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Collecting in General:
- Spend time learning about art and individual artists
instead of following the latest art trends or styles of the moment.
Popularity does not insure an artist will go up in value over the years.
- Educating yourself about up and coming artists can
help you purchase wonderful work that you can afford before it becomes
artificially inflated. While purchasing expensive pieces by already
established artists is one method of collecting, it’s certainly not the
only…and not necessarily the most profitable in the long-term.
- Buy what you love. The artwork you purchase will
presumably be in your home for a long time. Make sure you really love the
artwork you buy and it will enhance your d?cor and add to your quality of
life for years to come.
- There is no “right” way to collect art. Each
collector has their own method of purchasing art, and it can vary from:
buying bundles of art at one time, purchasing a select piece once every year
or two, commissioning a favorite artist to create individual work with
personal meaning, etc. Find the style of collecting that best suits you and
stick with that.
- Ask questions. A reputable art dealer or gallery
should never hesitate to answer whatever questions you may have when
considering the purchase of an artwork. Provenance, condition, artist
information, and history are all aspects of the piece that are very
important to its value and your enjoyment of the work.
Corporate Collecting:
- Meet with a professional corporate art consultant or
gallery before making any costly purchases. An experienced professional
will guide you in the right direction in terms of how many pieces to
purchase, what style of work to include, where to install artwork, any many
other crucial decisions.
- Identify a style of artwork that expresses your
company’s overall image or purpose while also complimenting the existing
office aesthetic.
For example: If your company is a
very forward thinking tech firm housed in a loft space with chrome fixtures and
exposed duct work, contemporary, abstract artwork may be the best match for
you. In the reception area of an established law firm decorated with dark woods
and conservative lighting, traditional landscapes, portraiture or still life may
be better suited for the space.
- Support the local community. Many companies build
their collection around a backbone of local artists. This shows clients,
employees, and the city their loyalty and appreciation to the community and
usually leads to some excellent opportunities for local and national
publicity and press.
- Keep your clients in mind. The artwork a company
displays sends a direct message to a visitor or client, often leaving an
indelible impression. While you may like a particular piece, if the artwork
you choose to display is offensive or confrontational, you run the risk of
scaring away the client.
- Keep track of details. Make sure to have an appointed
employee or art consultant catalogue your artwork as it is purchased and
update records as necessary. Careful record keeping of artwork details can
prevent confusion in the future concerning damage, loss, and value.
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