How Do I Start Collecting Art? An Introduction

Collecting artwork is a personal journey and should not be based solely on the hope of an increase in value. One can only hope that my work might explode in popularity over the next ten years, this is every artist’s dream.

But, while I like to dream big, I am also a realist. The probability of my hitting the big time will be slight. However, my vision of success lies with how my artwork is received by individual viewers, not the wider public. I cannot be everything to everyone, nor would I want to be! I want to be appreciated by a select group of people – my collectors.

In this series of articles I'm going to cover three main topics:

Why would I want to start “collecting” artwork?

Where can I find quality artwork?

Who should I be collecting?

Here's a little taste of what you'll get in the upcoming articles.

Art ought to bring you joy and conentment when you look at it. It should tug at your soul and make you feel...any emotion, really! Even if it's just the bowl where you throw your loose change.

Your Assignment This Weekend: Hit The Flee Market!

If you dream of having beautiful artwork around your home, you're not alone. Having one-of-a-kind original art can make a room feel stylish and tied together. Big or small, it can also help increase your overall satisfaction with your space.

'Cause sometimes when we try, and we try, and we try - we can't get no satisfaction.

You might not think you have the budget to invest in something as superfluous as artwork - but you'd be wrong! If you're designing your space on a budget, consider prints (reproductions of original pieces) that are likely more affordable than originals. They are easily found online, and one quick search can put you on a path to affordable artwork.

A great place to start looking for art is your local flee market, consignment store, or estate sale. Check with your local auction company to see the dates of their next sales or do a quick search for consignment stores in your area. I think you'll be pleasantly suprised with what you can find in a 100 mile radius. Plus, the hunt is all part of the fun! These are also great places to look for frames for your current art.

However, I'll caution you about where you buy your artwork. This topic comes up in a later article, but my advice is to ALWAYS purchase directly from the artist if you can!

It's okay to start small and grow as you become more confident in your ability to choose what matches your personal style. Do not feel like you have to buy into the trend that tops the Instagram or TikTok feeds of the day. I have several small pieces that I purchased at art festivals that bring me oodles of joy - I want you to have that joy too!

But where should you start to look for collecting art?

I'm going to give you a challenge: head to your local thrift store or resale market and find a small, inexpensive piece that makes you smile when you look at it! Let that be the start of your "art collection journey."

Go out and find art that brings joy to your home or office, or for a friend. Spread the love and bring more color into your life through a beautiful landscape, a hand-woven basket, or a one-of-a-kind wheel-thrown fruit bowl.

 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!

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