Starting An Art Collection
by Corinne Cain
Identify what kind of art you like. The following techniques
can help you determine what that is:
1. Visit 3 to 6 museums displaying different types of art.
Finish your visit by purchasing postcards in the gift shop that
reflect artworks that are attractive to you. Toss these cards in
a bowl, and don't look at them again until you have visited all
 the museums on your list. Once you have done so, review all the
cards and look for similarities among them in terms of mediums
chosen, time period of the artists, or the style of the
artworks.
2. Visit your local library and find an art history book that
spans at least four centuries of art from many different
countries. Use sticky notes to mark your favorite pieces.
Again, look for common elements to determine what you like the
best.
• Match what you like with what you can afford and what is
currently available to buy. Consult with knowledgeable art
dealers or art appraisers about costs and availability of what
you have selected. Determine your annual budget and the  number
of pieces you want to be able to purchase with that amount.
• Gather information about the quality of what you like, what
you can afford, and what is currently available. Consult with
museum personnel and knowledgeable art consultants about what
they consider to be quality work.
• Join ancillary museum groups that offer lectures and exposure
to valuable information.
• Subscribe to magazines that focus on the type of art you want
to collect.
• Don’t rush to acquire art. For many, it’s a lifelong pursuit.
Starting a Contemporary Art Collection
Contact museum curators or art professionals in your area who
do not sell.
1. Build a relationship with these professionals by attending
lectures where they assemble.
2. Discuss your interest in collecting contemporary art and ask
for their recommendations.
3. Listen for names being repeatedly identified as quality
artists.
• Attend exhibitions at contemporary art galleries in your
area. Ask for information about any work that interests you.
This will help you understand what the artist intended for his
or her work "to say."
• Go to national and international art fairs to gain additional
exposure to contemporary art. Ask for information on work that
interests you at these events as well.
• Contact prominent local contemporary artists working in a
medium you like and ask them to identify their "hot picks."
• Supplement your efforts by reading art publications such as
Art in America, Art Forum, and Art News, as well as magazines
directed toward just one kind of medium, for example, Fiberarts
or types of art for example, Latinarte, Native Peoples and
American Indian Art magazines.
• Join ancillary museum groups focused on contemporary art.
These events allow you to experience what experienced
collectors of contemporary art have chosen. Travel to other
cities with these groups to gain an even greater understanding
of contemporary art.
• Do MOST of the steps described above before purchasing for
your collection.
About The Author
Corinne Cain is the principal of Corinne
Cain, Ltd, a nationally recognized firm affording expert
appraisal and consulting services on Fine Art and Native
American Art. Her background includes an MFA and MBA from
Southern Methodist University. Ms. Cain is also the proprietor
of http://Savvycollector.com, a nationally known secondary art
market dealer.
Resources
AmberLeaves offers a great selection of products in Home and Garden Decor.
Recipes
Punch Software - #1 for Home and Landscape Design
Walter Drake Clearance SAVE up to 70%!
back
Books
Profiting from Fine-Art Collecting: A Book to Inspire and Promote Art Collecting
Art Collecting 101: Buying Art for Profit And Pleasure
Discovering Art: A User's Guide to the World of Collecting
Collecting Art: A Journal to Get You Started 
back
More Articles About Caring for Your Home |
