Collecting Art for Pleasure

“Art is an adventure into the unknown world which can only be explored by those willing to take the risk” Mark Rothko (1903-1970)     Mark Rothko, No. 9 [Multiform],1948, National Gallery of Art, Gift of The Mark Rothko Foundation, Inc., 1986.43.143

In all of my time involved in the Art world, I have not met anyone who does not like art, but I have met a few who lack the confidence to take the initial steps into the World and the joy of art ownership. Here are a few guidelines that I hope will help:

Take your time; don't be too quick to buy. Especially when you're first beginning to collect, it is much more important to look than to buy. Go to museums and the top galleries. Let your eyes learn what is good, what you like and what you love. If a certain piece calls out to you, don’t be afraid to ask questions:

• Who is the artist
• The artist's date of birth and demise (if applicable)
• The artist's training credentials
• The artist's place of work and residence
• Positions, roles or titles held by the artist
• Places and countries where the artist's work has been exhibited
• Organizations which the artist is associated with
• Collections which have the artist's work
• Honours bestowed upon the artist
• Publications and other media which refer to the artist
• Don’t be too slow either to make a purchase, remember the one that got away!!

Name: Leaping Figure Artist: Carol Fulton Medium: Photography Size: 102cm x 76cm

Focus your collection. It is especially important at the beginning of your collection, as you start to learn what excites you most, to concentrate on one or two things. It could be seascape paintings or figurative work, it could be sculpture or it could be photography. This will give you focus and let you begin to accumulate knowledge as well as artwork.

Collect in depth. Find a few artists whose work moves you and invest in them, in the fullest sense of the word. Buy multiple examples of their work that show the full range of their talent. Ask the Gallery to provide more examples of their work. This will often provide the added satisfaction of forming a bond not only with a piece of art, but also with the artist.

Name: Victoria by the pool Artist: Guy Portelli Medium: Acrylic

Stretch yourself. Stretch yourself and buy one strong painting, even if it costs more than you'd planned to pay, rather than buying half a dozen inexpensive or minor works. Ask if you can pay over a period of four or five months. This will increase the anticipation and raise your standards -- and also limit the pile of "but it was cheap" rejects that end up under your bed when you grow tired of them.

Be aware of the pricing status. Oils are at the top of the art world hierarchy and carry the highest prices and values. Acrylics and pastels are a step down. Original works on paper -- watercolours, drawings and the like -- are generally valued lower. But the flip side is that the prices are also lower, which make them an attractive way to begin to build a collection. When you get down to prints, the price and value go down still further, depending on the reproduction process and the number of prints.

Name: Tres de Tres Artist: Luis Frutos Medium: Oils Size: 114cm x 114cm

Buy what you like. I always, without doubt, encourage people to buy art with their gut, not with their head. If something speaks to you, or makes you smile, or stays with you, pay attention. Chances are that connection will endure and grow richer through the years. What is very important when buying Art, is to like what you buy, because you'll likely be living with it for a long time. Aside from the Picassos and Monet’s, there is a limited resale market for art. So be sure what you invite into your home is something you will always want as part of your life!

Name: Abaco Blue Artist: Derek Hare Medium: Oils Size: 107cm x 107cm

Build a good relationship with your Gallery. Galleries guide you, advise you, educate you on the artists and their work and provide you with as much information as you would like. They provide you with the knowledge therefore the confidence in making your first step on the Art Ladder.

For further details please contact:

Judy Webber
Gallery Director
Tel: + 34 902 888 066
Mob: + 34 696 853 007
Email: judy@thefusiongallery.com
Web: www.thefusiongallery.com
Location: 1 Calle Jesus, Casco Antiquo, (Near the church) Altea

The Gallery’s summer opening hours are:
Wednesday to Saturday 19.30-22.30. If you would like an appointment outside of these hours please call +34 902 888 066 or +34 696 853 007.