Part 2: The Happy Collector

"Winter Wings" 8x8 oil on linen panel

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 Collectors are happy people. (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
In my previous post I shared a few tips and views regarding buying art online. Here are a few more thoughts to help you get started --or enrich with your existing art collection.

Tiny Treasures
Small affordable paintings are a great way to start collecting particularly if you’re not ready to invest or have the room for a larger piece. For one, they’re much less expensive to frame. You can also display petite paintings without a frame on bookshelves, mini easels, or picture ledges that you can find at places like Ikea. 

Flip through any chic interior design magazine and you’ll often see attractive groupings of paintings.  You could arrange them by theme, artist, media, style, etc. For example, I have still life paintings in my kitchen, landscapes in my guest bedroom, etc. Here are some additional tips from HGTV about creating your own gallery wall.

Follow Your Favorites
Like many artists, I keep a close eye on artists whose work I greatly admire. For a more significant art investment, I also try to see the work in person if it’s practical at galleries, festivals, museums, their studio, etc.  If you follow an artist long enough I think you’ll feel pretty comfortable when the right painting comes along and if the price point makes sense. 

Peace of Mind
Be sure to read the art description carefully—check the size, media, etc.  If you’re not sure if the painting is original be sure to ask.  Also look for a fair return policy (most artists offer some kind of return or exchange).  Most artists enjoy talking about their work so feel free to write if you have questions. (Note if the artist has a gallery agreement they may refer you there for the final purchase.)

Finally, whether you’re buying art to enhance your home or as an investment, I absolutely believe you’ll be happiest in the long run if you acquire art you love and the best original art you can afford.

A Painter's Perspective on Buying Art Online

Some of my favorite daily oil paintings from 2012

Since both artists and collectors stop by I thought I'd share some about buying art. Specifically about buying art online. I'm an artist but I’m also an online art “collector” myself. In the past few years, for example, I’ve bought original paintings (this is my personal preference) from sites like eBay, Etsy, and Daily Paintworks. 

Before there were so many options, I purchased art art festivals or galleries.  Certainly, those traditional outlets remain viable for art purchases especially for higher price point artists. I personally know many "master" level painters who continue to sell primarily through regional galleries. 

But today the largest “art gallery” in the world is right on your laptop. You can quickly search online for original art by size, color, subject, medium, theme, style, etc. 

Also, many artists now have blogs or websites making direct communication with them much easier.  This may seem obvious to those of us who shop on Amazon every week but in the “art world” this is a fairly recent business model. That being said I understand that buying any “luxury” item that you can’t experience firsthand (while more common than ever) may give some collectors pause.  So let’s take a closer look at buying art online.  

Why Buy Fine Art Online?

I believe buying directly from artists (when possible) is one of the best ways to support the art and creative community if that’s important to you. And let’s cut to the chase. Buying “direct” from the artist is often a super value. Galleries and festivals can be expensive so artists can usually "afford" to offer their work online at a significant savings. For example, I purchased a small unframed painting from an online artist whose work I know would be double—if not triple—the price at a gallery. 

No Red Dot Regrets

I’ve never been much of an impulse buyer (OK sometimes dark chocolate) but when shopping for art keep in mind that many paintings are literally one of a kind creations. I'm not a "factory" as I like to say--I can only offer so many quality paintings in a month. This uniqueness adds to the value of the art you buy if that’s important to you. Plus the Internet is open 24/7 so if it’s a painting you really want—don’t hesitate too long before making your choice. Some popular online artists sell their new works within hours of posting. 

I'll be back in the next few days with more thoughts about buying art online--in the meantime happy art collecting!