How to Begin Collecting Fine Art

If you’re thinking about beginning an art collection and want to begin with some fine art you might want to think about purchasing a multiple original. This doesn’t mean that you collect more than one copy of a piece of art, but means that your particular piece has several copies.

These pieces are still considered originals because they’re made by the artist but the artist makes more than one with the belief that this particular piece will have a high demand.

They’re also generally more affordable than one of a kind pieces and that’s why they’re a good place to begin your art collection. You’re picking up art that the artist believes will have broad appeal and it’s fairly inexpensive, as far as art goes.

There are two numbers that you’ll want to find on your artwork. The numbers should be next to each other and separated by a slash. The first number tells you when this piece was made in relation to the series and the second number tells you how many are in the series. Each replica is as valuable as another. The first one holds no more value than the thirty-seventh or the one hundred and sixth. But if the series has only twenty pieces in it these pieces are generally more valuable than a collection with hundreds of pieces. There are also unlimited collections that will continue making reproductions and if you’re looking for fine art you may want to stay away from these. Each time they make a new one the value of yours drops.

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If you want to bust the bank but really buy some investment art then you want to go with fine art or original art. These are one-of-a-kind pieces and because of the depth of artistic value, they’re often not “pretty”. Don’t get me wrong, these pieces can be absolutely stunning, but they may be more unusual and harder to appreciate than the typical art piece you’d put in your home.

When you start searching for fine art I think it’s important that you go with your gut. Make sure that you’re selecting a piece that you’ll love and enjoy for years to come. I feel this is always important when selecting things for your home and for yourself. But with fine art a little education can go a long way. Learn to appreciate quality. Take some art appreciation courses. Or, if your town has a good art museum, see if they have classes, seminars, or a lecture series and begin learning all you can about the pieces you like. And if you’re in a more secluded area there are always magazines and art books. If you want to make any investment, art, stocks and bonds, or classic cars you’ll do the best if you’re well informed when making your purchase.

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And maybe most importantly, when making a fine art purchase, find a reputable source. Ask around and check with galleries and other art purchasers, perhaps some educators and if you can make it to an opening or an exhibit, ask people there and the artist if you get the chance.