How to become an art collector- tips from inside the art world

Visitors enjoy our booth at the Nineteenth Boston International Fine Art Show, October 1015. Photo courtesy of Cory Shea.

One of the best things about the Boston International Fine Art Show is the opportunity to see and hear collectors and dealers share their vast knowledge and expertise about the art world today.

One of the best conversations of the weekend was a panel discussion,  'Art market insights- An inside perspective', moderated by Joshua Rose, editor of American Art Collector magazine.

Panelists included Carol Pinto, of Carol Pinto Fine Arts, Appraiser Colleene Fesko, and Richard Rossello of Avery Galleries. Each had their own unique perspective, but common threads were apparent. Here's what they shared with the audience. 

Becoming a collector is an educational journey. As a collector, you understand and appreciate that artists look very carefully at the world, and share that view with you. When you own original art, you keep re-visiting, seeing more and more over time.

A lot of would-be collectors ask themselves,“Why shouldn’t I buy a reproduction?”

One of the panelists used this Elvis impersonator analogy- If you hire an Elvis impersonator for your party- He looks like Elvis, sounds like Elvis, but he ain’t Elvis. You can still throw a great party and have a good time, but it's nowhere like the real thing.

Becoming an art collector is a journey of learning- it’s not about buying prestige.

Here's how to begin-

1-    Find a painting, sculpture that appeals, and ask yourself ‘Why’? What is it about this work that speaks to me?

2-    Look at different varieties of that style. Most importantly, find what resonates. Diversity creates an amazing dialogue and a rich and well-balanced collection.

3-    The first time you buy a painting, it says something about you. Over time your tastes will broaden, change and develop. Don’t buy too much too soon. Whenever you start, over time your tastes will evolve, hone, as you learn. Buy one great painting a year, the most you can afford, the best by that artist. Then wait.

4-    The key is this- Don’t Stop.  On your journey, you might make mistakes. Not to worry-everyone learns from their mistakes.