By Olivia Schofield
Being an art novice can be daunting, especially when you’re surrounded by collectors who have years of experience. However, buying your first artwork should spark enjoyment as the piece can be a great investment for years to come. Art sales have also been on the rise. An annual report by Art Basel and UBS Global Art in 2022 estimated that across the world art sales had exceeded $65.1 billion in 2021, with an increase in sales by 29%. This increase in demand means that now might be the perfect time to start your journey as a collector.
To help you on your way to become an expert collector, we have a few top tips to make the process enjoyable and so you feel confident in your future art endeavours.
Get familiar with different art genres and artists
Art is not simply made up of one type of genre and over the years artists and art lovers alike have welcomed a myriad of textures, colours and styles. From Modern Art to Surrealism, there is a plethora of styles to choose from and finding your favourite style can be overwhelming. It’s important to get to grips with the different art genres before venturing into buying a piece of artwork. For a quick overview for spotting the different art genres, we recommend reading our article on your basic guide to art genres and where they work best in your home. This will give you a basic understanding of genres so you can find what best suits you.
Trust your personal style and taste
After brushing up on your genres. It is time to assess what you really like and want out of your piece of art. Art is about representing your individuality and taste. The art you are buying and placing on the walls of your home should be something you enjoy. So, when buying a piece of art, make sure you assess whether the piece is the right match for you and your home. It is not worth buying a piece spontaneously and not liking it in years to come.
Does it match your interior design?
It’s worth assessing your own personal space. What interior design do you have? What colour palette are you looking for? Having the wrong mixture, and clashing colours can create a space which is chaotic. For example, having an extremely modern interior wouldn’t match the bright and loud colours found in Pop Art. So, make sure you write a checklist of what you want in your home and how it will best suit your lifestyle. This means when you’re considering buying the artwork, you know it’ll perfectly compliment your space.
Set your budget
It’s easy to spend large amount on a piece of art you think will be worth the investment. However, a mistake some buyers can make is buying art which is too expensive to then never generate any profit back.
Now you’ve read our beginners guide on collecting art, why not start your own collection by bagging a piece of artwork in the anonymous heART project auction by visiting heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/. Not only will you be bringing your dream collection to life, but you will be funding vital research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart diseases.
Artworks from previous anonymous heART projects
