How to buy art

By Esther Moloi

Buying art for your home is always an exciting project. Artwork not only adds a bit of character to your home, but it is also seen as an investment. Here are a few tips on how to go about this process…

1. Always do your research. Get an idea of the artist’s work that you intend on purchasing, and what the current market price is. This will help to distinguish whether you are paying a good price or not.

2. Know your art forms. Art can come in a variety of forms including paintings, photographic images, prints, sculptures and mixed media. Each form has its own renowned artists so bear that in mind when doing your research.

3. Know who you are buying from. Unfortunately there are a lot of devious art dealers who will take you for a ride. Do a background check on the art dealer to find out how long they have been in business, and whether their business premises actually exist. Look out for a professional-looking website, this is often a good indicator that the art dealer is legit.

4. Buy an art piece you really like. Since art pieces are an investment, it’s wise to buy something that can always be a timeless feature in your home.

5. Don’t be in a hurry to make the purchase. Spend time thinking about it, and look into whether the art piece you are interested in is authentic or not, so you can see whether it is worth the purchase. Also take into consideration whether you connect with the work.

6. Artworks require quite a bit of care. Prepare yourself to keep the piece in great condition and keep it from being damaged.

7. Don’t follow the crowd and believe the stereotypes. Art has moved from just folk art and paintings to include works by photographers, digital and even graffiti artists. The art space has become bigger and allows for more alternative pieces to become investment pieces.

8. Understand that the art market is often fluctuating. Your investment wont necessarily be short term, but rather long term. If you are solely interested in being an art investor, don’t get too emotionally attached to your items, so that you can let them go when the time is right.

9. If you really want to take art buying seriously, find an expert art advisor to assist you. An art advisor will be able to assist you with bargains on artworks and help you spot artworks with the potential of becoming very valuable.

10. Rather buy from the artist. Meeting the artists behind the work and finding out what inspired their work adds more significance to the art piece than just buying from a gallery that doesn’t take the time to know the artist. Attend regular art exhibitions to stay abreast of what’s happening within the art space.