Creating An Artwork Catalog - How to Be Smart when Collecting Art
- Jeanette Johnson
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Finding artwork that I really connect with is important to me. Sometimes it reminds me of something from my past or creates a dream of the life I hope to build. But I also just want to sit in front of it and look at it for a long time.
I'm lucky enough to see hundreds of original works as I travel the summer art festival circuit. It's hard for me to pick my favorite items - sorting out what I think is "cool" from what I "have to have". So, I walk away… and then I circle back. There's just something about it that sticks.
The hard part is remembering the names of all the artists I meet! And truthfully, half the time I couldn't remember a name later without looking it up.
Which brings me to something novice collectors rarely think about: keeping records or "cataloging".
This is Part SIX in a series of articles in which I cover three main topics:
Why would I want to start “collecting” artwork?
Where can I find quality artwork?
Who should I be collecting?
This post is going to give you a bit of homework at the end, but don't worry - it's going to set you up for success later!
OOOooohhhh, cataloging - that sounds complicated and fancy! I'm not that well organized.
It's easier than you think - I promise!
It's a good idea to hang onto the artist's business card, write down their name, or save their contact information in a safe place. You can keep it in an envelope attached to the back of the frame, use the handy spreadsheet I've developed for you, or simply tuck it into a notebook. Over time, this will help you keep things organized and help track value!
What information should you keep:
Artists name
Name of the artists business, representing gallery, or festival where you purchased
Location of festival or gallery
Date of purchase
Date of artwork creation if you can get the information from the artist or it's listed on the piece
A picture of the work (bonus points if you take the picture with you, the artwork, and the artist)
Write down the artist's name, when you bought the piece, where you found it, and include a photograph. It doesn't need to be complicated—just enough that you can trace the story of the work later. This is what we like to call "provenance."
Provenance is the trail of information about the purchase history of a work of art. If a piece of artwork skyrockets in value, cataloging the trail of ownership and historical prices helps authenticate the work in case of a dispute.
Your Assignment This Weekend: Download my Collector's Catalog Template and start cataloging your artwork.
I have made this as simple for you as I know how! In the button below is a link to a Google spreadsheet that you can download and use for your very own collection catalog. Save it in the cloud for easy access or print it out and put it in a binder. However you feel most comfortable, do it. The important thing is to start recording your art purchases.
This is a view only document until you save a version for your own use. When you click the button below, go to FILE and select MAKE A COPY if you want to save it to your Google Drive. To save locally on your device, go to FILE and select DOWNLOAD. Feel free to update and edit any of the columns based on the information you'd like to keep track of!
Access the FREE Collector's Catalog Template
Access and save this free Google Sheet and start creating a record of your collection!
How does this help me when collecting art?
Establishing provenance is important when assessing value.
For example: A tapestry is found at a garage sale and later discovered to be the work of a famous fabric artist; it has significant historical value. The person who sold it at the garage sale could try to get it back from you if you don't keep track of your purchases. A simple receipt and an image of the work at the sale with the price tag showing would be enough to prove that your purchase is valid.
How great would it be if the painting you bought ten years ago in a small gallery is by the same artist who suddenly appears on the cover of a magazine? Keeping a record helps you track the history of your collection and protects your investment.
There are thousands of artists working in your region right now. What those artists really want is a group of people who care about their work—collectors who support them so they can keep creating.
If you find an artist whose work you truly love, whose pieces feel like they belong in your life, that's the artist worth collecting.
Now that you know the why, where, and who, I hope you won't hesitate the next time a piece of art stops you in your tracks. Collecting can feel intimidating because of the way the art world is sometimes portrayed—serious people in black clothes quietly judging what's "good." But the truth is much simpler.
Anyone can collect art. And you're the one who decides what belongs in your home.
Want to read more? I have the FULL GUIDE available to download! Click here to get my guide to Create a
Stay tuned for the next installment in this series about "How to collect art" and if you haven't already - subscribe to my email list for alerts when new artwork drops and you'll get first access to new pieces!
Subscribe to my email list!
Subscribers will receive the first updates on special content and new work as they become available.
