Art collecting has been around for centuries, with collectors from all walks of life striving to build impressive personal art collections. When you think of art collecting, you may think of just paintings and sculptures, but it consists of much more than that. Art is the soul of a culture, reveals its values, and is the perfect way to express yourself. 
Starting an art collection can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. No one wants to buy the old-fashioned painting that will ultimately hang in the corner of your house and become forgotten. Everyone wants captivating, unique artwork that can stimulate creativity and aesthetic beauty.

The art market is exponentially growing and becoming a wildly popular pastime. But still, before building a valuable and unforgettable art collection, we must review some key elements. This comprehensive guide will provide insights into building an art collection and the types of art you can collect. So, let’s dive in.

What Is an Art Collection?

An art collection is a fantastic way of collecting and showcasing works of art. It’s like putting together a beautiful puzzle full of different hues and textures that all come together to form something truly stunning.
Even better, art collections are incredibly personal; they can reflect a person’s culture, style, or special interests in ways no other decoration can. Additionally, collecting artwork from different eras and movements throughout history can create a unique time capsule for generations to look back on.

The art market is exponentially growing and becoming a wildly popular pastime. So, let’s dive in. Before starting a worthwhile and unforgettable art collection, we must consider some key elements. This comprehensive guide will provide insights into building an art collection and the types of art you can collect.

What Is an Art Collection?

An art collection is a fantastic way of collecting and showcasing works of art. It’s like putting together a beautiful puzzle full of different hues and textures that all come together to form something truly stunning. Even better, art collections are incredibly personal; they can reflect a person’s culture, style, or special interests in ways no other decoration can.

Additionally, collecting artwork from different eras and movements throughout history can create a unique time capsule for generations to look back on.
Art collection procures a unique individual’s assets; it reflects their soul and fascination. It’s about the collected objects and the story behind them. For the keen eye, art is an investment to appreciate over time.

Tips on How to Start Collecting Art

The initial step to building an art collection is to decide which type of art you prefer. Do you want to collect paintings, skip photography and sculpture, or mix all three? Here are some tips that will help you get started:

1. Define Your Scope

Becoming an art collector can be daunting. So, start by defining your collection’s scope. Do you want to focus on one particular artist or movement? Are you looking for contemporary work or something more traditional? Knowing what type of art you’re interested in will help narrow the search and make it easier to find the perfect artwork. 

Starting an art collection with an area of focus will also help you build a cohesive group that tells a story. The unique parameters will also allow you to save money and get the most out of your art-buying experience.

2. Take Your Time and Be Deliberate in Every Decision

Art collecting for beginners is not something to be taken lightly. Take your time selecting pieces, and don’t rush into a purchase just because you like it. If possible, spend time researching, asking questions, and getting to know the artist. Do your due diligence and ensure the work is authentic before signing on the dotted line. Sometimes, collectors jump into a purchase blindly, only to realize later that the artwork may not have been as valuable or authentic as they thought. So, collecting fine art is an art in itself and must be done carefully.

3. Be Aware of Your Budget

Art collecting isn’t cheap, so you must know your budget before buying. Set a clear limit by researching the price range for artworks that interest you and stick to it. You can also look for artwork that fits your budget by checking auction houses and online art sites. There are also plenty of affordable artworks on the market, so don’t be afraid to shop around for paintings that still fit your vision but won’t break the bank.

4. Research and Connect with Other Art Collectors

To be an art collector is not something you can do alone. You’ll need to research the art market and connect with other collectors to help you along your journey. Join an online art community and start networking with like-minded people with similar interests in collecting art. Your local art scene is also a great place to start your journey, as you can talk to gallerists and artists about their works.

5. Stay in It, And Don’t Give Up

Remember, art collecting is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. You will make mistakes along the way and learn from them. But don’t be discouraged if you find yourself heading in the wrong direction. If you choose how to buy your art collection and end up with bad art, you can re-sell it and try again. 
The key is to stay in it and never abandon your passion for collecting art. You should also plan and design a strategy for future purchases. Your art collection will eventually become an asset you can pass on to future generations. So, as long as you stay informed and connected, there’s no limit to what you can achieve in art collecting. 

Places Where You Find the Art You Love

Once you’ve decided on the type of art you’re interested in, it’s time to start hunting for the best artwork. You’ll want to source art from various public and private places to build an art collection. Here we have got the list of where you can get the art you love:

1. Museums and Galleries

Who knew inspiration could come in such a variety of different places? From the classic museums and galleries to the more modern online outlets, there’s an array of options where you can build an art collection. Whether you’re looking for original artwork framed on gallery walls or small prints shipped directly to your door, these venues make it easy to find the art you love. Additionally, they make a great place to explore and experience new works. 
After all, there’s nothing quite like being up close and personal with compositions from contemporary and lauded artists.

2. Online Art Marketplaces

It’s no secret that art fairs and auctions can be overwhelming places for novice collectors. However, these events can also provide great opportunities to build art collections worldwide. 

If you’re looking for impressive works from well-known artists or rare paintings from lesser-known talents, you might find what you’ve been seeking. Watch for upcoming auctions and events, research the art you’re interested in, and practice your bidding game plan before attending.

What Should You Purchase to Build an Art Collection

When thinking about building an art collection, the thing that instantly comes to mind is what type of art you should purchase. When starting to build an art collection, the most common and popular choices of art lovers are:

1. Paintings

It might be worth investing in a painting if you’re looking for a timeless piece. Oils and watercolors have been around since ancient times, so there’s no doubt they’ll remain popular well into the future—emerging Artists.

There are endless painting options, from traditional landscapes and still life to more abstract styles. You’ll want to pay special attention to the artist’s techniques and materials to build an art collection.

2. Photographs

What better way to build an art collection than purchasing photographs? Whether taken by a professional or a passionate hobbyist, photos offer a unique and visually pleasing statement to any room. Selecting photographs from street photography to wildlife shots can provide interesting conversations and history lessons when friends and family visit. Even better, they don’t take up as much physical space as canvas paintings or sculptures, so if you’re short on real estate, photographs could be your best option for building an art collection.

Sculptures

Sculptures are also an excellent option for building an art collection. Regarding sculptures, you can find unique pieces ranging from contemporary abstracts to classic Greek and Roman replicas. 

Sculptures are also an excellent option for building an art collection. Regarding sculptures, you can find unique pieces ranging from contemporary abstracts to classic Greek and Roman replicas. 
You will find something suited to enrich your space with sculptures in different styles, materials, and sizes. Some sculptures are made from interesting materials, such as found objects and driftwood artwork, making them truly one-of-a-kind works of art. 
To build an art collection with a sculpture, research the artist, the artwork itself, and its emotional and intellectual value.

Wrap Up

With these points in mind, art lovers can confidently build art collections that stand the test of time. Whether you’re looking for online marketplaces, fairs, or auctions, always remember to do your research, practice bidding techniques, and find pieces that reflect your taste. 

Check out Lowbrow Art, Three of its Best Artist