Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Myth #5: I Should Collect Lots of Pieces by the Same Artist

There are several theories to art collecting. Some collectors choose to collect based on a theme. Some choose by style. Others select a period. Still others are patrons of a particular artist.

There are no "right" or "wrong" ways to choose how to collect. However, as a beginner, I encourage collectors to start with a variety of artists. In fact, I prefer a beginner to collect based on what they like, rather than any other criteria. Later, you may wish to further define your collection. Or on the off chance that you decide you no longer wish to add to your collection, you at least have pieces that you genuinely like.

The danger in collecting lots of pieces by the same artist include buying a popular artist or fad. These artists lose favor and your collection will be worth nothing. Worse, you may quickly tire of the artist and not enjoy your own collection. Another temptation when collecting by artist is to buy reproductions to increase the size of your collection. Yet another risk is buying work that isn't that great, or that you don't love, because it will "round out" your collection!

If you are tempted (as a beginner) to buy a third piece by the same artist (or even the second) consider your real motivation for buying it. Get another, independent, opinion. It is possible that you may have hit upon a great artist, or even if not great, one that you will enjoy for a long, long time. And that is the ultimate goal. However, if there is ANY thought that you are collecting this artist because having more pieces by him or her will make your collection more valuable, then do NOT buy that latest piece without serious consideration.

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