Art collecting can be a fun hobby that can actually be affordable. You don’t need a Dali to become an avid collector. Art collectors typically gravitate to interesting pieces that interest them. An art collectable can be a photograph, painting, mixed media or sculpture. I know people who collect old ads, farm equipment that is transformed into sculptures, and photographs of places that they want to visit. Collecting fine art is the most recognized track most people take, and most people will gravitate to a certain “style” of photograph, painting or sculpture. I find that what people collect matches their personal style and home.
Art collectors will often find several artists that fit the styles they are interested in and start from there. Often, collectors mix living and dead artists to balance prices and availability of work.
Along with the styles, most art collectors seek out themes such as landscapes, people, abstract, etc. This is often a match for their living space from what I’ve encountered.
Art collectors somehow have developed a reputation with the general public as people with money to burn that seek out stuff that nobody else “gets”. This really isn’t the case. Most of the collectors I know actually work for a living and simply choose to collect. You can start a collection for a small amount, then follow your path to more exclusive pieces. Buy prints that you love, then move on to limited editions, then to originals or even commissioned work. Many collectors I know (even the rich ones) have a mix of signature pieces and then other stuff they just liked.
Start your search with Instagram and follow the hashtags that feature the kind of art you are attracted to. You may find that you discover emerging artists who are happy to interact with you and have affordable prints for sale. You can also jump to artists who are established and then search out their higher end pieces.
Your search can also involve local artists at both local gallery and museum exhibitions or even charity auctions. Actually meeting an artist and learning their story is a cool way to gain a conversation point when people visiting your home or office ask about the piece.
Estate sales can be an interesting place to find collectable fine art. Look up the sale information and you can often find the house where they are held. If the house fits your style and is in a bit of a higher economic area, you may very well find collectable pieces that fit your tastes there.
One nice thing about art collectibles is that artists can be found in every part of the world. The art collector should scout the local art shows, museums, and artist’s hangouts to find out just what sort of talent can be had less expensively and close to home. Because of the local flavor of some artwork, art collectibles make good travel souvenirs. For instance, the artist Erik Cocks specializes in fine art photographs of scenes, buildings, and landmarks found around the world. Similarly, collectors can find local artists almost everywhere.
An art collecting hobby can be fun and take you to new places with new experiences. Check out the main gallery to get started on your search for some unique artwork that might end up on your walls!
