Original Art at affordable prices, is there such a thing?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Edward Smith

 

Back in October of last year, I was talking to a friend who had shown an interest in art.  At one point during our discussion she mentioned her hesitation to enter galleries and shops because she felt she could not afford the prices fororiginal art.  I told her how I had begun to write on this same subject some time ago, my belief is that original art should be made and made affordable.  

 

That weekend I could not stop thinking about what she said, it made me sad.  Why, because I create original art and if there are people who love art but feel they cannot afford  it’s prices, I am some-what responsible for that, as an artist.  I shared this story and my thoughts with other artist and collectors alike, their reaction was the same as mine, what a sad story they would say, and they too gave me some insight on possibilities to make art affordable for anyone who wants to purchase it.

 

My solution to her problem was this, if I give her a piece of original art, a signed sketch from my book it would place her in the category of a new collector of art.  I wanted her to have the confidence that she could go into art galleries and not feel an overwhelming obligation to make an immediate purchase.  It is the beginning of a process of understanding art, when to buy, how to build a collection of original art for your home.  It is a process that conjoins the artist and the curator with the collector.  It involves an understanding of what type of art you prefer and why you like it, and establishing a minimum and maximum price range as a novice collector.

 

What I’d like to do is offer a few facts and possibilities that can make your purchase of original art an affordable and exciting experience, by careful planning and then working your plan; you will gain the knowledge and experience of a seasoned collector.

 

First there’s the artist, one who has a certain level of mastery in specific medium(s), whether it is sculpting with clay or by welding metals together to create sculpture, painting in oils, acrylics, water color or use of multiple mediums to communicate interactions both his and others in the world around him.  In order for this creative process to continue the artist looks to sale his work upon completion.  To do this he displays his work at local galleries, art fairs, and other venues.  He understands that the sale is the final step in producing a particular piece, and those sales benefit his continuance as well as entertain those who display his work.  

 

Artist when factoring  prices, look at the medium used (paint, clay, etc.),  size of the art piece, time required to complete the work, it’s subject matter, cost of all materials and any commissions he is obligated to pay for having his work displayed with local venders. So you see the artist is just like any other business person, he wants his business to flourish, he understands that it will take the help of art vendors, and that the collector is vital, in this ongoing process.

 

Going into a local gallery can be as overwhelming as making your way through a department store, but unlike these stores, galleries feature all work equally.  You could find a piece of sculpture displayed next to a painting one could have a one-hundred dollar price tag on it the other a five-hundred price tag.  In one sense it could become frustrating for the purchaser, being flooded with so much work to look through searching for what appeals to you.  But this allows the galleries  to present you with an unlimited variety of art, while giving exposure to all of their artist works. 

 

The best way to avoid this overwhelming feeling is to make a list.   When I go to the grocery store I have to have a list, because if I don’t, chances are I will get things I don’t need, forget what it is I did want, only to realize once I get home that I don’t have what I want.  So start with a list, answering these questions, what type of art do I like, painting, sculpture, abstract, landscape or portraits?  What are my size restrictions for displaying a piece of art in my home?  You don’t want ten feet tall sculpture if you have an eight foot ceiling height in your home so remember, whatever you purchase will take up space. What is the least and maximum price range you for the piece of art?  Establishing a minimum amount is as important as the maximum, art is an investment and investments can increase in value over time.  Finally start a running list of the galleries you want to visit, most advertise online and give detailed information about their shops content. 

 

 Once you have a list of galleries map out an area that allows you to visit several galleries in the same vicinity. I prefer the galleries and shops in Lansing’s Old Town, because of the variety of shops and works I can find in a centralized area.  However, if you travel to East Lansing and downtown Lansing you will also find galleries filled with original art created by local artist at affordable prices.   With your shopping list in hand you are better prepared to make your first acquisition of Fine Art no matter where you choose to shop.

 

Fine Art is one of the few consumer luxuries that remain consistent in pricing, not everyone can afford a Van Gogh painting, nor is every artist Van Gogh, but the same quality of a Van Gogh can be found most anywhere whether in Lansing, Michigan or Venice, Italy.  

 

There are two approaches you can take once in the galleries and shops; one is the just looking approach. Kindly let the vendor know you would like to just walk through.  As you walk through you are scanning for the work described on your shopping list but giving yourself the opportunity to evaluate the work on your own.  

 

Sometimes you will want to ask questions as you browse or upon completing a walk-through of the shop absorbing as much as you can will help you to formulate questions to ask the seller.   Or you can use the direct approach, to walk in and lay out the list of what you are looking for, your price range, size etc.  I don’t recommend this method because it commits too much to a willingness to buy immediately and the possibility that you may over look something you really like, as a vendor points out items they think might work best for you.  

 

Remember, you will be the one living with the art work, not the vendor, and you may still have more shops and galleries to prose.   So when you visit the galleries and shops don’t hesitate to ask specific questions pertaining to your taste, your price range, and most importantly about the artist and  his or her work.  I left out internet purchases of fine art for two reasons, photo-shop imaging, and reputable work (lacking references) always be skeptical when purchasing art over the internet.  

 

Stick to the local shops first, gain some knowledge and insight from the curators, artist and venders. What to buy and when to buy is always your choice so don’t feel rushed to make a purchase and enjoy what can be an enlightening experience,  that includes the artist, curators and you the collector of Fine Art.

 

Edward Smith is a commissioned painter. He has exhibited in competitions in Michigan and two of his passions are  writing and evaluating art. 

 

This was printed in the January 29, 2012 – February 11, 2012 Edition