishing connections with the creative minds behind the works helps to add a personal touch to your collection. Knowing the stories behind the art and the motivations of the artists can deepen your appreciation for each work. Don’t be afraid to reach out to artists via social media or by attending artist talks, gallery opening and art fairs.
- Start Small and Don’t be Afraid to go off the Beaten Path
Often when starting a collection, collectors dive straight in to the often-confusing world of well-established galleries, but this is often very daunting and not for every collector. Instead consider starting your collection small by acquiring the work of emerging artists, who often offer unique and innovative approaches within their work. Attend local art shows, student exhibitions or explore online platforms that showcase the work of up-and-coming talents. This not only allows you to experiment with your collection but also supports the growth of your local artistic community.
- Trust your Instincts
At the end of the day, art collecting should be about your own personal likes and interests. Whilst knowledge is essential and will help you build your collection, don’t forget to trust your own instincts. If an artwork speaks to you on a personal level, elicits an emotional response or sparks your curiosity it’s worth considering for your collection. Art collecting is a personal, subjective journey and your collection should be a reflection of your own unique perspective and experiences. Don’t worry if your collection is completely different from everyone else’s.
- Don’t be afraid of change
Art collecting is not a one-time event but a continual process of exploration and refinement. It’s quite often that what you like when you start collecting will be completely different to what you five or ten years in the future. Even as you become more experienced, your collection will evolve, reflecting your growth as a collector and an individual. Maybe you start by collecting just original prints from an artist and as you become more confident that evolves to you collecting one-of-a-kind paintings. Don’t be afraid to take risks, explore new artists, and even to push the boundaries of your comfort zone. The joy of collecting lies in uncovering unexpected works that you love and that speaks to you on some level.
Final Reminder
In conclusion, art collecting is an exciting journey that invites you to explore the boundless world of creative expression. It can often be daunting but once take that leap you will fall in love with collecting. Remember to define your own artistic style, set a realistic budget, educate yourself, build relationships within the art community, start small and trust your instincts. Your collection should be a reflection of yourself in art form and as long as you find the beauty in it that is all that matters.