Choosing Artwork - Splurges and Bargains
If I have a choice, I will always purchase original one-of-a-kind works of art to place in my home.
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| Spring Freckles by Alena Vyborna 24" x 24" |
I bought this at the Buckhorn Art Festival a few years ago. I believe Alena, the artist, lives in Lindsay, Ontario.
I did try to contact Alena before I posted this, but was unsuccessful.
I know that owning original art sounds like an impossibility. Most art will always and forever be out of reach for a person of my limited means.
However; there are ways to find art at affordable prices. There are times too when you will have to pay full price if you really want the piece.
Trendy art that you think looks good today. But, when decorating styles change next year or in five years will it have been a wise investment?
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| Cute, yes? This one doesn't belong to me. |
If it matters to you that the art increases in value, try to imagine what the market for the art you are interested in will be like in ten years, twenty years, or more. Will it hold its value, increase in value, or end up worth less than you paid for it. We can never be entirely sure what the market will be like when it comes to art so it is a bit of a gamble if you are buying purely for financial gain.
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| Beetlejuice on black velvet I don't own this either. |
I suppose there will be collectors who would buy a certain genre no matter what it is just because they like it.
Think about whether or not you will still like it in ten years.
It may help when choosing art to look at paintings by some of the Masters like Michelangelo, Reubens, and others just to study how they use colour, light, and technique in their work.
Check out some of the more contemporary artists as well.
I do not profess to be an art expert and I certainly do not understand the art market. It can be very volatile, at best. I don't buy for investment, but rather I buy to fulfil my love of art.
I can't imagine buying a piece of art because I think I should own something by a certain artist, then bringing it home and not wanting to put it on my wall because I really don't like it.
For me, the fun part is the hunt and going to art shows and galleries. You can get a feel for the type of art that pleases you. You can meet the artists too.
Buying new artists or emerging artists can be a smart way to obtain original art. Because the artist is unknown, their work can sell for a fraction of the price of better-known artists.
Those Warhol paintings selling for $40 million today once sold for $300. to $500.
Some of the pieces I have are what I call Stumble-Upons as you will see in the next two examples.
You can sometimes pick up bargains at local auctions that don't primarily sell art.
I once bought a lot of three paintings at an auction for $40.00. The auction specialised in some antique furniture and farm implements, not art and not a lot of art lovers attended. The two larger pieces were not very good and I didn't like them. I either gave them away or donated them to a garage sale for charity.
The smaller painting I did like and kept. I believe Jane Ruff still paints, but I was unable to find out much information about her. Some of her work had been featured in a gallery in Peterborough, Ontario at one time.
These last two little paintings measure about 3.75" x 6" each without frames. The scenes are of the Gatineau Hills in Quebec. The artist is known for painting miniatures - doll house sized oil paintings. I didn't know anyone did that until I researched her. These two are larger than the miniatures. I haven't been able to find a lot of information about Joanne Modderman.
I bought them at my local Salvation Army Thrift Store for $5.00 each. That's right. I couldn't believe it either, but that's what they cost.
My Sources for Art Collecting
Look for art everywhere.
I can never tell you what to buy, how much to spend, or if what you buy will be worth a lot of money some day.
I can tell you to buy what you love and if it ends up being worth something someday then you made a good choice.
The reason I prefer original art is because it is the real thing. Someone thought about their idea for a painting, planned it, sketched it, changed it perhaps more than once before they put brush to paint and with their own hand painted a piece of art. It is forever an extension of the artist. It is not a picture of a painting and hopefully, it is not an imitation of someone else's work. It is real and original and one of a kind.
Now that you have seen a little of my collection and heard the stories behind them, I hope I have encouraged you to source original pieces of art for yourself. I believe you will enjoy living with them as I do.
Thanks for stopping by.
Think about whether or not you will still like it in ten years.
It may help when choosing art to look at paintings by some of the Masters like Michelangelo, Reubens, and others just to study how they use colour, light, and technique in their work.
 |
| The Starry Night by Vincent vanGogh. It hangs in MoMA, NYC |
Check out some of the more contemporary artists as well.
 |
| Gold Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol at MoMA, NYC |
I do not profess to be an art expert and I certainly do not understand the art market. It can be very volatile, at best. I don't buy for investment, but rather I buy to fulfil my love of art.
