Buying fine art: 10 expert tips on how to start your collection

If you have been dreaming about becoming an art collector but you are not sure how to get started on this exciting adventure... Don't panic! Artalistic has put together a short guide to buying art that will help you start building your collection.

10 Essential Tips for Buying Art and Starting a Collection

1. Make a plan

The idea if starting an art collection can be daunting. Once you have decided to start investing in art you should take on the project step by step. Even before your first purchase, you should define a strategy and establish a plan that you can follow so that you can project yourself into the future and move forward with less stress. By respecting a few golden rules - that we will explain in this article - your journey into the world of art will be enjoyable and most likely profitable.

2. Get involved in building your collection

Once you have established your plan (annual budget, fields of interest, frequency of purchase, etc.), keep in mind that there are many places you can buy art to add to your collection, including exhibitions, art fairs, auction houses, auctions and online art galleries, which have become increasingly popular over the past few years. The main thing is to be curious and keep abreast with news from the art world. Artalistic’s blog provides you with the latest updates about gallery openings and tips on art investment while bringing you with carefully curated selection of contemporary art for sale.

3. Trust your taste and listen to your emotions

When you begin building an art collection it is important to do your research by talking to gallery owners, visiting museum shows, learning about art history and reading art journals. By broadening your general knowledge about the art world you will slowly learn which styles and media you prefer. However it is equally, if not more important, to know your own taste and listen to yourself when you are drawn to a piece of art.

4. Buying art: cultivating eclecticism and defining a style

A piece of art can generally be placed into an artistic genre (expressionism, abstract art, street art, contemporary art, etc.) or medium (painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, etc.). With so many different genres and medium to choose from, many collectors enjoy selecting pieces from various art movements in order to create an eclectic collection. Your personal taste will be the common thread that will make your collection cohesive.

5. Evaluate the pieces

Knowing how to assess a work of art’s value is probably the most difficult thing to do when you decide to start a collection. The criteria used for making an estimate is constantly fluctuating and largely defined by specialists in the field. Practice, experience and knowledge of art history will help you require the skills needed to evaluate a piece of art. Passion and time will allow you to progress rapidly and over time knowing which piece of art to buy will be like second nature.

6. Don’t think that art is just for the elite

This preconceived idea must be swept aside at the outset of you journey into art investment. It is important to note that a piece’s price is not everything. Many prints or limited edition series by emerging artists may be priced at a few hundred euros. Buying art from emerging artists is highly recommended. You may even see a considerable return on your investment after a few years!

7. Do not underestimate the financial aspect

Buying art is a passionate affair but the financial aspect should not be underestimated. You may suddenly fall in love with a work of art and purchase it. However, it is important to remember that it may not gain value overnight. Establishing an art collection takes time so patience is key.

8. Ask for proof of provenance

It is a very good sign when a work of art stirs emotions in you because you most likely will not grow tired of it being in your collection. This emotional draw is key, however, you should not loose sight of the fact that you are also making an investment. Don’t shy away from asking the gallery owner or individual selling you the piece for a certificate of authenticity.

9. Getting help

If you are not sure about which piece to select it is important to seek an art expert’s advice. The best way is to contact to a reliable intermediary like Artalistic who can help guide you through the art buying process. Artalistic has highly-qualified experts in the art investment field that can accompany you and help you build the art collection of your dreams. Feel free to contact us for advice.

10. Art conservation – Protecting your new collection

Insuring a work of art

From an administrative or legal point of view, insuring a work of art is very important especially if it has value. Storing and displaying it properly is key to preserving the longevity of your piece and protecting your new investment. Artalistic has a full blog article with expert tips on how to store your art properly.

Finally, you should not overlook your collection’s future. If you create successful collection you do not want it to become a burden to future generations so be sure to think about the legal aspects involved in passing it down.