A piece of art can change the look of any home. Whether you want to frame prints in the hallway or make the entry of your home more welcoming, art is an excellent way of bringing style, harmony, and fun to your living space. However, for most people, buying art is not easy especially with so many options available. Here are tips to help you buy the best art pieces.
Have a budget
When buying artwork, you should set a budget for what you can afford. However, you should always be prepared to spend more, especially if you want art pieces by renowned artists. Most collectors usually regret the art pieces that they never purchased. You should always trust your instincts and if you really love something, buy it to avoid regrets later. When it comes to buying artwork, budget flexibility is the rule of the game.
Research extensively
The world of art can be quite overwhelming for most people. This is why you should talk to people who have experience in the field, for example, art collectors, appraisers, consultants, and other gallerists. This will help you learn about the world of art. For most art pieces, the listing price is usually the sale price. However, galleries may offer discounts to collectors who are loyal, or to build relationships with new collectors. With a lot of information at hand, you will make the right purchase.
Know what you want
It is crucial for you to know the style, color palette and medium that you are interested in. This is important, especially when buying art pieces for decorating a space. You can even take pictures of your room and bring them to the galleries. You should take measurements of the walls and pictures of furniture in your room as it will help you pick fine art pieces that will perfectly blend with your existing décor.
Durability
When buying an artwork, you want one that will last for many years. Therefore, you should start by determining whether the art is made from durable materials. If made of paper, then it should be qualified as archival as it is chemically stable and durable. You should check the backing for signs of mold growth or insects, or any damage. This will ensure that you go home with a perfect set-up that will last for many years.
Negotiate
For most art pieces, you can always negotiate the price. However, this would mean that the amount of cash that the artist and the gallery get will be much lower. Some galleries may accept price negotiations while others do not. When negotiating, remember that the livelihood of an artist is usually the sales, so sometimes leave no room for bargains.
When buying artwork for your home or office, you must ensure that you track your purchases. There should be a traceable and clear path from the artist to the new owner, which should be documented. Make sure that you keep all the documentation and paperwork including emails, receipts, and invoices. These documents will come in handy in future when you want to sell, appraise, or authenticate the artwork.
