It was recently suggested that I write a blog post about art
collecting. I have been thinking about this a lot lately as I feel there
is a serious shift happening in the way people buy and collect art.
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Art does not have to match your couch. Though this is an awesome couch.
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In olden times, way back before 2004 or so, the first
place that came to mind if you wanted to buy art would be an art
gallery. In the past few years a lot of old Cincinnati galleries I
considered local institutions have either gone out of business or
undergone significant changes. Even, major galleries in New York and a
lot of the artsy fartsy touristy hot spots like Santa Fe have closed.
Uncertainty in the economy has had an affect for sure, but I think
another reason for these closings is that the internet has taken a bite
out of the art gallery market. Many
online galleries
have popped up, with even Amazon.com is selling original art. Now you
can order a New York Times best selling book, a three pack of underwear
and an original Picasso in one purchase.
Major auction houses
have moved online and are offering new ways to find and collect art.
Finally, artists are using the internet and social media for their own
promotion and sales.
I am not sure how this will all play out,
but I believe we should see this as a positive. While it may seem like
interest in art is waning as people become distracted by the latest
electronic device, they are still buying art. In 2015 the global art
market raked in over $53.9 billion..... an all-time high! Now, while
much of this is the Uber-rich over paying for "art" treated as
commodity, there is without a doubt, still a thriving market.
I
still believe, the time tested model of the brick and mortar art
gallery is one of the best ways to find art. You can believe any
successful gallery owner has worked hard to find good artists. By
visiting a gallery you can learn about the artist, hopefully see
multiple examples of their work and discuss your decision with an
expert. Even if you like what you see of an artist online, there is
nothing quite like standing in front of the original.
If
you are thinking of becoming a collector, even if you've already
started, here are some of my thoughts on the matter I hope will be of
some assistance:
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The Library, by Elizabeth Shippen Green, 1905
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Learn about art. Unfortunately this
not a subject that is well covered in our public school system, if it's
discussed at all. So most of us are pretty ignorant about the world of
art. Most people can rattle off some names: Picasso, Van Gogh, and Bob
Ross, but that's where their knowledge ends. If you want to learn about
the history of art you are going to have to specifically take classes on
the subject or begin the process of teaching yourself. It can be
fascinating to learn what goes into producing a work of art and how
great artists developed. Of course, I have my bias and find most of the
'isms' of art after Impressionism to be self involved and painful to the
eye, but... just start reading!
There are many books on the subject, the best of those are typically over 100 years old and written by great artists.
You
might even enjoy taking a few drawing or painting classes. Again, if
you do this, find an artist you admire and see if they teach.
Go to museums.
Seeing great art in person can be a life changing experience. Spending
time in great museums can help cultivate good taste. While you can learn
some history in a museum from those headphone tours or from a docent, I
recommend going back through the galleries alone for some quiet
reflection in front of your favorite works.
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Edgar Degas, Visit to the Museum, c. 1877-80
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Attend gallery openings and shows of living painters.
Get to know artists if you can. We are often very entertaining and love
to talk about our craft. When attending shows, keep in mind that you
genuinely get what you pay for. There is a tremendous surplus of amateur
artists showing mediocre work in fancy frames. This is not to say you
can't occasionally find a hidden gem. It can be a way to get your
collection started, but keep in mind, discount art is usually cheap for a
reason.
I will also add, art openings can be fun. Galleries will
usually have hors d'oeuvres, wine and even a musician or two. Plus,
you'll probably meet other like minded individuals also admiring the art
while drinking wine and eating cheese cubes. Think of it as a refined
night out.
Being an artist is a job. There are romantic
notions of artists that verge on the mythological. We are special
creatures who get to do what we love, however we still need to make
money. So, in addition to selling work in a gallery, many artists are
willing to do commissions. A lot of people are afraid of offending an
artist's sensibilities or artistic integrity by asking for specific
work. It never hurts to ask. But, please don't ask an artist to try to
be something they are not. Asking me to paint a Jackson Pollock style
piece will likely start a fight!
Visit artist's websites or follow them on Social Media sites like Instagram, Twitter, Tinder and Facebook. (I just slipped Tinder in there to see if you're paying attention)
Online Galleries. This can be a great way to investigate styles of art or groups of artists.
A few final thoughts:
Don't follow trends.
Beautiful art is always beautiful. Buy what speaks to you. Great art is
timeless. Trends often end up in thrift stores or the trash bin. Don't
"money see, monkey do" your way into a Target to buy this years
decorative posters. It's essentially the "one night stand" version of
art collecting. Have some self respect for goodness sake!
Art does not have to match your couch. Good
painting should be able to hold its own. If you have to check with your
designer or your Pinterest idea board, I think you may be
over-complicating it.
Buy original art. Or at least make
that your goal. Prints of art you can't afford can be a "gateway
purchase", but there is nothing like owning an original work.
Good artists tend to hang out with other good artists.
If you find an artist whose work you admire but it is too expensive,
that artist may know a younger, talented, up-and-coming artist whose
work you can afford.
Buy work from living artists. Yes,
some of the best artists are dead. Many collectors buy art as one would
collect baseball cards. They buy terrible paintings just because of the
famous signature.
Instead of buying signatures, buy
work you like by
living artists who are on their way to becoming respected and famous.
Buy my art. Of course, I believe very strongly in this suggestion. Check out my
website, follow me on social media (Click the icons to the left), read my blog (click the Follow Blog button below) and swipe right.
Most importantly, whether you're in galleries or online-
Promote
the arts by buying original art from living artists!
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