Art Collecting DO'S and DON'TS - Part 2
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Time to read 3 min
Making Art Collecting Exciting
Considering how quickly the world around us can change, actively surrounding yourself with beautiful things that enrich your life has become more important than ever before. How are you using art to create an environment that soothes and inspires? How is your art-collecting dream developing? Are you using art to help set your North Star?
To help you succeed on your art-collecting journey, each segment of our Art Collecting DO'S and DON'TS series covers 3 Do's and 2 Don'ts. Art Collecting DO'S and DON'TS - Part 1 focused on staying true to you, building relationships, and avoiding the 'everyone-else is-buying-it' syndrome. Art Collecting DO'S and DON'TS - Part 2 focuses on commitment, 'on approval' buying, and staying limitless.
THE DO'S OF ART COLLECTING
DO MAKE A COMMITMENT
Art collecting is like having a long-term relationship ... there needs to be enough in common to stick together, but enough differences to make life interesting. So look for established artists whose work you like that spans a wide price range. This will allow you to start with small pieces ... the first date. Make it a goal to eventually obtain more expensive work by the same artist ...the long-term relationship. The excitement of following an artist’s developing career will add depth to your art-collecting adventure.
DO ASK ABOUT 'ON APPROVAL' BUYING
You saw a piece you love and you can't stop thinking about it. But is it true love or just infatuation? Will you still love it next tomorrow? Next week? What happens if you see another that you realize is IT? Many galleries (Sorrel Sky included!) offer the option of 'buying on approval.' This policy lets you buy that piece you're in love with, live with it for a while, and see if it really is THE one. If it isn't, you have the option of either returning or exchanging it within a certain period of time. Make sure you understand and agree with all the gallery's terms upfront.
DO LET ART BE YOUR NORTH STAR
In an ever-changing world, we all need a North Star. When you have a North Star, you know where you're headed. When your personal North Star includes a visual representation of that direction it brings more happiness and more focus, it grounds you and motivates you ... benefiting yourself and others. Using art to set your North Star allows you to dream and to take chances in life since you'll always have a beacon to light the way forward and the way home. Be sure to think about this as your art-collecting plan takes shape.
THE DON'TS OF ART COLLECTING
DON'T CHOOSE ART THAT MATCHES YOUR WALL COLOR
Art collecting is a dynamic process. Art itself is dynamic. Your art should be allowed to stand on its own and not match a paint color or fabric choice. Art deserves the attention it demands. Give it the platform to shine. Your living room walls won't always be the same color, you'll eventually replace your couch, and that rug from Uncle Cliff might end up in storage. But your art ... don't smother its voice. Let your art speak for YOU.
DON'T LIMIT YOURSELF
Consider looking at etchings, drawings, serigraphs, lithographs, hand-pulled prints, or even digital prints on unusual substrates. If your art-collecting budget is modest, including these options in your search may allow you to add pieces by renowned or deceased artists. Talk to a reputable gallery. This will ensure that you're considering pieces created under the supervision of the artist or their estate.
Building confidence? Finding your North Star? Ready to take the next steps in art collecting? Art Collecting DO'S and DON'TS - Part 3 will cover commissions, payment options, and the scare of an ugly frame. Until then, stay as inspired and excited about art as we are!
