Choose a knowledgeable, experienced art dealer and consult them as you would your stock broker. A good art dealer will keep you up to speed on new releases by top artists and talented emerging artists. We are very experienced in the art industry and can tell you what's hot and what's not. We will happily make professional recommendations to help you start or enhance your current collection.
First, start with the art, or simply select art you like. Next find out about the artist and the medium by working with a reputable gallery. Also when you're out visiting friends and relatives write down the title and name of the artist for any images you see and like. Bring the information to us and we'll try to locate the work for you and check on any other works the artist may have.
Look at a variety of artists and get to know their style. Visit your gallery often to see what's new by artists you like. But once you see work you like, buy it. New collectors procrastinate on purchasing work, and regret it when the piece they like sells out. We can work with you to help you get the piece you want before it's too late.
Equally as important, when you see great work by emerging artist's, buy it. They may not have the popularity of established artists, but their prices are often lower. Plus, it is better to have a great work by a lesser known artist than to have a mediocre piece by a well-known artist. We can keep you up to speed on emerging artists.
Finally, to build a quality collection try to purchase either limited edition or original art. An exception is if the artist has personally signed or artistically enhanced an open edition print.
RESEARCH AND PREPARATION
What rest and relaxation are to your sanity, research and preparation are to your art collection. Rely on your art dealer, but improve your knowledge so you can be more informed.
Learn about various artists and standard printing techniques to understand what you're buying. There is a big difference between a lithograph and a serigraph, financially and technically. Become familiar with the basics of proper framing and care for art. Decide to be Art Smart and read on.
FRAMING MATTERS
Conservation or Museum Framing - Conservation framing is essential to preserve valuable artwork, and to protect not only the investment or resale value but the look of the graphic as well. Conservation framing involves the use of only acid free matting and framing materials. We highly recommend this framing for all significant artwork.
Standard Framing - Best for open edition prints which don't require the more expensive conservation framing method.
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Certain conditions can, over time, cause serious damage, even to properly framed artworks. Take care to preserve your art
work.
Light: Avoid hanging artwork in rooms with direct and indirect sunlight, and/or fluorescent lighting. Their ultra-violet rays are harmful to paper, certain inks, and colors. Install specially treated Plexiglas under glass where lighting cannot be controlled to effectively filter out UV rays.
Pastels or chalk: Never frame this type of artwork with plastic. Plastic creates static electricity, which can cause chalk particles to gravitate from the paper to the plastic.
Heat: Do not hang art near radiators or other sources of heat, or on walls which contain flues.
Humidity: if the humidity in your area exceeds 70% for periods of the year, dehumidify or air-condition where works of art are hanging. Avoid hanging art on damp walls. Very dry conditions, may encourage brittleness, and should be avoided. Picture glass is essential to protection against dirt and pollutants, but the art should not touch the glass. Moisture condenses inside of the glass and could eventually stain the prints.
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