I can't imagine buying a piece of art because I think I should own something by a certain artist, then bringing it home and not wanting to put it on my wall because I really don't like it.
For me, the fun part is the hunt and going to art shows and galleries. You can get a feel for the type of art that pleases you. You can meet the artists too.
Buying new artists or emerging artists can be a smart way to obtain original art. Because the artist is unknown, their work can sell for a fraction of the price of better-known artists.
Those Warhol paintings selling for $40 million today once sold for $300. to $500.
Some of the pieces I have are what I call Stumble-Upons as you will see in the next two examples.
You can sometimes pick up bargains at local auctions that don't primarily sell art.
I once bought a lot of three paintings at an auction for $40.00. The auction specialised in some antique furniture and farm implements, not art and not a lot of art lovers attended. The two larger pieces were not very good and I didn't like them. I either gave them away or donated them to a garage sale for charity.
 |
| 8" x 10" Oil on Board by Jane Patricia Ruff |
The smaller painting I did like and kept. I believe Jane Ruff still paints, but I was unable to find out much information about her. Some of her work had been featured in a gallery in Peterborough, Ontario at one time.
These last two little paintings measure about 3.75" x 6" each without frames. The scenes are of the Gatineau Hills in Quebec. The artist is known for painting miniatures - doll house sized oil paintings. I didn't know anyone did that until I researched her. These two are larger than the miniatures. I haven't been able to find a lot of information about Joanne Modderman.
 |
| Top: "Reflextion" Black Lake Gatineau Hills 1986 Bottom: "The Four Neighbours" both by Joanne Modderman |
I bought them at my local Salvation Army Thrift Store for $5.00 each. That's right. I couldn't believe it either, but that's what they cost.
My Sources for Art Collecting
Art Shows and Galleries - These are always inspirational. You can learn a lot about your tastes in art. You can often find something within your budget.
The Artists - Connect with them and get to know them. Generally, they are very willing to talk about their work. You can get good background knowledge directly from the artist which, in itself, can be fascinating. Sometimes they will come down a little in price or steer you towards another piece you can afford. Don't expect artists to discount their work for you, though. Often the piece is fairly intricate and has required many, many hours of work to complete. Always be respectful of their efforts.
Auctions - Try to get to the auction early enough to inspect the art you want to bid on and set a price limit for yourself.
Thrift Stores - Rarely, but sometimes you will find a piece. It is worth taking a look, though.
Garage and Estate Sales - When it is time for one generation to release the previous generation's belongings, it is possible to find some decent, but otherwise inexpensive art.
Gifts - I have been the recipient of gifted art. One piece was given to me by a wonderful friend and other pieces were passed down to me from family.
I can never tell you what to buy, how much to spend, or if what you buy will be worth a lot of money some day.
I can tell you to buy what you love and if it ends up being worth something someday then you made a good choice.
The reason I prefer original art is because it is the real thing. Someone thought about their idea for a painting, planned it, sketched it, changed it perhaps more than once before they put brush to paint and with their own hand painted a piece of art. It is forever an extension of the artist. It is not a picture of a painting and hopefully, it is not an imitation of someone else's work. It is real and original and one of a kind.
Now that you have seen a little of my collection and heard the stories behind them, I hope I have encouraged you to source original pieces of art for yourself. I believe you will enjoy living with them as I do.
Thanks for stopping by.
Barbara
I am Sharing this Post With.....
Monday Social #33
Blogging Grandmothers #14
The Scoop
Aim Link Party #15
Wonderful Wednesday #224
Share Your Style
Over the Moon #72
I am Sharing this Post With.....
