What defines an art collector?

Anyone can get into art collecting.

What does it take to get into art collecting? 

It can take some kind of exchange like currency or trade, an eye for potential investment, an obsessive desire to collect, a passion for beauty, a connection to artists, an understanding of art history and techniques, confidence in your own choices, a blank wall or empty display cabinet, the burning need to ‘hunt’ for the next undiscovered or bargain works, and many more possible attributes’ that spark the desire to WANT/ NEED original art.

How much do you NEED to spend to become an art collector? 

I have rated FREE to $$$$ as the most expensive, and with each category, it is explained where you can seek out original art for your art collecting budget.

FREE- $

Art can be anything you find interesting. My experience as a Merchandise Display and Window Trimmer for various types of stores has proven that it’s all in the pizzazz of staging the items, as anything can be set out attractively, featuring its shiny and most interesting elements. 

If you find yourself crafty or artistic, there are many fun, creative ways to decorate your home with some basic supplies and some helpful directions from any ‘how-to-do’ art craft books, DVDs, or classes taken from art & craft teachers. Your art and craft can come from friends and family members who show some talent or at least make you proud of their accomplishments.   

Working in an Art Gallery and Frame store has shown me that even the most basic of artworks, such as your children's art, can be made to appear most delightful and enjoyable when framed. You can also find bargain artworks in garage sales, eBay, Second-Hand Thrift stores, back alleys, and your grandparents' attic; seek and you shall find!

Ideas to frame children's art and how to display it:

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Check out your community events calendars, newspaper, message boards, etc., for art shows. There is the local talent to discover from such places as: High schools, public libraries, artists’ groups, Art schools, artists' collectives like art co-ops, senior centers, gift shops, the shopping mall, and even restaurants and specific businesses will display local artists’ works and will gladly pass on the information or sell the artworks displayed. 

I was asked to display my pet portraits during an Earth Day event in Vancouver, B.C. 
A fun day among live owls, eagles, snakes, and lots of people enjoying the day out. 
I sold a pet painting that day!

In many neighborhoods, there are local weekend markets and cultural events that typically feature emerging and hobby artists willing to showcase their work at affordable prices for any budget. Some artists, including myself, have trusted art collectors to pay with installments. Additionally, some artists are willing to trade art for what you have to offer. I have traded paintings for furniture, labor, etc. 

Your purchase and admiration are well received by artists, and your few bucks offered will most likely go towards MORE art supplies. It’s a win-win for everyone, and you generate a local economy with stores like art supply stores and framing stores. You now have something decorative or profound for your spirit that may have a story and a connection with the artist. 

If you are friends or family of an emerging artist, you might be lucky to be gifted one or several of their artworks. My friends and family have proudly collected my artworks for years, and it’s been a joy for me to share them. It's fun to go visit them as I get to see my artworks in retrospect to the present works.

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival 
What a gorgeous day that spring with a 
display of cherry blooming trees in the Van Dusen Gardens 

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As artists improve their artworks, investing more time in exploring their art-making either on their own or with more mentoring from master teachers, their prices will evidently start to go up. 

Artist and Gallery websites allow potential collectors to read and view the artworks in-depth. There is such diversity available internationally, and art you would never have the chance to see or buy if it weren't for the internet.  Most art collectors' budgets will find these paintings still very affordable, and they can find their artworks locally, and/or while on holiday.  I suggest checking out the internet further, where you can find online art auctions, artist blogs, and open art studio events where the public can come to have fun and discover artists you might enjoy. Can connect these days by email or even SKYPE with the artist to discuss more and to send you email close-ups of in-depth details for you.

 Here are a few places to check out for affordable and local arts:
 Black Sheep Gallery carries 'outsider folk art' made by Canadians. Very collectible and whimsical for a price that most anyone seeking art for gift giving or for their own personal collections. 

Where I used to live in Vancouver, BC, there is the popular East Van Culture Crawl and open studio show, where the public, for several days, can go to the artists' studios. Be aware that the area can get crowded, so if you are serious about art collecting, it's best to research the artists online and arrange a private showing before attending these studio walking tours and art shows. 

Yearly events for painters and collectors gather together on weekends at such places as Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia, and UNESCO Lunenburg, Nova Scotia (Paint Sea on Site) to watch outdoor (Plein Air) painters for two days, then put up their artworks for auction.  

NOTE: The Internet is a fantastic way to research the most wonderful works of art, but what you see on your monitor will not be the same as seeing the original in person. Still today, with digital cameras, they can take pretty good photos, but the artwork is still going to communicate differently once it is on your wall.  

Many galleries and some artists will sell to reputable collectors with a return policy within a time period, so they can see if the artworks work out in their personal space, unless, of course, it was commissioned specifically for the collector. Additionally, some community art museums and art rental organizations will have original art for rent at very competitive prices. If you decide you love it, the rental fees may be applied towards the purchase of that piece or another artwork by the same artist. Here is an example of an art rental & lease business...www.artrentandlease.ca

Art Galleries that sell artists will have email newsletters with updates on their artists and art openings, and will feature, at times, new, up-and-coming, and emerging artists, where prices are very affordable, motivating both new and old buyers.  Galleries can also offer a payment plan. 

