Starting an Art Collection

By Steve C.

Most of us aspire to the finer things in life. This idea is, of course, totally relative. One person’s Starry Night is another person’s Dogs Playing Poker. Nevertheless, these are both pieces of personal handiwork--fine art in one case, a mere amusement in the other. Neither could be considered essential to one’s physical survival, but both are held in high esteem, depending upon your circle. The fact is we all desire some manner of accoutrement as a means of fulfillment or enjoyment. Whether it’s art or jewelry or automobiles or coins or anything else that one can collect, most of us like to accessorize our lives with expressions or extensions of who we are.

The rub here is that works of art, like all other collectables of real value, generally have some monetary cost attached to them. And rightly so. Artists of all abilities invest time and effort to achieve their level of proficiency and should be compensated accordingly. That compensation tends to come from patrons who possess what is generally referred to as “disposable income” (an oxymoron if ever there was one…). The originator of that term must have truly been rollin’ in it… At any rate, once we have procured said income, we look for things to do with it. Collecting art can be one of the most enjoyable and satisfying of all pursuits. But most potential collectors often wonder where to start.

Unless you’re one of those select few who is, in fact, rollin’ in it, your foremost objective for collecting art is probably not for investment purposes. Besides, anything meant to nourish the spirit shouldn’t be considered a mere commodity anyway. Whoa! My soapbox just about tipped over on me there… The point is: collecting art should be a personally satisfying endeavor which exists on something more than a mercenary level--searching for it, acquiring it and, most important, living with it. Having said that, the best place to start is where you’re at. In other words, consider your budget and location and go from there. Obviously, we would all love to have a Rembrandt or a DaVinci or a Picasso or a Bacon hanging on our living room wall (well, maybe the Bacon would be better suited for the study--we don’t want guests or our kids subjected to some screaming, tortured pope-figure or a rack of raw, hanging meat on a daily basis). But we need to start small and work our way up.

There are many opportunities to be found locally for starting a collection. Think of the “art in the park” shows that most communities sponsor every summer. My community has an AIDS benefit show that local artists contribute to as well. There is usually a gallery or two in most communities with a population of, say, 100k and up. Many folks scoff at the idea of finding quality work in these venues but they’ve probably never taken a careful look at what’s offered. Ebay is a virtual, worldwide gallery. Granted, one must be wary of some of what is offered there, but with some time investment and common sense assessment of the artists there, it can be a legitimate resource for starting one’s collection.

Next, you must decide what to purchase. My advice to collectors, without exception, is to follow your heart. Most are familiar with the expression, “I know what I like, and I like what I know…” So be it. Don’t choose artwork based on what you think is trendy or will impress someone else. Have enough intestinal fortitude to choose something that is an expression of your unique tastes. Begin by buying what you are familiar and comfortable with. Buy what pleases your eye and spirit. In the meantime, there’s nothing wrong with picking up a book on modern art and trying to gain an appreciation of contemporary work as well. Much artwork from the early part of the 20th century onward, especially that from the 1950s and later, is something of an acquired taste. In fact, conceptual work is often intangible and concerns itself with only an idea. There may be nothing to put in a 3’ x 5’ frame and hang on the wall or plop down in the sculpture garden. It is legitimate artwork nonetheless. But I digress…

Besides local shows, galleries, and online artists, there is one exceptionally good outlet for finding high-quality artwork. Faculty shows at your nearest university or junior college have work for sale that is of high, professional quality by established artists, some of which are “up and comers” on the big-time gallery scene. The type of work that you may only find in galleries in major cities is available in these shows. In fact, many faculty artists are affiliated with these galleries and have their work for sale there as well. Contact your nearest university or junior college and ask for the dates of these shows.

This brief primer should give you some direction about where to start looking as you begin your collection. As you do so, remember: art is a very personal experience. Don’t let anyone dictate your preferences to you. Find what interests you or makes you happy and start there. Try to expand your appreciation of art as you go and you’ll find that, before long, you’ll have a collection that is as valuable to you as any collector of anything, anywhere can claim.

© Doityourself.com 2006