Art Collecting For the Beginner

Collecting fine art is an inspiring and stimulatingyour home. For a clean, contemporary look, a
hobby for everyone, not just for the rich orgood type is the inexpensive but still elegant
famous. There are many forms of art to chooseNielsen brushed metal frame. They come in many
from, as the definition to what art actually iscolors, but black or bronze are safe to start with.
differs from person to person. It doesn't matterWhen selling my artwork in galleries, I use bronze
what form it takes, the choice is yours in what isones because they make my art look good, and
attractive and how much your spending limit willdon't cost a fortune. After all, many people who
be.buy art in galleries have the art re-framed after
As an artist going to college in New York, it hasthey buy it, to match their home décor. If
been apparent to me that some aficionados ofwood is more your style, there are some lovely,
art may look down on others for their differingnatural, stained wood frames. My preference is
tastes in art. For example, there are those whocherry or mahogany for my home, because they
only buy originals, and never prints. For enjoymenthave a deep, rich reddish color that looks elegant.
purposes, an original isn't necessary to own if theThe style you choose is up to you, just
price is out of your budget. Prints are a greatremember that you'll be living with it for awhile,
way to own framed art that looks lovely on yourand so think of what you want to see on your
wall, as an original would, at a fraction of the price.wall for an extended period of time. You can
Ok, you won't have the same texture to there-frame later, of course, but to save money,
painting (the surface of an original can showchoose something that you'll be happy with so
texture and dimension, whereas a print won't).that won't be necessary later.
But, a well printed piece of artwork is not settlingWhether you like prints, originals or other forms
by all means. My walls are graced with the artof art, enjoy whatever you choose. To me, the
prints of other artists, bought fairly inexpensivelypurpose of art is to enrich our surroundings, add
online, at art fairs and galleries. They are tastefulbeauty to a room and convey a mood or
and not cheap looking.interest. Everyone has their own views, so go
When you find a print or original that you like, youwith what stirs your emotions or interest. Have a
can either frame it yourself or have someonebudget in mind and stick to it, as most art is for
else do it for you. Frames come in a huge pricepersonal use, not for investment. If you buy the
range, from the lower priced metal frames to thework of someone famous, the piece may have
ornate, hand carved wooden frames that canvalue but who knows what tomorrow will bring.
cost big bucks. Using a mat, which is a way ofSo, first and foremost, go with what interests
framing the picture inside the frame usingyou. That way, if reselling it isn't going to give you
illustration board or papers, can set off or detractmuch (if any) profit later, it will still make your wall
from your print. For those who don't knowlook beautiful, As a professional artist, I want my
framing, take your picture and have it framedclients to love their purchases, and be happy that
first, then watch how they offer you variousthey own whatever they bought from me. Other
mats and frame styles. Take your time andartists want you to be happy too. Art is for
choose what color combination of mat, frame andenjoying, so don't be afraid to try collecting.
artwork would look tasteful and appropriate inChances are, you'll be hooked once you do.