When we picture an art collector, images of fur-draped women with elegant gloves and an opera-length cigarette holder à la Holly Golightly may come to mind. Basically nothing like an actual, relatable person. As essential as art is to our everyday experience, the industry often remains shrouded in mystery. It can be easy to believe that collecting art, or even understanding how it works, is beyond you. As a gallery owner, I’m here to tell you — you’re not alone! There’s so much more to the art world, including a space for you. There’s no one way to be an art collector, just like there’s no one way to be an artist. Art belongs to everyone, and there’s no budget or style that should limit you from starting your personal collection.
Multi-million-dollar sales at auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s are what we see in the news, but in truth they account for a relatively small portion of art transactions. Most sales happen through smaller galleries, retail shops, community art fairs, and artists selling directly to the client. Discounting these smaller, personal markets that many artists depend on does a disservice to everyone. It keeps the art world elitist, which can not only hamper the careers of budding artists, but discourage everyday people from starting a collection that can bring them a lifetime of joy. When I help a client purchase a piece, I think about the excitement and validation the artist will feel when they find out about the sale. I think about how a sale gives an artist the encouragement to keep creating, both emotionally and monetarily. And I think about how much that artwork will mean to the client, knowing they found a piece they connected with and want to live with each day.
If you’re interested in purchasing a single piece of art or becoming a collector, the first step is understanding your personal tastes and aesthetic. There’s no right or wrong answer here; it’s all about finding work that speaks to you. The best way to do this is to look at as much art as possible. Go to museums, visit local galleries, look at the big auction houses online, or look for studio open houses. Take a friend with you and try to verbalize why you like something. Often just describing a piece out loud can help you see aspects of the work that you previously hadn’t noticed. When looking at a piece of art, stand up close, then far away, and then side to side. Examining different angles can help you appreciate new things about each work.
After you have a sense of your own style, it’s time to start planning for a purchase. You don’t always need to have a location in mind, but that can be a helpful place to begin. Make a note of the dimensions of the wall and the size, color, and style of any surrounding furniture. Decide on a budget that feels right to you. Costs can vary greatly depending on the career of the artist, the size of the piece, the materials, and many other factors. Emerging artists often tend to be less expensive. If you have an artist or gallery you trust, have a conversation about what they offer and at what price range. A great gallery will be able to tell you more about an artist or help you find other artists based on your taste. Don’t worry about having the “proper” vocabulary or even a large budget. Ask questions until you find exactly what you’re looking for. And always remember, if a gallery or artist makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s time to move on.
If you fall in love with a piece of art at a gallery, ask about the career of the artist. If you’re interested in the piece as a potential investment, ask about how their prices have changed in recent years. You can also inquire about payment plans, as more and more galleries are offering interesting ways to make a piece more affordable over time. Now is also the time to start an art file. Keep the brochures, invoices, and bios about the artist for future reference.
If you find an independent artist that interests you but aren’t quite ready to make a purchase, get their information and follow them on social media. Talk to them about what you like or what you’re looking for. Many artists are willing to create custom works to fit your style and budget.
You don’t need an art history degree or a rock star’s wallet to start building your collection. With a bit of hunting and some research, beautiful artwork is available in all sizes, prices, and mediums. Once you open yourself up to the world of possibilities, you may find art buying is an exhilarating new passion! The feeling of helping make an artist’s dreams come true is priceless, and a well-curated art collection is something that can be passed down for generations.
Follow Liz on Instagram @lizlidgett and browse her gallery @lizlidgettgallery and lizlidgett.com.
Photography: Adam Albright
