by Sian Whitehall
There was a time when I would have never considered buying original artworks for my home let alone for investment. To expensive! To complicated! When it comes to collecting art most people feel inadequate or intimidated. I thought art collecting meant having specialised knowledge and spending a great deal of money on world famous artists. Isn’t art just for people with lots of money?
It's true that people of wealth do invest in art. It's one way they increase their wealth. But fortunately you don't have to start off wealthy to enjoy art or make money from it. You don't have to be an expert on art to collect art. Anyone can become a successful art collector.
Like me, you most likely already have some type of art hanging on your walls. You may have choosen your art because it suits your décor or you just liked the look of it. The painting you have may even have been expensive. But wouldn’t it be great if just hanging art on your wall offered more than just a pretty picture. It makes a lot more sense to buy originals to invest in that could possibly become very valuable some day. Even modest investments in art can be very profitable.
Rule number one is you don't always have to spend a lot to get a lot. A lot of beautiful art is very affordable. Australia has some very impressive, well respected and profitable artists. Australian art is becoming ever increasingly popular on an international scale. Starting with a purchase of a known Australian artist that is already making profits on the second hard market is a wise choice. If you feel unsure about investing in a certain work of art, do some research about the artist. Most artists and online galleries with provide you with some background information which as a collector you will want to preserve along with your artwork purchase.
Rule number two, if you are serious about buying investment art read up on the various styles and art forms. Perhaps you have always been attracted to impressionism but you didn't know it was called 'impressionism'. This can help you when searching for a certain style.
Rule number three; consider the calibre of artist you are going to investment in. Emerging or relatively unknown artists can be very profitable investments but hold more risk. It’s wise to learn as much as you can about the artist before you purchase. This is where the internet can be a very helpful tool. All kinds of information is available at the click of the mouse.
Rule number four - buy what you love! Can you see yourself enjoying it for years to come? This is an important consideration when you are buying art or anything else for that matter. Whether it becomes a priceless work or not, you will have the satisfaction of having chosen and enjoyed something you really like.
Most importantly, you can become a successful art collector and investor. Don't stand still! Don't procrastinate! Go out and start searching for art that is right for you. Everyone has to start somewhere! I can speak from experience and say that learning about art and investing is rewarding intellectually, aesthetically and financially.
Sian Whitehall
Smart Art Investments
About the Author
Sian Whitehall is the co-founder of Smart Art Investments an online Australian Art Investment website. She designed the website for people who are new at looking at art, who would like to learn about art, collect or invest in art, or who want to buy art at some time in their lives.