COLLECTOR’S CORNER
Throughout the ages, art and imagery have been a strong component of communication. Cave paintings, portraiture, hieroglyphs, and sanctioned works of art all provided a record of history, inspiration and instruction. Still today, art and design are in every aspect of our lives. It influences everything from clothing to architecture in an effort to market what is most pleasing to the eye. Art is part of human nature and a prevalent interest of collectors.
ART COLLECTING
A common misconception is that collecting art is only for the affluent art aficionado. Art collecting can be for anyone on any budget. It is a rewarding pursuit emotionally, aesthetically, intellectually and spiritually. Also, studies have shown that art, music and prayer produce similar brain wave patterns and contribute to healing. Uniquely, art collecting enhances one’s quality of life, stimulates analytical thinking and augments the ambience of living spaces.
Gaining Art Appreciation
To begin any collection, it must be built one piece at a time. Most importantly, seeking art for a collection should be approached with an educated eye. Finding appealing art is instinctual; however it is necessary to understand why it is appealing. By simply looking at a variety of works of art, a sense of appreciation develops but learning about the work and the artist is a key to collecting. Many resources are available just by visiting galleries and museums, searching art on-line, and attending exhibition receptions. Reading catalogues, magazines, exhibition labels and meeting artists will provide a foundation for understanding works of art and the artistic process. Working with an art consultant and networking with other art collectors can also benefit.
Goal Setting for Collecting
Knowledge will assist in determining the direction an art collection should take. A well established collection first and foremost should be in accordance with personal taste; nevertheless, an art collection can focus on specific medium, style, genre, etc. A collection of figure drawings will have more value as a collection since there is a cohesive subject matter and medium. A collection that features realism as an artistic style could possibly consist of a major painting or two and a mix of smaller renderings in varying sizes. Establishing certain criteria for collecting will benefit the collection as much as understanding art.
Budget for Collecting
A budget will guide some factors for collecting. Works on paper are generally less expensive than oil paintings as well as less marketed artists than artists with international gallery representation. As with any commodity, pricing of artwork is based on supply and demand. If a popular artist labors on producing refined paintings, the production level may not provide enough works to satisfy a demanding market. Some artists are able to create a multitude of works in a short time in addition to having established a regaled reputation that the value of their work is extraordinary. A budget will encourage collecting works of art that are within the collector’s means and help maintain focus on the collecting goals.
About Prints
When considering purchases, quality verses quantity should be a concern in goal setting. Prints can be an affordable addition but close attention should be paid to the type of print. Etchings, lithographs and monotypes are fine art prints that the artist creates utilizing traditional printing techniques. These are closely monitored for quality and include fewer prints in an edition. Typically fine art prints are signed across the bottom with a numbering system that indicates the number of the print and the total number of prints in that edition.
Traditionally, four-color lithography enabled artists to reproduce imagery of their work. Today, digital technology has allowed many artists to use a digital image of a painting and have digital and giclee prints produced for mass marketing. Digital prints can be on a variety of surfaces including canvas and high quality papers; however, the investment value can be sacrificed if the number of prints in the edition is over 500 and the paper quality is low. A letter of authenticity should accompany a four-color lithograph, digital or giclee reproduction along with the signature on the print.
Collecting Opportunities
Art collectors need not over look the ability to discover the up-and-coming talents of an artist exhibiting work at art fairs and even student exhibitions. Quite a few of these exhibiting artists have developed a talent comparable to those with established reputations. These works of art can be affordable now and grow in value as the artist’s career excels. Especially at air fairs, collectors have the opportunity to meet the artist and listen to them speak about their work and development. A personal encounter with an artist increases the emotional reward of collecting their work.
Chris Jackson
Director, Begley Art Source
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