There’s a common myth that art collecting is reserved for the sort of people who have their own yachts, live in sprawling estates and collect Lamborghinis. The truth is: you really don’t need to be a high roller to curate your own collection of contemporary art. The world is packed with compelling, affordable artwork; the secret is knowing what to look for and where to find it. This is because there is a big difference in collecting art and buying wall stuff from Crate and Barrel. Here are a few tips to get you started.
1. Think Small
Life-sized works of art are very much “the thing” these days, and while they are certainly eye catchers, they often come with hefty price tags. You’re in Luck however: smaller works can pack just as strong a visual punch, and they tend to be more affordably priced. If you’re relatively new to collecting, smaller pieces will also help you get your feet wet and explore different styles, subjects and artists. And as your collection grows, you can create a wall display of smaller pieces that looks just as compelling as one large work (perhaps even more so).
2. Explore Your Options
At an art fair or gallery opening, artists tend to display a small selection of their work—often their higher-end pieces, or piece they “think” will sell there. Back in their studios, they no doubt have many more creations they’d like to sell. If there’s an artist whose work really resonates with you, approach them (or their representative) and inquire if they have pieces that might be more in your budget or size range. Many artists offer smaller works, or limited-edition, archival-quality reproductions. If you have a particular price point in mind, you might also suggest commissioning a work. Don’t be embarrassed about asking an artist or rep about pricing. They have budgets too and any artist who is passionate about their work would rather help you love one of their works rather than go home empty-handed.
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