Buying Art

Advice for the Collector

Look at lots of art, you'll start to become aware of you personal taste
Note the medium used (watercolor, colored pencil, etc.) and the substrate (paper, vellum, etc.) you may develop a preference
Look at multiple works by the same artist to get a sense of an artist's style, follow those whose work you like
Look at original art whenever possible. There is a remarkable difference between the original and even today's high quality prints or what you see online
Attend exhibitions of original works
Attend opening receptions for exhibitions - you often have an opportunity to meet the artists
Ask about the story behind the work
Look for quality - scientific accuracy, consistent depiction of the direction of light, tight detail work
Buy what you like
When your budget is limited, consider smaller, less complex works of higher quality rather than larger, more complex works of lower quality
Consider purchasing pieces that fit a theme to give cohesiveness to your collection
Insist on archival quality framing