Original Art Buying Guide for Beginning Art Collectors
Collecting Artwork is something everyone should do for themselves as well as for their art communities. Art is a voice that rewards us visually, emotionally, and intellectually, and everybody should enjoy it and collect it … it will simply enhance your life. Art is personal. Art is power. Art is passion. Art is love. Art is hope. Art can be so many things to so many people, and without the expression of artists, our communities would crumble. This Origianl Art Buying Guide is to help you understand the importance of original artwork & how you can begin a collection of your own.
ORIGINAL & ART defined by Merriam Webster Dictionary:
Original: a work composed firsthand
Art: the conscious use of skill and creative imagination in the production of aesthetic objects
You will find numerous pieces of artwork on e-bay, but how do you know what to look for when purchasing a piece of original artwork? Here are some tips:
??Original is the key word here when talking about collecting ORIGINAL art. It is important that we understand the value of an ORIGINAL piece of artwork versus a reproduction. You want a one of a kind, 1st hand piece created by the artist for your personal art collection.
?? Determine a price range you would like to work with & try to stick to it. Original Artwork can vary widely in price depending on the size of the work, the amount of time it took the artist to create the piece, and the medium used. The price of an original work may also be a reflection of how well established an artist is in his/her community.
?? Search for original artwork by theme, medium, subject matter, location, style … be creative with your searches to ensure that you get to view a selection of original artwork that appeals to you. Save & watch auctions of pieces that YOU like.
?? Once you have found some original artwork that appeals to you, determine if the artist has a web presence. Are they a serious artist? Learn a little bit about them.
?? When bidding on a piece of artwork, consider the presentation of the piece. If you win the aution how will your piece arrive … Will it be framed? Matted? Ready to hang? If not, consider that you may need to spend a little more to preserve the piece. Oil paintings & acrylics on canvas, generally, do not need to have a mat or glass on them. Works on paper should be protected with archival matting, backing, glass & a frame.
Start your personal art collection today, it will change your life & help support the creative economy!