While the same rules apply for collecting pretty much anything you can think of, collecting fine art seems to be the cause of some trepidation among neophytes. The truth is that collecting in general is an enjoyable journey of discovery and learning.

The myth of prior knowledge that discourages many novice collectors is a misleading notion. You should not feel that you lack the expertise needed to successfully put a collection together. That will come in time and it will grow as your collection expands.

John Lennon said it best: “All you need is love”…and in the world of collecting this is the very first and most important requirement. A deep love for the object itself be it a quilt, a vase or a painting, should always be the starting point of a collection.

After that, the hunt begins. Enjoy this process and be patient. Experience the joy of searching on your own terms and go where your heart takes you. Never allow someone else to select items for your collection as it would transform it into something impersonal and disconnected from you.

Buy those objects that tug at your heartstrings. Don’t think in terms of monetary returns or investment and don’t worry if you cannot afford works by internationally known artists. The emerging artists you are supporting today could very well be the famous figures of the future.

Notice how your taste changes over time. If your focus shifts into a different arena a great option is to trade or even donate the items you wish to remove from your collection. Perhaps, you could give a piece to a friend who loves it and, in turn, spark the launching of a new collection. Eventually, you will find your niche. Specialization on a specific medium, style or period emerges with time.

Above all be a good caretaker of your artworks. You are a link in a long chain that will go on for as long as a piece remains intact. Read about how to best expand the life of you collection and how to protect and properly store the items that you so lovingly and patiently gathered.

Time will do the rest and you will acquire a great deal of experience and an education that no other pursuit could have provided. The artwork you selected for your collection will tell your story and your collection will be a tangible and beautiful reflection of who you are inside.

We’ve heard it before…No, not just someone calling us stupid…I mean the fact that the economy is at the very root of all problems during these times of meltdowns, recalls and unemployment. Nobody has been impervious to the recession and art galleries have certainly not been the exception…

Pablo Casado Photographic Print

Just yesterday, I received a call from a collector who has become a good friend over the past year. She was inquiring about some of the new work that we have just received and we talked about how prices have fluctuated in the recent months. She was delighted with the bargains that we offered though the website and told me that we have allowed her to continue collecting even through these difficult economic times…I was happy to hear that…and grateful to her too…

The reason why our gallery offers such deals on work that would otherwise be sold for a few hundreds of extra dollars, is that we invest on the artist rather than on keeping up with appearances. Our artists collect between 60% and 75% of the retail price. It’s a proven fact that collectors wish to support the artists and that they are both happier with their experience when they don’t get robbed by fancy galleries. Who has the money these days to subsidize a gallery that focuses on extravagant fixtures and swanky furniture? The focus needs to remain with the artist and their ability to continue working…

…and that’s who we are. We make our overhead as a business as low as possible. We keep our quality up and our service even higher. We care about the artist, the artwork and the collector…and all that results in phenomenal affordability.

Pablo Casado Photographic Print

So don’t just blame the economy for your misfortunes…Look for the bright spots and unprecedented opportunities…ArtHaus66 Contemporary Gallery certainly offers you the chance to start or expand your art collection at values not to be found anywhere else…Enjoy…

http://www.arthaus66.com/online-art-gallery/pablo-casado/