Here is a website dedicated to all things art, wherever you are in the world. You can see what art events are showcasing in museums, galleries, etc., or just research and enjoy learning about art. A fantastic site to spend some time viewing all things art...Artsy.net

Art collectors should not only adorn their walls and displays with works they LOVE, but also need to understand the quality of art materials the artists use and how to care for those artworks, as owning artwork has the potential to be a long-term investment. Art collectors should be signing contracts from either the galleries or artists that list the materials used, size, history of painting, listing the price paid for the TAX man and the INSURANCE man, but also that there is copyright protection for the artist. I would like to add that if, for any reason, the painting is damaged, the collector can contact me to make arrangements for repair.

In New York, Herb & Dorothy Vogel, a couple who have become famous among even the wealthiest names of art collectors, started their art collection with what few dollars they could spare. Dorothy supported them on her librarian’s salary, while they spent his entire income as a post-office clerk, amassing a spectacular collection of Minimalist artworks. They purchased many pieces directly from the struggling artists, who were struggling financially. Dorothy and Herb spent every day planning which studio to visit, usually buying directly from these personally picked artists. Try your public library to see if there is a DVD to watch for free.

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In this price range, usually, artists have gallery representation, but saying that, some artists still want the connection with their art collectors and don't mind doing the business directly or have a family/friend who will do some of the company for them. 

Discover an art gallery that showcases your unique style and taste in art. Make a connection with them to help you select the most suitable artworks that you can afford. Sometimes, art collectors are on a waiting list for new works of art by an artist, and this can make buying art very competitive. No matter what, buy what you love. 

If you’re looking for professional portraiture, you can find the artist either through local shows or again on the internet.  Some portraits require ‘live’ posing of the subjects, while others can be created through photographic references. 

RECOMMEND: Go to LOTS of art galleries and art museums to view the art up close, developing an ‘eye’ for art collecting and viewing prices. It’s essential to take the time to educate yourself by asking questions of curators, artists, art collectors, and reading a few books, as well as taking courses specific to art collecting. You must know what it is you are buying; to know the mediums, surfaces, and conservation pointers to keep artworks in their best conditions for long-term investment in art collecting.

Subscribe to various art collectors' magazines for the most updated shows, and also educate potential buyers by featuring multiple artists.




Canada Heffel's Gallery and Auction

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Prices for BIG names like deceased MASTER artists; Van Gogh, Matisse, Rembrandt, and so on are out of the affordable ballpark for most of us on this planet and are sold through reputable auction houses like Sotheby's, Christie's & Bonhams as well as private art dealers. 

Reading several books and watching some films about the famous art collectors from the past and present, I discovered these wealthy collectors do not act alone but have art dealers who dedicate their lives to hunting down the next most incredible masterpiece owned by other wealthy collectors who have possibly died, and the heirs want the cash or just need to clean out their very LARGE closets. The fine art dealers will match the sellers to the buyers, with, of course, their generous percentage calculated into the total price.

  

I just finished reading an enjoyable and well-written book titled ‘Duveen: A Life in Art’ by Meryle Secrest. This book goes in-depth about Joseph Duveen, who was an art dealer and certainly the most fascinating and flamboyant personality.  Duveen knew how to appeal to both sellers and buyers, not only through his talent for finding good paintings and his expertise in bargaining and cutting deals, but also through his dedication to bringing the best to collectors, while going beyond being just a salesman. Duveen would assist these rich people on how to display and show off these masterpieces. He also dedicated time and money to art museums to build special rooms for art & sculpture. 

Duveen would develop an eye for spotting forgeries and potential gems covered in thick yellow varnish & dust during the era the 1800s to the 1900s. His eye and 'guess-ti-nations became very famous and were proven, for the most part, accurate, as there were no scientific methods of authenticating art originals back then. Still today, their collections of artworks, which are either misnamed or outright forgeries, are hanging in private and museum collections around the world. 

Duveen brought fine art, tapestries, etc. from Europe to sell to the new wealthy Americans who became competitive to collect the finest objects. Some of these art masterpieces were created by renowned old master artists, including Velázquez, Vermeer, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Bellini, and many more. Some of these wealthy art collectors are famous names in USA history: Kress, Huntington, Morgan, Widener, Bache, and Mellon.  They would all later donate their art collections to the public museums of the USA, as well as fund expansions of art museums to show off their collections, which are some of the finest paintings and sculptures from Europe.  Today, we, the public, can go for a small fee and view some of these most magnificent art collections. 'Duveen: A Life of Art' is filled with adventure and controversy that will shine a different light on your next visit to an art museum. 

Recommended Links to read:
I also recommend reading ‘The Art of Buying Art’ by Paige West for today's collectors, as she provides many valuable pointers, links, and research for budding art collectors of Contemporary Art. Link to Paige West's website: 

‘Duveen: A Life in Art’..by Meryle Secrest… Review this book: www.goodreads.com

An Affordable Art Fair is featured in various cities around the world.

Sunday Times describes in an article about current collectors: