4 Affordable Ways to Start an Art Collection

Several years ago, at a lecture on creating a personal art collection, a man in his twenties raised his hand.

“I’ve just bought my first house,” he said, “and I want to fill it with original art, but I can’t yet afford the kind of art you’ve been talking about. How can I start an art collection?”

Sitting in the audience, I thought this was a fantastic question. Our lecturer was a successful art advisor and I was excited to hear her ideas, but when she answered, I couldn’t have been more shocked.

“I’d advise you to save your money until you can afford it,” she told him. “It’s best to collect art with a capital ‘A’.”

The room grew quiet, understandably so, because while many of us would love to fill our homes with Monets and Warhols, few of us can realistically afford it. Is it any wonder, then,  that so many people opt for off-the-shelf art at Homegoods or just hang another mirror and be done with it? This idea is such a disservice to both collectors and artists. Most artists will never see their work on the walls at MoMA, but that doesn’t mean their work isn’t worthy of collection! And the message that only the 1% deserve original art on their walls is completely ridiculous. 

Original art should (and can be) attainable whether you take a blank check to Art Basel or follow a budget every month! 

Over the years, I’ve had several clients express a desire for original art, but a fear that it was either too difficult to find or out of their price range. I realized that on one hand, there was a large group of people searching for art…and on the other, any number of highly talented artists looking for patrons. At Sunshine State Studios, my goal was to connect the two. In the process of doing so, I have become certain of one thing: Regardless of your budget or how established you are a a collector, you can own wonderful original art.

If you are a new collector, keep reading for my favorite spots to find affordable art!

EMERGING ARTISTS

This option may be my favorite way to start a collection. Buying work from an emerging artist is a win-win…you get amazing art while helping to build an artist’s career. One of my first purchases as an art collector was a student work and it still brings me joy!

Supplies are expensive and sales may not be steady for an artist just transitioning into professional practice. Purchasing from an artist early in their career means you are a part of their success! University exhibitions and emerging artist shows often have extraordinary talent in their midst and you can generally own them for a fraction of the cost of established artist. (If you are in the Tampa area, I can’t recommend the emerging artist tents at the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts enough!) 

FINE ART PRINTS

Fine art prints (made from an original) are a fabulous way to own a piece from an artist that might otherwise be out of your budget. Although these works are not one-of-a-kind, they differ from off-the-shelf retail products in a few very important ways. First and foremost, these prints are limited edition and numbered, meaning there might be 20 other prints, not 20,000. The prints are also directly supporting the artist. Your money is going not to a big box retailer, but into the pocket of an artist you admire, allowing them to create more work. Most importantly, the art in your home should speak to you personally, otherwise it is only white noise. Buying a print from an artist, whose work sparks something in you, will continually add value to your space in a way that a bland mass produced item will not. 

VINTAGE WORK

I grew up scouring estate sales and antique stores for treasures. Some of my best finds have been original art! 

These venues offer a wide variety of works, from unsigned pieces to highly collectible work from well-known, established artists. If you love history or a good treasure hunt, purchasing vintage art is a fantastic option. Vintage art also adds richness to an interior and makes it entirely unique. And, as an artist myself, I love the idea that after I am gone, my work could still be displayed and enjoyed. Although the artist is not benefiting financially from your purchase, you are preserving their work for future generations. 

SMALL SCALE WORKS/ ALTERNATE MEDIUMS

If you’ve ever walked through a festival and fallen in love with a piece, only to discover you can’t afford it, don’t assume that’s the final word! I urge clients to be flexible to make their budget work with an artist they connect with. Perhaps you can’t afford the 30” x 40” large scale painting, but you can afford an 8” x 8” canvas. Maybe the artist’s hand-drawn pieces are too expensive, but her lithographs are within your budget. A small piece that is truly special to you will enrich your interior more that a huge painting that makes you feel nothing. Bigger is not always better. Be open to exploring all the options an artist has available!

Everyone has to start somewhere, so don’t be intimidated to collect art—even if you are doing so economically. Acquiring original art will add so much joy to your space, you will wish you started sooner! And, of course, if doing the legwork to find the right piece isn’t for you, reach out to me. I can help you find the perfect piece for your budget!