Are you a first-time art buyer looking to dive into the world of art collecting? Congratulations! Art collecting can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience, but as you get into this world, it certainly helps to have a guide like this to make your decision making a little bit easier. 

Whether you’re buying art for investment purposes or simply to decorate your home, here’s how to start your art-buying journey the right way. 

Decide how much you are willing to spend

Art can be pricey. Unless you are buying downloadable art that you print yourself or art that has been mass produced, original pieces can cost a lot of money, and for good reason. Owning a one of a kind hand drawn or hand painted artwork means owning something that is incredibly unique and might one day accumulate its value. 

Before you begin you buy, you need to determine how much you’re willing to spend. By having a clear budget in mind, you can narrow down your options and avoid overspending.

Take your Time to Explore Different Styles and Mediums

Art is incredibly diverse, especially here in South Africa where the cultures and the amazing people create a wide variety of art. With countless styles and mediums to choose from (paintings, sculptures, photography, and more), there are plenty of options to browse through, and within the collection there is bound to be something that really stands. 

Take the time to explore different genres by visiting galleries, museums, and art fairs to get a sense of your preferences.

Do your Research on Local South African Artists

While you can and should in time look beyond our borders for artworks, when you are starting out you can find exceptional locally made art, created by established and emerging artists, generally at really good prices. 

Once you’ve identified the styles and mediums you like, start researching artists who create work in those categories. You should take the time to learn about their backgrounds, influences, and artistic journeys, as the artist’s story can deepen your connection to their work.

Visit Galleries and Art Shows

The online art world is full of exceptional pieces that will add just as much value to your home or office space as art bought at a gallery. But there is some value to making the effort to visit galleries and art shows, and besides, visiting shows can be a great social experience. 

Visiting galleries and art shows allows you to see artworks up close where you can evaluate their quality, and get a sense of their scale. It’s also a great opportunity to talk to gallery staff or artists themselves and ask questions.

Consider the Space

To select the right art, you need to make sure that you have an idea about where you will place it. 

You will need to consider the size of the piece, its colour scheme, and the overall aesthetic of the space. Keep these factors in mind when making your selection so that you can be sure that the art will blend into the space. 

Graphite Drawings for sale

Ask all of the Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when dealing with galleries or artists, in fact, most artists will welcome a conversation about their work and their inspirations. 

And if you are buying from a reputable seller, they should be happy to provide you with information and insights.

Request Proof of Authenticity and Provenance

One of the most important things you can do when buying one of a kind art is to ask for documentation that proves the authenticity and provenance of the artwork. 

This includes certificates of authenticity, exhibition histories, and, if applicable, records of previous ownership. Always practice caution when buying from sources that can’t provide these documents.

Trust Your Instincts

One of the most important pieces of advice for first-time art buyers is to buy what you genuinely love and connect with. Art should evoke emotions and resonate with you on a personal level. Don’t choose art solely for its potential investment value.

When you are buying art, you should allow yourself to be guided by your feelings above all else. Ultimately, always trust your instincts when making a decision. If a piece of art speaks to you and you can envision it in your life, it’s likely a good choice. Remember, art is a personal expression, and your collection should reflect your tastes and experiences.

And most importantly of all, enjoy the journey

Art collecting is a journey of discovery and self-expression. It is the sort of process that you should enjoy and appreciate, as the stories and emotions that art brings into your life can make the experience a thrilling one. 

 

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