A Curator’s Guide to Creating Your Art Collection

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with many different types of art and a wide range of art collectors. My early days in the art world were spent in New York City, where I worked with contemporary art collectors who frequented the numerous Chelsea galleries looking for innovative works or the next big name in art. Later, I switched gears, assisting collectors in purchasing rare artworks created by Hudson River School painters and American Impressionists of the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. There, I helped collectors purchase rare pieces of history. These collectors were building museum-quality collections, and competing with dealers, auction houses, and serious investors. More recently, I have been working with art enthusiasts curious about collecting contemporary art and excited about their very first purchases. 

No matter what type of gallery or organization I have worked with, I have heard time and time again that the art world can be an intimidating place. Museums and galleries have often been considered “elitist and uppity.” Dealers may seem unapproachable. Many believe that only those with large fortunes can call themselves art collectors. 

The simple truth is that anyone with an interest in art and a budget can buy art and build a collection. With an open and curious mind, you may soon find that the art world is a wonderland worth exploring and more approachable than you think. Continue reading to learn some art-buying tips and how to build a collection you love. 

Why Purchase Art? 

Art makes you feel. Art inspires. Art sparks curiosity and memory. Surrounding yourself with art enriches your soul and adds interest to your living space. The art you buy tells a story about you and your tastes. That story can express your profound connection to the art and its maker. Perhaps, your story is about preserving history or your unique decorative flair.  No matter what, they are stories worth exploring. 

Purchasing art means you are dedicated to supporting the arts, a particular artist, or an artistic movement. You are joining a community of art enthusiasts who share the thrill of finding a fantastic work of art. By collecting art, you explore your own aesthetic and reveal part of your personality in the pieces you choose. 

Buying art is an investment, and investing in art you love is important. Although the value of great art can appreciate, purchasing art for resale has risks. Tastes change, and the art market fluctuates, so it’s best to buy art that you know you will have for a while. If you are buying for a return on investment, you will likely need to purchase artwork at a higher level where artists have already made a name for themselves. 

Start by Looking

Experiencing art is the starting point of collecting. Before buying and building a collection, see as much art as possible. Read a bit about art history and understand important art movements over time. Notice what you are drawn to in that research. Visit museums and galleries. Attend art fairs and festivals. Explore artists on social media and scour art websites. Instagram is a wonderful resource for art. If you find something you like, dive deeper and research an artist.

Seeing all types and styles of artwork allows you to discover your taste as a collector. As you look, you will find yourself attracted to certain styles, themes, and mediums. You might like bold, abstract works, or perhaps, you appreciate a serene still life. The time you spend looking at and researching artwork will strengthen your eye and build your confidence as a collector. 

Know Your Budget

You can purchase art at all levels. I have worked with buyers who begin collections with a handcrafted mug and others who have jumped in and purchased big-name artists.  Before making your first purchase,  you should establish a budget. A budget gives you the parameters necessary to determine what and where you can buy. 

I recommend buying art at a lower level and increasing your budget as you become more educated and confident in what you know about art. Be selective in what you purchase. Seek quality pieces over quantity. Remember, just because art is priced low, does not mean it is not quality art. 

A great way to find art that is more affordable and accessible is to purchase prints. Prints are reproductions of an original piece of art. Look for signed and numbered limited edition prints or artist prints. Make sure the prints are high quality paper that is acid free and will not fade over time. These can be purchased unframed, which lowers the material cost and cost of shipping. Fine art photography is a great medium to consider when buying prints. 

Consider Your Space 

Although it seems obvious, knowing your space is important when buying art. Will the art piece clash with your décor or add to the aesthetics? After taking measurements, look at how the artwork will be installed. What kind of hanging system is used? Will you need particular hardware and tools? 

Don’t forget about lighting. Galleries have professionally lit artwork, so you might find a piece looks darker in your own space. Consider purchasing picture lights that mount on the walls or the artwork's frame. Make sure that your artwork is safe from extreme light or moisture wherever you place it. Three-dimensional works may need to be permanently secured or adhered to a surface with some museum putty. 

Be Curious

One of the best parts of my job is learning about art. I get to connect deeply with artists through the art they create. When I  speak with artists, I discover the inspiration and artistic process involved in their work. I have the privilege of hearing the stories behind each piece. Sharing this information, along with my professional opinions is essential to my job, but it also brings me great joy. Keep this in mind when visiting galleries. Do not be shy to ask the curators, gallery attendants, dealers, and artists about their work. They want to tell you about it. 

If someone is not available to speak with you, be sure to read the information provided. Artist statements, biographies, and resumes typically accompany artwork in galleries and online. These can be incredibly insightful and help viewers to see the full picture of a work of art. 

Discover “Emerging” Artists

Purchasing art by young, early career or “emerging” artists is a great way to start building your art collection. These artists are still finding their place in the art world, so their prices tend to be lower. Look for students in MFA programs and arts organizations. Find galleries that promote early-career artists. Try searching hashtags on social media. 

Early-career artists are also more readily available to collectors. You may schedule an appointment to visit their studio and learn firsthand about their work. Studio visits are highly rewarding as you get an insider’s view into the artistic process. If a studio visit isn’t an option, reach out by phone, email, or direct message if their contact information is published. 

By patronizing emerging artists’ work, you support them while they are still developing their style and, ultimately, their careers. You can watch them grow as artists and see where their skills take them. As a curator, I enjoy finding young artists and giving them the recognition they deserve. Watching them succeed gives me great pleasure. Developing a relationship with an artist whose work you love can be incredibly fulfilling and make purchases easier because of your relationship with the maker. 

Protect Your Art

Now that you have purchased art, you need to protect it. Find out what materials the piece is made of and the best practices for cleaning and preserving the work. If possible, make sure the art you purchase is signed and dated. If the piece is unsigned, be sure to obtain a certificate of authenticity. Save receipts and document what information you have. Even if you think you will always remember the artist's name, you may not in years to come. The provenance will be invaluable information when you want to sell a work in the future.

Obtain a fine art insurance policy, or personal property plan, to cover the artwork as soon as you make the purchase. You are responsible for its safety from the moment you take ownership and insuring the work protects you and your investment from any potential accidents during shipping, transport, or storage. Periodically, you should have your art collection appraised and update the value of your collection for insurance purposes. 

Now that you are inspired to start your art collection, get to work! Art collecting can be done by anyone, but it requires some time and energy if you want to build your collection properly. Buy what you love. If you walk away from a piece of art and can’t stop thinking about it, then buy it. Art is an investment, both financially and for your own pleasure. 

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