Do's and Don'ts: volume two, The Don'ts


Back to trying to fix the Art world, the rest of the world can worry about itself for a while.

In the on-going series of Do's and Don'ts, my I present,

The Don'ts

Don't assume that you need huge amounts of cash to start collecting.

If you have a passion, commitment and an eye for your tastes, you can find good work for a reasonable amount of money.

Don't think that you should only buy original works.

There are some wonderful works that are very collectible that are limited edition prints. Prints will and do, go up in value. They are almost always much less expensive than originals also.

Don't buy Names.
Buy objects. The true test of your taste is if you are willing to buy a work that has no reputation. The work moves you, you would like to have it.

Don't be limited by your home.
Meaning, don't buy art for a spot on your wall. Buy art for a spot in your heart.

Don't involve an interior designer.

Let them pick you furniture, pillows, curtains etc. Art is personal and needs to be your choice. If you love it , it will work with everything else.

Don't be concerned with the age or location of the artist.

It has nothing to do with whether you like a work or not.

Don't think about investment.
Buy works you love, not works you think will make you money. Keep in mind you have to sell them to make money. It is hard to sell works you have fallen in love with.
But if you are thinking investment, think top of the line. Art at this level will appreciate the most, even in a down market.

Don't play games.

Don't do things like taking pictures and then showing them to other dealers to see if they can get it for you for less money.
It hurts the integrity of the art and it's not fair to the dealers.

Don't feel pressured to buy.
Most galleries are willing to talk and share information about their art and artists with anyone who is serious.

This one is important.

Don't try to fool the IRS.
It is not fair to ask a dealer to ship an empty box out of state for you to avoid tax. It is also very illegal.
The art has to go where it will be displayed and appropriate taxes must be paid.
The consequences can be devastating.

2 comments:

Escapee said...

I viewed your slideshow. I like your work. You do people really well. I have a few favorites. I like your use of color. It is hard to put into words. Which is your favorite? I have never been able to paint or draw people. I have done simple scenery and flowers, a long time ago. Do you have any work of scenery?

southernfemme said...

My favorite restaurant in my town is billed as "nuevo latino" and they hang art by local artists in, of all places, the ladies room.

While taking care of business during my last visit there, I looked up and saw a pen and ink drawing that really struck me as nice. Actually, I remember thinking "what a peaceful drawing."

I looked at the price tag and was quite surprised to see that it was priced at what I thought was not only affordable, but perhaps even on the low side. But, I didn't buy it.

Your post has made me re-think that. Tomorrow, I now have an excuse to go to lunch at my favorite restaurant so I can see if the drawing is still there.

Just one problem remains...
I admit I'll feel a bit silly walking out of the ladies room with a drawing tucked under my arm!
;)

Cheers,
Femme

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