COLLECTING ART ON A BUDGET

You want to start collecting art, but you don’t know anything about the art world and you have a tight budget. Although collecting art may seem like a daunting task reserved only for elite individuals who can afford to buy a Jeff Koons, it can become a lifelong passion, and a process that you can perfect with time. The following article will briefly describe tried and true advice about how to begin your art collection and the best places to buy your first artwork.

Summary Prime Tips Where to Find Art Learn about art and learn your taste Start with a budget and buy sparingly Buy art because you love it Start small Buy early Frequent art fairs Support student artists Look to Instagram Browse Craigslist Take part in auctions Support the AGP

Prime Tips

Learn about art and learn your taste. Becoming educated about art, its movements (ie: the difference between Impressionism and Surrealism) and their influential artists, is an important aspect of collecting art. It helps situate modern artwork within a broader context of art history and helps you to understand artistic intent (ie: why Jeff Koons would make a giant aluminium balloon dog). On another level, it helps to inform your budding collector’s taste. You will begin to understand what kinds of work attract you, be they abstract paintings or surreal photography. Learning your own taste will build your confidence in stepping into the art market and curating an art collection for you. Start with a budget and buy sparingly. Knowing what monetary limit you are comfortable spending on art will help to refine your search and increase your confidence in buying. Furthermore, it is not important to amass a large collection so quickly, unless that is your prerogative. An art collection should not simply be about acquiring art for the sake of status or future dividends, but rather collecting art because you are a lover of art. Buy art because you love it. Perhaps the most relevant advice in buying an artwork is to buy it because you love it, regardless of its resale value. The art world is a fickle place and buying art in the hopes of making a profit upon reselling is an uncertain practice. Rather, it is better to think of your art collection as your estate, it should last you a lifetime, and be something you love to live with. Start small. Limited edition prints are inexpensive (at least significantly less expensive) alternatives to original paintings. Limited edition prints are not one of a kind items, but they are usually individually signed and numbered pieces rather than mass reproductions. Naturally, the smaller the edition, the higher the price of each print. Similarly, artist’s books are often created in editions and are unique artworks in themselves. They are often overlooked as an art form but are wonderful introductions to an artist’s work and solid choices for a fledgeling collector. Buy early. Discovering new talent whose work you love is a blessing. It is even more of a blessing when their long, successful career has greatly elevated the pricing of that photograph you bought from them ten years ago. While instances like this do occur, it doesn’t happen often so it is best to be mindful of loving the art you bought rather than loving it as an investment. That being said, it is easier on your budget to buy an artist’s work earlier in his or her career.

Van Gogh, Sunflowers Limited edition print

Where to Find Art

Frequent art fairs. Art fairs are often multi-day events where the art world gathers to discover talented new artists and reacquaint itself with established ones, as well. They are excellent opportunities for collectors to find all types of art media in a wide price range by viewing multiple galleries at once. For an aspiring art collector, it gives you the chance to get to know artists (many are self-represented) and buy their artwork directly from them. Support student artists. Attending an art school graduate show is an opportunity to discover fresh and talented artists whose works do not yet command astronomical pricing. Additionally, being on the lookout for local student group shows will keep you aware of up and coming talent. Becoming an early supporter of an artist could lead to a lasting relationship as well as expanding your network within the art world. Look to Instagram. Many young contemporary artists maintain an online presence. Social media have become forums for new artists and media-savvy curators to convene and showcase art in the digital world. New talents emerge daily through platforms like Instagram and Tumblr, and with the practice of popular voting, artistic trends are easily identified and propagated. Watching these online avenues can provide a new collector with a wealth of curatorial inspiration. Following local artists or galleries will provide you with information about local art news like gallery openings and pop-up art markets, places you are guaranteed to find a favourite new piece. And because many artists now sell online, it’s merely a matter of clicks before you’ve bought your next limited edition print. Browse Craigslist. Ever dreamt of finding a Joan Miro in a garage sale? Well, consider Craigslist as the ultimate neighbourhood garage sale. Here you'll find a vast array of art from sculptures, to photographs, to original paintings (frame included!) that will surely satisfy any art collector's budget. As with all pre-loved art, be wary of the condition and authenticity of the piece. Be prepared to do some research prior to your purchase and remember, you can always decline if you change your mind! Not finding anything local? Ebay's arts and crafts section will be prepared to ship your artwork to you! Take part in auctions. Auction houses are great venues for finding art at opportunistic prices. They are excellent places for buying artwork of established artists, especially those who may not be as well known, but will still capture your imagination. However, be mindful of your budget as nerves and excitement can easily derail you and cause you to overspend. Ebay would be the online equivalent, and at a much lower price point than Sotheby's. Support the Artist Gallery Program. Through the Artist Gallery Program, KeenART Media is proud to be an avenue for your local artists to sell their work. Anyone may join and pricing is controlled entirely by the artist. Browse the gallery to reproduce any of the works on all of our products, from canvas and framed fine art prints, to dry mounting on wood, to printing on satin cloth!

Art Basel

You now have the tools and know-how to move forward with your first art purchase! Why not make it a gicleé or fine art print of your favourite classical painting? Any of these can be fitted to its own custom frame, ready to be the catalyst of your art collection! If you have any questions about any of our products or services, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff are always happy to answer your inquiries and provide suggestions or advice.