From my private collection. Untitled, By Carol Oldenburg, 1999
3 Secrets of Wealthy,Experienced Art Collectors
1. Buy what you love!
It is tempting to think that experienced collectors buy fine art just for the sake of investment. While you read stories about couples who have spent their years together buying artwork that ends up being very valuable, they usually start by following their eyes and their heart and buying what they love.
I have seen a good number of private collections of artwork and one of the things that seems so remarkable is that people who buy art love having it around. They enjoy it every day and don't keep it locked up in a vault somewhere.
When I was doing floral design, I will never forget the day I was given an original Picasso (a ceramic pitcher) in which to do a flower arrangement. Holy Cow! That got my attention, but I understand (at least I think I do) that the owner of the art wanted to enjoy it as a part of her everyday experience. Picasso would have loved that I am certain.
2. Make the art you collect a part of your every day.
When my husband and I got married, we were very fortunate to be given a small number of pieces of art. I have loved looking at, enjoying and sharing these beautiful paintings and drawings with me family and friends.
When I was doing flower arrangements in private homes (my favorite part of working with fresh flowers) I was able to see many private art collections. My clients had artwork from all kinds of artists and many were pieces that were museum quality.
I saw original Andy Warhols, original Picassos and original Marc Chagalls…all in private collections. These were all there for anyone who entered the home to view and enjoy!
3. Make sure the artwork is made of quality materials.
This sounds daunting, but it really isn't. When you buy a piece of artwork make sure you ask "Is this paper acid free or archival quality?"
The reason for asking is that acid free, archival quality means that the artist did everything in their power to insure that the piece of artwork you purchased will retain the quality of the work for as long as you own it.
If you have ever come across an old newspaper clipping you will see that the paper has turned yellow and is very brittle and can actually break. This is because newsprint is manufactured so that you can read today's news. There will be more news tomorrow, so it need not last past today. While newsprint actually does last for more than a day it does not have a long life expectancy (there are acids in the paper that allow it to naturally disintegrate. The paper quality is not stable.). This is not a desirable quality in a piece of artwork.
If you have something that you love, you want it to retain the qualities that it had when you purchased it. For this reason, while there is definitely a trend to recycle paper, I would never purchase a piece that contained recycled paper.(Well, never might be too strong, but if I were to purchase something that was going to alter as it aged, I would need to know that).
Do you have an art collection?
How does having artwork that you love affect the quality of your everyday life? Please share your thoughts in the section below.
Make to day your best day ever.
Michele
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p.s. Here is the link to Carol Oldenburg's website http://carololdenburg.com/
Michele is an artist whose artwork includes drawings, paintings and paper sculpture. She also designs various products from table linens to greeting cards to holiday decorations, She continues to have a distinctive and diverse viewpoint she brings to her work. One of Michele's goals is to help people feel confidence and joy, enjoy art, enjoy flowers and enjoy the art of the everyday.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you Michele, I love art and your advice is so handy. I do buy what I love, however the quality, as you say is also important. Have a wonderful day and wanted to say ~ I love the beautiful paper sculptures of flowers you create!
Art is a great investment but if you don't enjoy it, does it really have true value? I love your perspective, Michelle!
Excellent points to consider! Most of the artwork I have was done by local artists of local places where I lived as a child and young adult…not sure of the dollar value but hugely value to me personally!
There was a time when I moved around a lot, before deciding what continent I wanted to settle on. In my belongings were two small paintings that I loved … and that made me feel at home wherever I was. Since then I have invested in art pieces and collected some beautiful things … all of which I love to look at and live with … but those two little paintings still hold a special place in my heart!
I love art too and I love your work! I agree - Art is a great investment but if you don't enjoy it, does it really have true value.. Thanks for this post.
Michele, I do not have a well-known fine art collection; but I do have art of various types in my home. We proudly display art from all our children as they were growing up. Our youngest son is very talented and we have several very nice pieces displayed. Our children are all musicians so we have CD's of their music available to listen to and share with visitors. My mother has made amazing quilts which we display throughout our home. Photos and keepsakes that mean the world to us are also part of our decor. We love having a nice view of the world around us from windows and the deck so we can enjoy and marvel at God's amazing artwork. Thanks for the tips of choosing fine art.