Etienne Kiss-Borlase provides a few pieces of advice to help new art collectors build their collection.

1. FOR BEGINNERS
HOW TO START AN ART COLLECTION
ETIENNE KISS-BORLASE

2. Introduction
NO MATTER WHAT YOUR AGE IS, IF YOU HAVE
ALWAYS ADMIRED ART AND HAVE WANTED TO HAVE
YOUR OWN ART COLLECTION TO VIEW, APPRECIATE,
AND ENHANCE YOUR HOME, FOLLOWING ARE SOME
SUGGESTIONS AS TO HOW YOU CAN SLOWLY BEGIN
THIS EXCITING AND UNIQUE HOBBY/INVESTMENT.

3. Research Before Buying
Have the fun of getting to know what type of art and which
artists really appeal to you. You can do a lot of that online at
your leisure, but it is even more enjoyable if you are able to go
to art galleries, openings, exhibitions, and art fairs to get a
major feel for what will really “turn you on.”
Find out about the artists, their various works, what their
styles are, the galleries where they have been featured and
shows they have been in, their previous sales, and as much
information as you can put together.
A great many artists will also sell their art for extremely
reasonable prices on their own websites or on Instagram
because they don’t have to pay all the extra costs involved in
commissions when represented by galleries. You can also save
money by going to auctions during the off-season.

4. Making
Purchases
Once you have looked at length,
realize what your particular tastes
are, and you suddenly see something
that jumps out at you and is within
your budget, go ahead and make the
purchase. You will stretch your
dollars if you consider an emerging
artist that is new with his or her
career but is being successful at
making sales as compared to a popular
and established artist.

5. Consider Prints or Multiples
If you just “have” to own a certain piece of art or photographs offered by a
particular artist but just cannot afford an original, there are often prints available
at a much lower price. For example, check out benefit auctions where the
proceeds will go to a specific charity that you are happy to help sponsor.

6. What is Editioned
Work?
That means that a set number of the prints or photographs
has been designated, and once that number has been sold, no
more can be purchased. In addition to your knowledge that
you have something unique, there is a better chance of the
piece increasing in value over time because of being a
limited edition.

7. For Pleasure or as an Investment
Whichever way you decide to dedicate your art
collection, the main idea is to have something
delightful to look at and which will add to your
decor.