Buying your first piece of art can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It’s an opportunity to add beauty and personality to your home, support artists, and potentially make a valuable investment. But for new art buyers, it can also be intimidating and overwhelming. This article will cover tips and guidelines to help you find and buy your first piece of art confidently.
Why Buy Art?
Before diving into the practical aspects of buying art, let’s talk about a few reasons you might want to do so. Art can transform a space in powerful ways, create an emotional connection, and can be used to express your unique style. Owning art can also be a way to support artists and contribute to the cultural conversation.
Moreover, art can be a wise investment. Some pieces can appreciate over time, particularly if the artist becomes more renowned. However, it’s essential to remember that buying art as an investment should never be the primary motivation. Instead, focus on purchasing pieces that you genuinely love and bring joy to your life.
Common Fears of New Art Buyers
One of the most common fears of new art buyers is feeling intimidated by the art world. Galleries and art fairs can be intimidating environments, but remember that everyone starts somewhere. Be bold and ask questions, research, or seek expert guidance.
Another concern is the possibility of getting scammed or purchasing a counterfeit piece. This fear is understandable, but there are ways to minimize the risk. We’ve actually covered these strategies in detail in our article: how to buy art online safely.
How to Find Art to Buy
Now that we’ve covered why buying art can be a rewarding experience, let’s talk about how to find art to purchase in the first place.
In-Person at Galleries or Art Fairs
Visiting a gallery or art fair in person allows you to immerse yourself in the art world and discover new artists and their works. Unlike viewing art online or in a book, seeing it in person allows you to appreciate its scale, texture, and colors fully. You can examine the brushstrokes, the composition’s intricacies, and the color palette’s subtleties that may be lost in reproductions, for example.
Moreover, visiting a gallery or art fair allows you to interact with gallerists, curators, and artists. They are usually on hand to answer your questions, provide insights about the artwork and the artists, and share their passion and knowledge of the field. This experience can be valuable, especially if you are new to the art world or unfamiliar with certain styles or genres of art.
If you are considering purchasing art as a first-time buyer, it’s essential to take your time and not rush into a decision. While it can be tempting to make an impulse purchase, especially if you fall in love with a piece, it’s crucial to consider the artwork’s quality, value, and potential long-term appeal. It’s also helpful to look at different works from different artists, styles, and periods to understand what resonates with you and what you are willing to invest in.
Be sure to search beforehand, such as reading up on the artists, their backgrounds, and their previous exhibitions or sales records. Doing so can help you make a more informed decision and avoid scams or overpriced works.
All in all, visiting a gallery or art fair can be a rewarding experience, whether you are a casual art lover or looking to become a serious collector. It offers an opportunity to explore the art world, engage with artists and experts, and discover new art forms and styles. However, taking your time, researching, and making an informed decision when purchasing art in person is crucial.
Online
The internet has revolutionized the art world, making browsing and purchasing art online practically effortless. You can discover artists and galleries from the world over and buy artwork without leaving your home.
However, with this convenience comes the need for caution, especially when buying art online. It’s a good idea to conduct thorough research on the seller and artwork before purchasing. You can start by looking for reviews or testimonials from previous customers to understand their experiences with the seller.
Also, checking if the seller has affiliations with reputable art organizations or associations is advisable. Doing this will give you an idea of their credibility and legitimacy in the art world.
Taking these precautions will help you avoid fraud, ensuring a smooth and satisfying first-time buying experience. With the vast array of artists and galleries available online, buying art has always been challenging, and with due diligence, it can be an enriching experience.
Shipping and Handling Questions
Once you’ve found the perfect piece of art, ensuring it arrives safely and in good condition is essential. The shipping and handling process may depend on whether you’ve purchased a print-on-demand product or an original artwork.
Understanding Shipping for Print-On-Demand Products
When you purchase print-on-demand products such as posters, prints, mugs, or clothing, a third-party printer or distributor rather than the artist or vendor typically produces and ships the items. Since the printer or distributor handles the production and shipping process, it’s essential to understand their shipping and return policies to make sure everything runs smoothly.
It’s important to note that the shipping times provided may not include the time required to print each piece, which can vary depending on the item’s complexity, availability, and the volume of orders processed. Additionally, different products may come from multiple factories and have varying printing and shipping times, which can affect when you receive your order. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully review the shipping and processing times for each item you order to ensure you receive them promptly.
In general, when shopping for print-on-demand products, you should choose a reputable printing company with proven quality and a customer service track record to go along with it.
Understanding Shipping for Original Art
When buying original art, whether online or in person, it’s essential to know shipping and handling costs and policies. Since original artwork is often delicate and valuable, it requires extra care during shipping to ensure it arrives in the same condition as when it left the artist’s studio or gallery.
Depending on the seller, the artist or the gallery may package and ship the artwork themselves or hire a professional art shipping company. It’s always a good idea to ask the seller about their packaging and shipping process before purchasing. Doing so can help you better understand how the artwork will be handled and shipped and give you peace of mind knowing it will be well-protected during transit.
In addition to asking about the packaging and shipping process, it’s essential to ensure that the artwork is insured during shipping to protect against damage or loss. Insurance can cover the total value of the art and can provide financial protection in case of any unexpected mishaps during transit. It’s advisable to confirm with the seller or the shipping company that the artwork will be insured and ask for proof of insurance before the item is shipped.
It’s also worth noting that shipping and handling costs can change drastically depending on the size, weight, and fragility of the artwork, as well as the shipping destination. Some sellers may include the cost of shipping and handling in the purchase price, while others may add it as a separate fee. It’s essential to understand the total cost of the artwork, including any additional fees, before making a purchase decision.
Hanging Your Art
Once your art has arrived, and providing that it’s wall art, it’s time to hang it up! Here are some tips to help you showcase your new piece of art in the best possible way:
- Choose the Right Location – Consider the artwork’s lighting, size, and style when selecting the ideal spot to display it. A well-lit area that complements the artwork’s style and colors is perfect.
- Properly Hang the Art – Ensure the art is level and secure on the wall. Use a stud finder or appropriate hardware for the weight and size of the artwork.
- Consider Groupings – Consider grouping your new art with other pieces to create an eye-catching display. You can also use accessories like picture ledges to add depth and dimension.
- Switch Things Up – Don’t be afraid to switch up the location or grouping of your art occasionally to keep things fresh and exciting.
If you’d like to learn more, head over to our article on how to hang and care for your wall art when you’re done reading here.
Your Art’s Here and On Your Wall! What to Do Next?
Congratulations, you’ve bought your first piece of art! Now what? Here are a few ideas for what to do next:
- Enjoy Your Art – Take the time to appreciate and enjoy your new piece of art. It reflects your personality and style, and it should bring you joy every time you look at it.
- Expand Your Collection – Continue exploring the art world and discovering new artists and styles. You never know the treasures you might uncover!
- Support the Arts – Consider supporting local art organizations, galleries, and artists by attending events, donating, or purchasing additional artwork.
As you’ve learned, buying your first piece of art can be an enjoyable and even fun experience. With the proper research, precautions, and a willingness to explore, you can find the perfect artwork to add to your home and life. Don’t be afraid to plunge in and start your art collection today!
