Beyond Falling in Love: Art Expertise for Collectors
The sleek lines and jazzy interior of the new Mercedes-Benz roadster catches our eyes, but our appreciation deepens when we look beyond its sexy appearance to understand its exceptional engineering. When it comes to collecting art, the same is true—knowing what lies beneath an artwork’s physical appeal multiplies our enjoyment. Here are a few tips for developing artistic discrimination.
Love at First Sight
Have you ever walked into a gallery and been stopped in your tracks by one piece of art? Drawn back again and again to a singular piece? Falling in love can be for a moment or a lifetime—and the difference can be chalked up to what lies beyond the surface. That instantaneous attraction is important, of course, because a work of art should first and foremost bring you pleasure just to look at it.
By all means, buy what speaks to you. But if you are serious about building a solid collection with depth beyond aesthetics, then knowledge is king. Adding to your art expertise is fun! Shirley Holland and her husband, Tuffy, have an extensive, exceptional art collection and frequently attend prestigious shows to add to it. “We began by purchasing what we liked,” she says. “We try to buy the best work by the best artists—quality is paramount. If you are able to travel, check out such high-end auctions as the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction each summer or the Scottsdale Art Auction each spring. If you can’t attend, order their catalogs, read art magazines, and check out AskArt, the premiere online database of artists and art sales.”
The More You Know, the Richer the Experience
Hang out among masterworks at the best museums and galleries in your area. Look closely to see what makes each artist unique. Surround yourself with a feast of images.
Explore world-famous educational venues, such as those offered at two of the world’s finest auction houses—Sotheby’s and Christie’s. They even offer online courses, as does the Museum of Modern Art. If you’d like to see an auction in New York or London, GO! You’ll see impressive art—and watching the big-time action among bidders can be more fun than reality TV!
Plan a trip around a major, big-city art fair such as Art Basel Miami, the San Francisco and Houston fine art fairs, and the SOFA Chicago art and design show. Dealers come from all over the world to show their wares at these events and lectures, collection tours, and a chance to meet top artists are frequently included.
Learn the Lingo
Art has its own language and knowing how to talk about it will give you confidence as you deal with artists and dealers and, best of all, when you share your collection with friends and family. Read up on painting terms like alla prima and plein air. If it’s sculpture that awes you, delve into patinas and lost-wax techniques. As with stepping into that Mercedes for the first time and taking the wheel, each feature you discover will add to the ride.
Meeting the Artists
One of an art lover’s greatest pleasures is getting to know the artists. If he or she is present at an exhibition, strike up a conversation. Artists long for appreciation just like the rest of us, and most will respond enthusiastically. Ask about their challenges, their inspiration. Ask galleries for information—is she a rising star whose work may soar in value? Is he well established but perhaps taking a new and appealing direction? The answers will help you to develop your expertise.
A Marriage Made in Heaven
A strong, ongoing relationship often takes on different characteristics through the years. What excited you in years past might bore you tomorrow—and you may need to move early selections out to make way for new acquisitions. What may have initially been all about looks now takes on deeper meaning. You see beyond a painting’s beautiful scene or the rainbow reflections in a piece of glass—you know the skill and craftsmanship that went into them. Some pieces spark precious memories of places and events—and some even make us chuckle as we recall beating a fellow collector to the punch and scoring a good deal!
As with every investment, refining, reevaluating, gaining confidence in your decisions brings added pleasure and builds solid returns. Collecting art is not just an activity, it’s a life-style experience! What has meant the most to you as you've built your collection? Do you have a special artist you hope to collect one day? # # #