Published: April 5, 2024 | By: Laura

Featured Image: Gallery wall showing various sized artworks

Starting an art collection can feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? How do you know if a piece is “worth it”? As both an artist and someone who understands the collector’s perspective, I want to demystify this process.

Start with Love, Not Investment: The best collections begin with a single piece that speaks to you emotionally. Don’t worry about whether it will appreciate in value – worry about whether you’ll still love looking at it in ten years. Art should enhance your daily life, not just your portfolio.

Consider Your Space: Think about where you live and how you live. Large statement pieces work in spacious areas, while smaller works can create intimate moments. Don’t be afraid of prints – high-quality prints allow you to enjoy beautiful art while supporting living artists.

Build Relationships with Artists: Connecting directly with artists offers advantages beyond financial ones. You gain insight into the work’s meaning, the artist’s process, and often, first access to new pieces. Plus, supporting living artists means contributing to ongoing creative work.

Mix Price Points: A strong collection includes pieces at various price levels. Maybe you invest in one original per year while building your collection with prints, sketches, or smaller works. This approach allows you to live with more art while staying within budget.

Trust Your Instincts: Art appreciation is deeply personal. A piece that moves you from an emerging artist may prove more meaningful than an expensive work you chose for prestige. The best collections reflect their owner’s authentic tastes and journey.

My collectors’ page features original works for serious collectors, while my print shop offers accessible options for those building their first collections. Both serve the same purpose: bringing meaningful art into your life.