There’s nothing like owning something that is a one of a kind creation. A piece of art that speaks to you. Engages your eyes, your heart, maybe even your soul. But so many of us go through our lives thinking that only the super rich collect art. Not true! I had an email recently from a good friend who saw a small piece I’d recently created. “I have to have that!” she wrote. “If I can afford it? I’ve never owned a piece of original art!” And so her adventure ofCollecting begins.
I’m honored to be the first piece in what I know will be her growing collection. And her first purchase? $150! Proof that not every piece has to be expensive. When you start to look and to follow artists whose work you like and admire, you may find out that it’s just as ‘affordable’ as buying a mass produced piece that’s got thousands of brothers and sisters hanging in thousands of other places.
You are an Original, so why not begin your own Collection? Here are a few tips to get you going…
- Start looking! Whether you are online or at an art show, take the time to Stop. Look. And Listen. To see if a particular piece calls your name.
- Check out the price. Is it in your budget? If not, find out how to get in touch with the artist and see other pieces of their work.
- Choosing a smaller piece can be less expensive. I recently attending an exhibit where the artist’s large works (36 x 40) were several thousand dollars, but when I checked out her smaller pieces, I found several that were $250 – $400.
- If you want a piece but it’s out of reach for right now, consider asking the artist if they will work with you on payment. As an artist, I want my pieces to be in the lives of those who love them, so I’m sometimes open to discussing ‘layaway’ or reasonable payment terms. It never hurts to ask respectfully.
- Continue the conversation. If you like an artist’s work, ask to be included in notifications of new work, shows, studio sales and exhibits. That’s often the best way to get in ‘on the ground floor’ with collecting.
If an original you love is truly out of reach for your pocketbook, inquire whether the artist has prints available. I sometimes create a limited number of giclee (archival prints) of my larger pieces. This can often save significantly. You are able to get the piece you want as a ‘signed’ print, and the artist keeps the original. (More about Giclee in an upcoming post.)
And, of course, if you have questions I can answer, just drop me a line. Happy Collecting!
Kyle
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