Tips on buying your first artwork

Tips on buying your first artwork

ACQUIRING ART need not be a daunting affair. Just stick to these basic tips for first-time buyers from the experts.

Do your research

Visit different galleries to see what is available before you commit yourself to a purchase. Talk to friends who are knowledgeable in art. Read up on interesting artists on the Internet, such as at www.artnet.com

Don’t be impulsive

What looks nice in the gallery may not look good in your home. Try asking gallery if it will let you borrow the work for a day to see how it sits on your wall. Some do allow this.

Set a budget before you set out

If you can afford to spend only S$3000.00 don’t be tempted by an S$10000.00 work or you might regret it.

Art is an experience

While some people get too caught up with the investment value of art, making a profit from it is often rare. Instead, buy only if you really like the piece. If the price goes up, that’s a bonus.

Framing is an art form

Don’t stint on the frame as it is an important aspect of your artwork. Some frames don’t distract from the artwork while others bring out different aspects of the piece. Remember, the key is to make sure you are satisfied with the final product.

Ask yourself a basic question before you set out

Why do you want to buy art? Is it for investment, decoration or passion? Once, you have identify your reason, you can focus on your needs.

Identify your preferences

Do you like classical or contemporary, abstract or figurative, colorful or monochromatic? Stick to works that reflect your style and personality.

Size does matter

Consider the size as it will affect your budget. The larger the work, the more expensive it may be. But some young artists have large pieces which are affordable.

Consider, too, the amount of space you have to display your artwork. Some works require a greater viewing distance in order for you to fully appreciate their composition.

Think geography

Think beyond your first acquisition. Narrowing your search down to a certain region or country, such as South-East Asia or China, may make for a more coherent collection.

Be aware of conservation issues

Some artworks are more fragile than others. For instance, works on paper may require more care than those on canvas. You should mount works on paper on museum-quality archival frames. Try to store your works in an environment with a constant temperature and humidity range – that is, 22 degree C and around 50 to 55 relative humidity. If not, mould or warping may set in and you may have to send them for repairs.

Ask the galleries or artists as many questions as you can to truly understand what you have collected

Do take the trouble to find out the artist’s background, which countries or museums he has exhibited in and who his collectors are. Auction prices are also good gauge of an artist’s reputation.

Other tips from experts

See a range of works by the artist you want to buy from. If you see only one good piece, it may be a fluke.

Get the artist’s contact details and ask if he has other works in his studio. It helps to cultivate a friendship with up-and-coming artists.

Pick a work that is typical of the artist’s style. In the long run, it may be worth more as a major piece in his development. Then again, rarities.....


Create your Life……

Gratitude

Being grateful for the life that you already have. It may be true that you have not achieved many of your dreams yet. You may not have the home, the car, the soulmate, the dream yet. But you do have things to be grateful for. Everyone does…. family, friends, sunny days, toothpaste (you don’t think toothpaste is worth being grateful for ? ) (Think of the alternative ! ). The point is to focus on the good things in your life. When you focus on the good things you take yourself from a place of limitation and lack to a place of power. From there you can create anything your heart desires.

The thing about Gratitude is that the more you practice it, the easier it becomes ! The reason why is that it feels Good ! Gratitude feels Good ! To be thankful and grateful for the things in your life feels better than complaining any day…….


Create your Life……

Visualization

Another powerful way to create the life of your dreams is to visualize it. See it, Feel it,
Vividly imagine it in your mind. When you “see it and feel it” on the inside you will manifest it on the outside ! Picture the dream house, See the new car, imagine the warm sand in your toes on the beach in the Bahamas, play the Grand Piano in your living room and hear the music play in your mind. Soon you will have it in real life !

Daydream, visualize and have fun with it. You will create what you vividly imagine in your mind…….


Create your Life……

Faith

Develop the unwavering faith and belief that whatever you want can happen for you. Why not you ? You deserve the life of your dreams just as much as anyone else.

Your dreams are yours because you deserve to have them. They are designed especially for you and by you. Your Dreams are meant to be. We are all unlimited beings. The
only limitations are the limitations in your own mind. Don’t put limits on yourself ! Have Faith that the Universe (whatever you conceive that to be) will work with you and all of your hearts desires will be fulfilled.


To your Health, Wealth and Happiness.....