Everybrow

I remember the first piece of artwork I bought from a friend. Excited to upgrade from posters which adorned my college dorm, that first acquisition began my “until death do us part” relationship with art collecting.

Starting a collection should not be a formidable or frightening task; personally I think buying a car produces more anxiety. Buy art because you love it and want to live with it forever. If you do, it’s hard to have regrets about parting with the money and it will be an incredibly enjoyable experience each time.

So how to begin:

1. Educate Yourself
I cannot emphasize this point enough. The most important thing you can do is go out to the galleries and learn what you like and do not. Familiarize yourself with the artists in the community either by gallery visits or the web. Additionally, try to read a variety of art info from local and national sources. (You can start with the list of sites to the right!)

2. Stop Being a Wallflower
Besides training your eye, excursions to galleries allow you to become familiar with the owners, managers or assistants. Galleries should not be intimidating. Get accustom to attending the artist reception, meeting the artist/s, and signing those guest books or e-mail lists. By immersing yourself around individuals who share the same passion and interest in art you will not only expand your familiarity to the industry but make valuable connections as well. If you’re shy at first, don’t worry! That is the beauty of the internet… you can always e-mail the artist, gallery manager or assistant as well.

3. Research
Ever stand in front of a label and think, I have no idea what material that is or what’s the difference between the two prints? Conducting proper research on your future purchase is a crucial step to being a conscious and informed buyer. Luckily, most industry people in Richmond are exceedingly courteous and will tell you all about the artwork and artist. However, when faced with an online purchase or around individuals you don’t know, take your time, take notes, and get studious. Educate yourself on the material, the process, the artist, because whether you’re entertaining and someone asks a questions or you’re selling your piece in the future, details are essential. Also, if you are purchasing a piece that was previously owned, please research the provenance and have the seller provide proper documentation.

4. Budget
When you have a strong positive visceral reaction to a piece of artwork might want to purchase it immediately. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a “rainy day” art fund set up specifically for that moment? Regardless of how quick or on a whim you purchase a piece, it is still an investment which should be planned for. Budgeting can be overwhelming when you look at the $5,000, $15,000 or larger prices for some pieces, but you do not need to start there. Beginning a collection on a modest budget is easy! Firstly, most galleries will offer lithographs of larger paintings on display. (Make sure to do your research and know what kind of litho it is, how many were made, etc) Secondly, when dealing with a gallery there are industry standards for discounts. No one will advertise a discount, but ask and you might receive. Thirdly, Richmond has one of the top art schools in the country….. go attend the BFA and MFA student shows during the end of each semester. Not only is it a wonderful way to get out and educate your eye, you might stumble upon an amazing well-priced piece. Fourthly! Visit group shows – like at the Visual Art Center, auctions – such as the one at Lewis Ginter, seasonal art/craft shows like the Richmond Craft Mafia at Plant Zero in winter or spring. Each of these venues offers artwork you might not find in galleries, but are of equal caliber at a more reasonable price. Lastly, if you stumble across an artist’s work you like via blog or website, e-mail them. Ask them how much the piece you like is or maybe you have a space in your apartment/house you want to fill. Commissioning a piece is a wonderful alternative to searching for the “right” fit and should prove more financially sound.

5. Framing
I don’t have much to say about framing except that is ESSENTIAL to protecting your art investment. Sunlight is a killer my friend, and you need specific glass to block those rays. Also, don’t even consider a mat board that doesn’t say Acid Free on it. Actually, most any product you’re framing with should be acid free. Acid in the mat boards can cause irreversible acid burn to your piece. My advice is take your piece to a local framer and have them frame it. I’ve gone to Mary at Frame Nation and Main Art Supply’s Frame Shop . They both offer excellent customer service and craftsmanship.
Since framing can sometimes be costly, if you are going do it yourself please use acid free boards and tape. Also, keep it out of the sun if you don’t have uv-protected glass since it will cause it to significantly fade. As much as I love DIY projects, if you’ve budgeted or can wait, take your piece to a local shop. They’ll make sure your grand kids can enjoy it non-faded or damaged.

Go start your collection!

{ 0 comments }