Monday Social #33
Blogging Grandmothers #14
The Scoop
Aim Link Party #15
Wonderful Wednesday #224
Share Your Style
Over the Moon #72
Post Script
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I love supporting artists through art fair and gallery purchases. When I can get something at a gallery I feel I am supporting both a local business and the artist, though I know the artist probably makes less. (And may also add to their price for commission. I've had wonderful finds in flea markets and estate sales. Value may be negligible in the overall scheme of things but they work well in my home and I like them. Liking them is what counts to me. I have more art than walls to hang it so I rotate periodically. I shudder when I think of downsizing!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful and informative post for anyone -- novice or already-collector!
Jeanie, I am glad you are a collector as well. I don't like to crowd things up too much, so like you I rotate. It would be nice to understand the art market so we could make some money on our purchases. Oh well. I like what I have and that's all that really matters.
DeleteWe have a "Fine Art Fiesta" in our community every May.I live in northeast Pennsylvania.Many local artists submit their paintings to be judged. Several of the pieces are for sale so you can always find something original and unique.I am always amazed by the paintings submitted by the local talented college students.They are excellent.I also LOVE the photography pictures for sale.Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol,
DeleteWe probably pass close to you on our way to New York. We usually drive there once a year, although not usually in May. It is so nice to find such outlets for artists. The students really benefit from these shows as well. I didn't mention original photography in my post, but, it is a good place to start if you are new to collecting art. I have a couple pieces of photography that I really like.
Thanks for your comments
I adore buying thrifty original art. Thanks for these tips and for sharing at Monday Social.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie,
DeleteThanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. It is very interesting to see the various art you can actually find at decent prices.
Thank you for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared this post on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter.
ReplyDeleteGrammy Dee,
DeleteThank you so much for generously welcoming me into your group. I am thankful to you for sharing my post on social media, as well.
I appreciate you taking time to comment on my post.
Oh you're most welcome Barbara. We grandmothers have to stick together you know :)
DeleteThank you for sharing with #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I’ve shared your post on social media.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Clearissa, for taking the time to read and share my post. I am looking forward to Linking with all of you again.
DeleteGreat tips! Thank you for sharing at BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. Shared on social media.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lori, for reading and sharing my post. You have made me feel very welcome and I look forward to getting to know all of you.
DeleteA restaurant I frequent displays original art from various local artists. I've been thinking I should buy some. Now I'm inspired to do it. Thanks for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I've shared this on social media.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a nice way to buy some art and support local artists. Buy what you love and simply enjoy.
DeleteMy husband and I have been very fortunate to have lived overseas and to have picked up some unique art pieces that we love while there. We are currently trying to add the work of some local Canadian artists to our home. Thank you for sharing these tips.
ReplyDelete#BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty!
I am so glad you were able to pick up some pieces of art while you were overseas. Most of my art is local because it is available. I would like to buy some art from different countries. Maybe on one of our trips we will find something. Thank you for your comments.
DeleteThanks for sharing this information. I am always a bit hesitant about buying original art. But, I know that it is a wise investment, and I appreciate the idea of supporting a living artist.
ReplyDeleteI think that if you buy what you really like, then you probably can't go wrong. Have fun with the hunt. Thank you for your comments.
DeleteThank you for sharing at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I'm sharing your post on social media.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing my post, Carol.
DeleteI always buy what I like. I have some that I have paid quite a bit for and others that I found for almost next to nothing. Great post.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Bev
You just never know about price. There are some bargains, but, we also know that prices can be quite high as well. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
DeleteI love original art. Sometimes we find it at local auctions. Thank you for attending the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty. I shared your post.
ReplyDeleteI like to find art at auctions too. Thanks again for sharing my post. Have a great week.
DeleteI am not very creative especially when it comes to art but I do tend to lean towards the classics. Thanks for sharing this helpful post with us at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty, I may become more daring! I've shared on social media.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue. I do hope my post was informative and helpful.
DeleteI try to attend the "First Friday" art shows where multiple galleries display emerging artists. We actually have a line item in our budget for local art purchases. They make me so happy.
ReplyDeleteI like the "First Friday" idea. I haven't heard of anything like that here. We do have studio tours, which we try to attend. Actually putting art purchases into your budget is also a good idea.
DeleteI enjoyed hearing from you. Thank you for taking the time to comment on my post.