Collecting Secrets Exposed

We asked the audience at our Arouse Yourself with Art seminars the following question:

“What would encourage you to buy more art?”

The following are some of the answers we received and additional tips on moving forward so that you can BUY MORE ART.

1. I’d like to be able to afford art that I like. Our audience loved expensive works of art. If you identify and then compare elements of work desired to elements in affordable emerging artists, there is no reason not to buy works from affordable artists. You may even have the pleasure of watching their prices rise. You can also group together to form a Club with friends to share expenses and art works, use delayed payments schemes, allocate a monthly or yearly amount for art, or simple budget to spend on art instead of other new furnishings. A great picture can make a whole room come alive.

2. I need to find more room to display more art. Many collectors rotate art from storage to room or room to room. Changing furniture around sometimes frees up room for art. Buying a larger home is our favorite way to find more space, but try hanging salon style. Remember to ask yourself, “Can you ever have too many things to love?”

3. I would need more information about the art and artist. Check out the list on SDVAN of sources to get help from professional scholars and to see a list of research resources.

4. I need to understand more about the quality of the art. SmART Collectors Marketplace is a good place to start to develop your eye by going where art is on display, especially museums and sales galleries. Look for art districts which open all at the same time of the month in the SmART On Going Events . Art events occur everywhere and at many different kinds of venues: university art galleries

• art association galleries
• school art departments
• restaurants
• hospitals
• theater lobbies
• art festivals (e.g. the SD County Fair and La Jolla Art Festival)
• art walks
• open studio tours
• corporate collections,
• estate sales
• underground art events
• public art displays (contact the Commission of Arts and Culture for a full brochure with map)
• collectors’ homes
• look at the art on your friend’s walls!

5. I’d like to know more about how the art world functions. Read the Overview of the Art World and learn how San Diego fits into the grand scheme.

6. I need to acquire a greater confidence level my choices in art. Have an assessment made by a qualified appraiser and discover if work you have purchased has gone up in value. Also, realize that this is something that you do for yourself, and much of the value that you will acquire from the work will come from the pleasure and that the learning you obtain from the experience of owning something you love.

7. I need to develop a better appreciation of art.Read a book or take a course in How to Look at Art. Books are available at Barnes and Nobles, Borders or on eBay. Take a course at one of the many adult education classes that are offered through our many universities.

8. I need more knowledge about art as an investment. Read the article on pricing written by Joan Siefried and Tax Advice by Ginger Broderick

9. I’d like to become more fluent in art terminology. Study the lists on SDVAN Bibliography

10. I’d be more comfortable purchasing from friendly, welcoming galleries. Look for galleries that have a good library that they encourage you to use. Ask the gallery if they are willing to arrange studio visits and introduce you to other collectors so you can share your discoveries.

11. I’d like my friends to approve my art choices . Why not ask for art as presents for special occasions thus involving your friends and loved ones in the process?

12. I’d be more comfortable buying a piece if I knew that if I make a mistake or outgrew the work, I could recoup my investment. You can sell art on the secondary market, or better still, give art to charity and take the deduction on your taxes.

Compiled by Patricia Frischer and edited by Lisa Roche

Look for other topics in the SmART Collector

For more information contact info@SDVisualArts.net