Top Tips for New Art Buyers...
Buying original artwork is not for everyone. For some, the whole business of art, patronage, investment and exhibiting is something of a mystery. Indeed, for many people who simply want some images to hang around their home, shop-bought reproductions are perfect because the process of buying is so easy to understand. Nevertheless, the selection and purchasing of original artwork is not so complex as some imagine it to be and not half-so difficult as some galleries make it. Established art buyers will know well enough how to go about making a purchase, but for those new to the whole business, particularly when thinking about investing in a relatively new artist’s work, what do they need to consider? A good place to start is to look at a wide variety of artists and more than just one or two pieces from each, so that a sense of style can be established. Attending a stress-free event that has zero pressure to buy, is a good way of getting to know what the current trends are and what might suit your own tastes. Often, new purchases can be made on a gut or an instinctive basis, so having checked out a wide variety of styles and genres is preferable. That way, you can feel more assured that your choice of artwork has been made in a more rounded basis than a simple snap decision.
Why Buy?
Many art lovers can appreciate a piece of stunning artwork without feeling tempted to purchase it. However, for others there is a deep seated emotional response to a piece that is only fulfilled by ownership. Of course, owning original artwork means that you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. It can be a conversation piece and even improve your home’s interior decoration, if it is displayed in a considered way. However, for many art buyers these reasons are as nothing compared to the idea that they are supporting the artist. Sure, putting your hand in your pocket and buying a painting, a photograph or a sketch really shows your appreciation of a particular piece in a way that nothing else can achieve. The concept that a purchase encourages an artist and allows them a living so that they can continue to be creative is one that appeals to many art buyers. For some, this idea is a romantic one but for many artists it is utterly practical and they rely on the income that sales generate.
The Financial Side
Some new artists will go on to develop global reputations and their artwork will rise in value accordingly. For the majority, this is not the case so make your selection based on something that you like the appearance of rather than as a bet on its future value. Either way, artwork can be lost in transit, damaged or stolen so you should protect your investment with adequate insurance. Once you have negotiated a price for your artwork, consider insuring it not only for this value, but for the cost of restoring it should it be come damaged. Remember that the value of artwork is what it is worth to the owner which includes any emotional value they have ascribed to it. Normal contents insurance will not be adequate for even relatively modest artworks that you display at home. However, most domestic policies have provision for one off items, such as artwork, so long as you inform the underwriter. You only really need to speak to a specialist insurer once you have multiple artworks in your home. Remember that if you have bought a piece that is from an artist who turns out to be the next big thing, you will need to have your artwork revalued regularly to ensure it remains adequately covered.
What Sort Of Art?
For some new to buying art, making a selection is all about how to bring a part of their home together in a visually pleasing way. Therefore color schemes, rather than subject matter, becomes most important. The shape and size of a piece will also be crucial if you fall into this category. Nevertheless, once they get into it new art buyers often change tack and alter their home to suit the artwork, not the other way around. As such, new buyers should not limit themselves in anything other than their budget. Consider new artists who work in sculpture, textiles, ceramics, etching and photography as well as the ever popular medium of painting.
Written By: Lisa Holmes
Why Buy?
Many art lovers can appreciate a piece of stunning artwork without feeling tempted to purchase it. However, for others there is a deep seated emotional response to a piece that is only fulfilled by ownership. Of course, owning original artwork means that you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. It can be a conversation piece and even improve your home’s interior decoration, if it is displayed in a considered way. However, for many art buyers these reasons are as nothing compared to the idea that they are supporting the artist. Sure, putting your hand in your pocket and buying a painting, a photograph or a sketch really shows your appreciation of a particular piece in a way that nothing else can achieve. The concept that a purchase encourages an artist and allows them a living so that they can continue to be creative is one that appeals to many art buyers. For some, this idea is a romantic one but for many artists it is utterly practical and they rely on the income that sales generate.
The Financial Side
Some new artists will go on to develop global reputations and their artwork will rise in value accordingly. For the majority, this is not the case so make your selection based on something that you like the appearance of rather than as a bet on its future value. Either way, artwork can be lost in transit, damaged or stolen so you should protect your investment with adequate insurance. Once you have negotiated a price for your artwork, consider insuring it not only for this value, but for the cost of restoring it should it be come damaged. Remember that the value of artwork is what it is worth to the owner which includes any emotional value they have ascribed to it. Normal contents insurance will not be adequate for even relatively modest artworks that you display at home. However, most domestic policies have provision for one off items, such as artwork, so long as you inform the underwriter. You only really need to speak to a specialist insurer once you have multiple artworks in your home. Remember that if you have bought a piece that is from an artist who turns out to be the next big thing, you will need to have your artwork revalued regularly to ensure it remains adequately covered.
What Sort Of Art?
For some new to buying art, making a selection is all about how to bring a part of their home together in a visually pleasing way. Therefore color schemes, rather than subject matter, becomes most important. The shape and size of a piece will also be crucial if you fall into this category. Nevertheless, once they get into it new art buyers often change tack and alter their home to suit the artwork, not the other way around. As such, new buyers should not limit themselves in anything other than their budget. Consider new artists who work in sculpture, textiles, ceramics, etching and photography as well as the ever popular medium of painting.
Written By: Lisa Holmes
