Collecting art allows one to nurture talent, surround themselves with works they love, and collect pieces that reflect their experiences. Original art is preferable to reproductions because it allows the experience of seeing the real thing. While art collecting can be an investment, it is best viewed as an investment in one's own happiness and in supporting artists. A variety of art is available at different price points through various galleries, art fairs, and other venues. Taking time to view art in person and get to know artists helps discern what styles appeal most. Quality in art comes from passion and technique.

1. Collecting Art
Nurturing talent and surrounding
yourself with works you love

2. My Collection
Marlaia Buch Abandoned Joy Tanta Pennington II

3. My Collection
Marlaina Buch Sarlacc Marlaina Buch Mean is in the
Gene, Yo

4. Why Collect
original
Art?
Because it’s special.
“Museums sell reproductions
as souvenirs, to help you
remember the experience of
seeing the real thing, not
replace the original.”
- Lisa Hunter
Rachel Evans Bird House

5. “Even bad
original art is
better than a
poster.”
- Dr. David Holcombe

6. “People collect
contemporary art because
it is a reflection of their
experiences. It is much
more relevant to their daily
lives than, say, Cubist
period Picasso.”
Andrew Renton, Curator, Cranford Collection, London

7. Don’t Buy
From Dead
Artists
Isn’t it nicer to know, meet
and have interaction with
the artist?
Why not try collecting
contemporary art (recent
work by living artists)?

8. Art is a Human Investment
Collecting art is an investment in your
happiness, in the artist’s happiness – in my
opinion it is best to buy art as a social
investment. Art collecting can be both
pleasurable and profitable, but you’ll have to
put the same kind of research you would for
any other investment. The key to making a
wise investment is to buy the best quality you
can afford in your price range.

9. You Don’t Have to be Rich
There are all kinds of art out there at all kinds
of prices. There are many places that are off
the beaten path where you can buy original
art with a modest budget.
• Studio tours • Art schools
• Art fairs • University shows
• Art shows • Estate sales

10. Take Your
Time
Take your time to look, to
read, to get to know artists
to get to know galleries.
Pound the pavement and
look at objects in person to
find out what your personal
tastes are.

11. But what is
the best
quality?
Quality can be hard to discern
because there is no one gold
standard for art. The more art
you look at the easier quality
is to discern. By looking at art
you will find that art
comprises of two things
passion and technique. Along
the spectrum there are
fantastic combinations of
these two qualities. There are
also other aspects to consider.

12. Some things to consider
• Archival quality
• Liveability
• Presentation
Good art has, “Clear intention, unwavering
dedication, patience, perseverance, self awareness
and the drive to make for yourself and no one else.”
- Cheryl Haines, Haines Gallery, San Francisco

13. Making the
Purchase
• If the artwork needs
framing, take this into
budget consideration.
• Feel free to ask about the
price of the work, but
don’t haggle it will annoy
people.
• Artists and galleries are
often open to instalment
plans. I’m a fan!
Irene Campbell and her award winning piece Riotous Tangles

14. And don’t forget to have fun!