4 Quick Tips For Buying Art
Do you remember your favorite toy, book, t-shirt, video game, cartoon character, or whatever as a kid? I’m sure there was something about the design, color, mood, or even the image of it that you couldn’t get enough of.
I ask this because that’s the same feeling that you should get when looking at art that you intend to purchase.
Buying art is knowing that it’s something you want to live with because of the way it makes you feel every time you stare at it.
There are two general categories for art. Decorative art and fine art. The tips below are focused on fine art buying.
Here are four quick tips for buying your first piece of fine art!
1. Figure Out What You Like.
When looking for a new car most people know what they want to drive. Some people love trucks, while others have a taste for sports cars.
Art is similar in that there are so many genres to choose from that the first thing you need to do is figure out what you like. Do you like abstract art, cubism, contemporary, pop art, impressionism, post-impressionism, surrealism, low brow, etc.
The only way to get exposed to all these genres is by going to as many places where you can view art as possible. There are so many places to view fine art other than museums. Here is a short list:
- Instagram – Try different hashtags for each painting style genre
- Art Fairs
- Art Conventions
- Art Galleries
- Local Art Clubs
- Art Centers
2. Research
A full on book report on how the Dada movement influenced surrealism is not necessary here. But a quick Google search on the style of painting that you like can give you some context behind the art and the artist who you think you might want to buy from.
3. Budget
Not everyone has thousands of dollars to drop on artwork, so just like any other expense set a budget for yourself. It’s always good to know what is in your price range before you go out shopping.
You don’t want to end up in a situation where you fall in love with a piece that is way out of your price range.
Also, most artists I know, including myself, will work out payment plans with buyers if they really love a piece, so keep that in mind as well if you don’t want to give all your money upfront.
4. Get to Know the Artist
The fun part! Follow them on social media, read their bio on their websites, and if you aren’t shy, talk to them! Ask them as many questions as you’d like about their art. Trust me, as an artist myself I wish more people would do this.
Getting to know the artist will give you insight on why they created the piece of art you are looking at, where they are on their creative journey, how they got there, and where they want to go.
Buying their art supports their career, helps them make more great art, and in return you have a piece in your collection that you will cherish just like you did with your favorite toy, book, t-shirt, video game, cartoon character, or whatever as a kid.