Starting Your Collection

Over the last decade, Art buyers and Collectors who had secured good advice have seen their Art Collections increase in value by some massive amounts. Many local Artworks have seen stunning increases well in excess of 500% over recent years. One of the most frequently asked questions Dwyer Fine Art receives, concerns "Starting an Art Collection" and how to go about it.

The simple answer is to secure professional, experienced and skilled advice. Successful Art collecting is no different from any other form of successful investing, whether it be stocks, property, or fast cars. The correct guidance and advice is the first place to start.

Tips for New Collectors

Buying Art can be a big step, especially for the first time. The initial Artwork purchase, no matter the size or expense, will affect your environment and more than likely set a tone for the Artworks that you choose to collect in the future. Remember that you will be looking at, and hopefully admiring, and taking pleasure fro your Artwork. You will live with it everyday, so the Art you choose, must be Art you enjoy and like.

Here are a few suggestions and practical tips to consider before taking the first steps in putting together a financially successful and enjoyable Collection.

In the Eye of the Beholder - The best judge of what is right for you is, you!

Shop Around - Galleries are an excellent place to start, but there are many more places to see Art. Art Shows, Open Studios, Internet Galleries, Art Fairs, Art Magazines and even eBay are alternative places to start. Look around for a while and decide what styles and genres you are drawn to and why. Is it the subject matter, a particular medium, a particular Artist or school or work, or a more personal response to an individual Artwork?

Research - Find out everything you can about the Artwork you are interested in. Start with the obvious. Such information as the Artist's name, size, price, materials used and so on. Is the work original? Research the Artist. Find out where are their other works. Are they in Private Collections, Museums, Major or Regional Galleries. Is the Artist collected overseas, not just in Australia? Don't be afraid to ask questions, most people are usually willing to share their knowledge.

Artwork Placement - Think about where you will put the Artwork. You have to hang the Artwork, so considerations such as will it fit into your house, or on a particular wall, or with your furnishings and so on. How will it fit in with the surroundings? Consider lighting. Consider the investment value of the Artwork and also consider insurance and possibly storage.

Educate your Eye - Before you put your cash on the table, you need to educate your eye, that is, understand what you like and what you don't like. And, even though you may think you know what that is, it will change as you begin to look at more and more Art. There is no right or wrong to understanding Art. Your opinions are just as valid as the experts or Art critics. The goal in this step is to work out why you like what you like.

Decide a Budget - You must establish your budget. It is obviously important to do this before the shopping begins. The reason is that with Art, it is all too easy to fall in love with something beyond your price range. Establishing a budget and adhering to it will take some of the emotional aspects out of the experience. Bear in mind that when buying Art, you are about to embark on one of the few completely emotional dollar decisions you will ever make.

The Secret to Successful and Enjoyable Collecting - Two words - Good Advice. Getting good advice can be as simple as deciding that you would like to collect a particular Artist, or securing guidance as to which of the Artist's works to buy. It takes many years to gain a knowledge and understanding of the Art markets, what and who succeeds, or fails. Where the next "hot" Artist is, when to take your profits, what sectors are running and more. People new to Art collecting cannot be expected to have this knowledge, which is why it is imperative to seek expert, professional advice.

For much less than the price of the average family car, the start of a beautiful and successful Art Collection can be established and enjoyed. And, unlike the family car which falls in value, astute collecting can see fine financial rewards.

For a personal consultation for your Art Collection requirements, Contact - Jon Dwyer

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