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Art Collecting 101
by Howard Cooperman, Howard Gallery of Fine Art
A few words about collecting and investing in art...
- You'll want to spend time learning about art and individual
artists rather than following the latest art trends or styles
of today. Popularity and hearsay does not insure an artist's
work will increase in value over the years.
- Educating yourself about up and coming artists can help you
purchase wonderful work that you can afford, before it becomes
artificially inflated. While purchasing expensive pieces by
already established artists is one method of collecting, its
certainly not the only and not necessarily the most profitable
in the long-term.
- Buy paintings that you fall in love with. The artwork you
purchase will most likely be in your home for a long period
of time. Make sure you really love the artwork you buy and it
will enhance your decor as well as add to your quality of life
for years to come.
- There is no right way to collect art. Each collector has their
own method of purchasing art, and it can vary from: buying bundles
of art at one time, purchasing a select piece once every year
or two, commissioning a favorite artist to create individual
work with personal meaning, etc. Find the style of collecting
that best suits you and stick with that.
- Ask questions. A reputable art dealer or gallery should never
hesitate to answer whatever questions you may have when considering
the purchase of an artwork. Provenance, condition, artist information,
and history are all aspects of the piece that are very important
to its value and your enjoyment of the work.
Corporate Collecting:
- Meet with a professional corporate art consultant or gallery
before making any costly purchases. An experienced professional
will guide you in the right direction in terms of how many pieces
to purchase, what style of work to include, where to install
artwork, any many other crucial decisions.
- Identify a style of artwork that projects your company's overall
image or purpose, while also complimenting the existing office
aesthetic.
For example: If your company is a very forward thinking tech
firm housed in a loft space with chrome fixtures and exposed
duct work, contemporary, abstract artwork may be the best match
for you. In the reception area of an established law firm decorated
with dark woods and conservative lighting, traditional landscapes,
portraiture or still life may be better suited for the space.
- Support the local artist community. Many companies build
their collection around a backbone of local artists. This shows
clients, employees, and the city their loyalty and appreciation
to the community and usually leads to some excellent opportunities
for local and national publicity and press.
- Keep your clients in mind. The artwork a company displays
sends a direct message to a visitor or client, often leaving
an indelible impression. While you may like a particular piece,
if the artwork you choose to display is offensive or confrontational,
you run the risk of scaring away the client.
- Keep track of details. Make sure to have an appointed employee
or art consultant keep a catalogue your artwork as it is purchased
and update records as necessary. Careful record keeping of artwork
details can prevent confusion in the future concerning damage,
loss, and value.
- You’ll also want to make sure your art is framed properly
to preserve and extend it’s longevity and value.
- Howard Gallery of Fine Art has experience in selling art and
conservation picture framing for more than 27 years.
Gallery owner, Howard Cooperman, is available to speak with you
personally regarding any questions you may have about purchasing
artwork, properly framing it, or consultation for your home, office,
or corporate collection. Feel free to contact Howard 215.862.5272
or email him @ framz1@aol.com. A large selection of art is available
for you to peruse on their web site www.howard-gallery.com.
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