Every Single Thing You Need to Know About Starting Your Own Grown-Up Art Collection

Whether you're investing in your first piece of original art or looking to expand into other mediums and new emerging artists, there are a few key tips that will help you to make smart investments and ensure that you're buying for the right reasons, and we're here to share them all with you. In terms of decor, artwork is the most personal and subjective thing you can own—what one person sees as a tranquil abstract might appear dull and lifeless to the next person. Art draws on all of our senses, from memories relating to colour to tactile materials and of course, shapes and lines that draw our eye in. So, read on if you want to know how to begin your very own grown-up art collection. There's an art to it.

1. Know your taste

The most important part in the art collecting process is actually understanding what you love, and why. You might be drawn to photographic works or conceptual abstracts specifically, and you should follow your natural instincts and investigate further. Take a look at what galleries and art dealers have on offer through their websites and start to note where your eye is naturally focused on. From there you can start to understand the mediums, colours, and techniques that make you feel good and go from there.

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2. Do the research

For anyone who is new to the art scene, it can be hard to know what's affordable and what type of art dealers and collectors admire. Of course, you'll be naturally drawn to pieces the moment you see them, but do your own research by flicking through auction catalogues and browsing gallery websites to get an idea of how much art generally costs so that you can hone in on the pieces you love and be armed with the knowledge to make a great investment.

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3. Start a conversation

Maybe you've found an artist that you're positively smitten with right now? Strike up a chat with them, or the gallery that their work is represented by. Who knows, there might be works that aren't yet for sale that you could gain access to or open up a conversation about a custom piece just for you! As well as that, having a relationship with curators and galleries in your area will allow to you have access to the newest artists.

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4. Have a budget

Budget is an important part of the process unless of course, you're Bill Gates. You'll need to determine your specific circumstances and how much money you're happy to dedicate to your collection and how often you purchase a new piece. This will limit the works that you view somewhat, but you want to find pieces that you love and that are within your budget so that you won't have buyer's remorse later on. Keep in mind that the stage an artist is at in their career and whether you can purchase directly from them will impact prices. Also be sure to keep in mind extras like framing, shipping and gallery fees.

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5. Make a bid

Fine art auctions such as Lawsons are a great way to get some experience up your belt when it comes to bidding on art. You can often place online bids from the comfort of your own home, and prices can start as low as $200. If you're in the right place at the right time, you might be able to win yourself a rare piece that's within your budget. You've got to be in it to win it.

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