{Tuesday Tips} How to Purchase Art Directly From Artists - Don'ts

There are so many opportunities to purchase art directly from the artist:  art fairs, art walks, open studios or openings at art galleries where the artist is available.  It's a great chance to talk to the artist and gain valuable insight into the piece of art you are purchasing.

Previously I posted some Dos for purchasing artwork directly from artist, now here's a list of Don'ts:

• Don't talk about other art or other artists' work you own. 
• Don't talk about deals you've gotten in the past.
• Don't play one artist against another.  It won't get you a lower price.  (Don't play games.  Buying art is about getting something you love and want to own forever.)
• Don't try to bargain just to see how low you can get it for.
• Don't put down a piece of art to try to get a better price.
• Don't tell an artist that their work is overpriced.  It may be, but just move on.
• Don't insult or talk down to an artist.  Don't act like you are doing them a big favor by purchasing their art.  Mutually beneficial artist-collector relationships can help both of you.

What other don'ts can you think of when purchasing art directly from an artist?

{Tuesday Tips} How to Purchase Art Directly From Artists

There are so many opportunities to purchase art directly from the artist:  art fairs, art walks, open studios or openings at art galleries where the artist is available.  It's a great chance to talk to the artist and gain valuable insight into the piece of art you are purchasing.

Here are some tips to remember when purchasing directly from the artist:

(Later I'll give you a list of "don'ts")

• Do research online prior to visiting artists' studios.  Most art fairs, art walks, etc. will post information about the artists that are participating on the websites for the events.  Read artist statements, bios and other information to get an idea about the artist's career and accomplishments and what their art is about. 
• When looking around, take your time and keep an open mind.  There will probably be a variety of art available.  Also, don't approach the buying situation with any preconceived ideas of what you want your art to look like or you may miss out on a lot of pieces that you would love!
• Walk around to get an idea of the different options before you start purchasing.  Take quick notes so you remember which artists you prefer.  Then return to those artists.
• If you have questions about a piece of art:  ask.  Most of the time artists are very happy to explain their art.  It will increase your appreciation for the art if you know more about it.
• Make sure to check out the actual piece of art all over, not just the front.  Check the back, sides, bottom and edges, too.  Make sure that the artist paid attention to detail and that it is put together to last.  Again, if you have any questions:  ask.
• When you are speaking with the artist, point out the pieces of art that you like most and why.  The artist may have similar pieces you would like even more.
• Artists appreciate your enthusiasm about their work, so let them know if you like it!  Don't downplay your excitement thinking you may get a deal.  Frankly, if they know you love their work, you may be in a better position to get a better price.  
• If you love a piece of work and you know you want to own it then buy it!  
• If you can't pay quite what the artist is asking, and have a good reason why, let the artist know that you love it, but it is out of your budget.  They may have a solution like a payment plan or they may have similar pieces that cost less.  However, do not insult the artist by asking for a much lower price.
• Keep in touch with the artist:  sign up for their mailing list and make sure you get their information.  

{Tuesday Tips} Collecting Art - Buy What You Like

I just stumbled upon this amazing apartment tour of the apartment of art collector Jon H. of Long Beach, California on Apartment Therapy.  For the entire interview, tour and photos, please see Jon's Absolute Art Anachary.

Here is Jon's advice about collecting art:

"The basics: buy what you like, and don’t believe the hype.

The details: As far as art and toys, if you spend $100-$500, figure you will just love the piece and don’t consider it an investment. If you are spending $600-$2,000, you may be buying into hype of the artist and make sure you love the piece. You may or may not see a return later on in life should you decide to sell. If you are going to spend more than $2,000, you have to absolutely love the art and know the artist’s history."

{Tuesday Tips} Gathering Information on Art Collecting

Great sources of information when you start collecting art:

• Read art history books and books about collecting art.
• Subscribe to art magazines.
• Talk to other art collectors and glean their experience.
• Visit as many art galleries as you can.  Gallery staff are extremely helpful.
• Sign up for art gallery email lists and keep up-to-date on openings and events.
• Visit and join local art museum or other nonprofit art centers.  They sometimes have lectures about collecting art.
• Once you are educated about collecting art, when you fall in love with a piece of art buy it.
• Purchase art because it moves you.

Secret Art Rules?

I came across this article about secret rules about buying valuable art on the Chicago Appraisers Association website.

They provide a list of "secret" rules to help you pick out art that may be more valuable.  For example, roosters are better than chickens, brightly colored paintings are better than dark, landscapes should have calm waters, etc.  (See the link for the entire article.)  

They are appraisers, so I guess they are the experts.  However, I feel that "roosters are better than chickens" shouldn't be ruling our decisions about art.

According to Tolstoy, art is an emotional connection between artist and viewer.  (Excerpts of "What is Art?  by Leo Tolstoy.)  The artist conveys a feeling and the viewer feels it.  (Basically.)

A simple list could not possibly direct how each person should purchase art for themselves.  This list is actually suggesting to do the very opposite of art.  It is suggesting that the art collector find and purchase art based upon certain criteria, instead of having an emotional reaction to the art.


Yes, I do understand what the appraisers are trying to convey here.  This article is about art as an investment, not art for enjoyment.  However, there are so many ways to invest your money.  Why buy art that you don't have a connection with just to make money?  You have to live with the art.


Let's remember the tips of Peggy Cooper Cafritz.  She suggests to buy artwork that grabs you.  No where does she mention to make sure that if you buy a landscape make sure it has a horse.  


In the end, I think you should go with your heart.  Pick art that grabs you or art with which you have an emotional connection.


What do you think?  Would you prefer to purchase art within a formula to make sure it's valuable?  Or would you prefer to purchase art that you have an emotional attachment?

Art Collecting - New Purchase, Part 4

When you purchase a piece of artwork, there are several things you need to consider to protect your purchase. This is part 4 of a several part series of considerations and tips when you purchase art.

Keeping in touch with the artist after your purchase:

1. Get in touch with the artist and find out what other galleries that sell the artist's artwork.
2. Ask to be placed on the artist's mailing list
3. "Google" information about the artist.  Set up a google alert to be emailed to you whenever there is news about the artist.
4. Loan the artwork back to the artist if they want to do a retrospective.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Starting Your Art Collection - Tips from Peggy Cooper Cafritz

photo via http://www.oprah.com

Peggy Cooper Cafritz is a longtime art collector, and offers these tips for starting an art collection (via http://www.oprah.com/home/How-to-Collect-Art ) (her tips are quoted, my thoughts follow each tip):

1.  "Trust your gut - buy artists who really grab you."

Really, in my opinion, there is no "good art" or "bad art."  Each person will be moved by something different.  What you love, may make other people cringe, or visa versa.  You have to be able to live with the piece you purchase, so buy something that really grabs you.

2.  "Search for affordable pieces at art graduate school and high school exhibitions."

If you are really moved by a piece, then it does not matter how famous the artist is or their age.  (also see #4) 

3.  "Look for great inexpensive photos to purchase from newspaper or magazine articles."

(Honestly, this is something I plan to look into that I've never thought to do before.)

4.  "Buy an artist early.  It gives you a career to follow."

You can "discover" an artist when they're young and first getting their work out there.  They will be thrilled to have a collector and you can follow along with all their works.  (also see #2)