Collecting Fine Art Guide For Beginners

Collecting Fine Art

Whether you’re just beginning to collect fine art or you’re a seasoned collector, this guide will help you to navigate the intricacies of the art world. Read on to learn about documenting your purchase, finding the right frame and place for your new artwork, and putting together your dream team as you start collecting fine art.

Collecting Fine Art

Finding the right frame and place to display the piece

Choosing the right frame and place to display fine art is an important part of displaying art. It not only adds to your piece, but it also protects it from the environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are several tips to help you choose the best frame and location for your art.

The first thing you need to do is measure the dimensions of your artwork. This is the most important step in framing. Measuring your art should include the width, height and thickness of the artwork.

When you’re measuring, use a standard, rigid tape. There are flexible tapes, but they don’t have the accuracy to properly measure your art.

The first measurement to make is the width. This will dictate the cut of the backing, or the matboard. A standard matboard is made of acid-free cotton or foam. The matboard should be slightly larger than the artwork.

Once you’ve measured the size of your artwork, you’re ready to start the framing process. The process is divided into two steps, the first is selecting the right style of frame and the second is mounting the art.


Documenting your purchase

Regardless of what you plan to do with your art collection, documenting your purchase should be a top priority. It can be daunting, but by keeping track of your art you can minimize your chances of being caught out of pocket. There are many ways to go about documenting your art collection.

One of the best places to start is with a catalogue. The catalogue will help you list your pieces in a logical order. This is also an excellent place to record information about artists, publications, and other relevant details. Keep a copy of your records at home and another at a safe deposit box.

In addition to a catalogue, you should also document your purchase. This will help you to establish the fair market value of your art for tax purposes and will help to prevent IRS penalties. The most important thing to remember is to make sure that the documentation is accurate. If possible, get a professional to vouch for the work.


Buying vs collecting fine art

Buying vs collecting fine art for beginners is not a decision to be taken lightly. While it can be a rewarding hobby, it can also be a very consuming one. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make the most of your money and the experience.

First, you’ll need to establish a budget for your art purchases. Typically, a budget of $1,000 or less is a good place to start. But the amount you spend will vary, depending on your income and the works you’re interested in purchasing.

Next, you’ll want to do some research on what kind of art you’re looking for. You can do this by going to museums and galleries, checking out online art exhibitions, or even asking other collectors.

The most obvious choice for a new collector is to get a work by an established artist. However, a more balanced approach involves investing in smaller works by lesser-known artists. This is a smart move because it’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the artist and the work.


Putting together a dream team

Putting together a dream team when collecting fine art is a good way to create a diversified and balanced collection. This team can be a mix of different genres and styles. You can scout for this team at artists’ studios, galleries and auction houses. The best part is that your dream team will be multi-talented and will be willing to share their passion for the craft.

This will help you build a collection that meets your needs, interests and budget. You’ll also be able to protect yourself against being taken advantage of in the market. This is a process that is ongoing and will allow you to continually improve your skills in separating great art from bad. The more informed you are about art, the better you’ll be at distinguishing the good from the bad.

And the final piece of the puzzle in collecting fine art is the proper lighting to display your pieces. This is where Phantom Lighting Systems can be that final part of your dream team. Our light experts have decades of experience creating the perfect lighting for fine art displays. Reach out today to see how we can help!