Buying art for the first time
Kate Richardson: Preparing for the Longest Night
Buying art for the first time should be an exciting new journey, but it can also be daunting. You may have just finished a building project or moved into a new home. What are you going to do with those bare walls? People buy art for many reasons. They want to mark a life-changing occasion—an unexpected windfall, an inheritance, retirement, a promotion or a birth—with a piece of art. But where to start?
The first thing is to establish your style. Do you like abstract, representational or figurative art? Be curious and stay open.
Craig Underhill: Water Edge with Red Square
If buying art in a partnership, question how you make decisions. Understanding your partner's requirements will enable you to reach a decision together without frustration. Communicate with each other about your likes, dislikes and the reasons behind them. The process should be enjoyable.
Consider who will most benefit from the space where the art will be presented. If they love a piece, but you don't, is it a room you use? Could it be in their personal space that isn't shared?
Make a list of where you are buying art for. Start with one room or even just one piece of art, then add to your collection as you become more confident with your choices.
Jonathan Smith: Walk to the Headland
Do you need to decorate your house? Can you allow the art to inform the colours in the room/space instead of the other way around? Buying a piece of art just because it matches your sofa or walls is inadvisable. Understandably it can be a starting point, but it is the last resort because the artwork will outlive your furniture and home. Ideally, significant art should be the main feature of your décor.
One of the most important things should be that you love the artwork. If you love it, it will fit into your space.
Kellie Miller: Symphony (Limited edition print)
You can fill wall spaces quickly by adding inexpensive prints and replacing them when you have the resources. If you intend to acquire editions to solve the problem of empty walls, make sure it is a print you want or, if it is a temporary solution, that they are not more expensive than purchasing an original you would rather have.
See as much art as possible and identify which galleries you like. A good gallery will keep you informed of up-and-coming events and new collections. Have conversations with the gallery consultants and sign up for their newsletters. You will begin to trust the gallery owners' judgement about the artworks they are selecting, and in time, you will feel confident buying art from them.
In summary–
What do you want to achieve?
Where are you buying the art for?
What sort of art do you like?
Do you need to agree on the pieces?
How do you reach your decisions?
What is your budget?
Buy one or two pieces at a time.
Helen Phoenix: The Fisher King