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Frequently Asked Questions by Beginning Collectors
So, you've seen some incredible art in the 2012 Fine Art in Dallas, or at an exhibition or in a gallery. You want it for your very own, BUT you're not sure how it all works:
1. How much will I need to spend to buy Dallas art?
There is locally created artwork that fits nearly every budget. Start first by giving yourself a budget that works for you. If you want to test the waters with your first purchase, works on paper (drawings, mixed media, photography, prints) can range from $50 to $200. Also, purchasing something unframed will cost less than if the work is framed. Keep in mind that works by an emerging artist, which is an artist early in his/her career, will be considerably less as they are trying to build their careers and clientele.
There is no shortage of styles and price ranges. If you find an artist you like, but the price for the work is beyond your budget, ask the artist if he/she has anything (maybe a print or smaller work) that is within your specific range.
2. What are the benefits of buying directly from an artist?
Buying directly from the artist may mean you’ll learn more about the work. And in Dallas, there are hundreds of artists who aren’t represented by a gallery so you may miss out on their work of you only check out galleries to find art you like. If you find an artist whose work appeals to you, check out his/her website and if you like what you see, contact the artist to arrange for a studio visit. Most artists understand that a studio visit means you are interested in their work and that you would like to see more of it. This can really be fun! Take your time and feel confident that while the artist would like to make a sale, they fully understand that you may not purchase anything during your visit.
3. What are the benefits of buying through a gallery?
So what does “being represented” mean? It means the artist has been chosen by a gallery to be on their “roster”. It also means the artist has agreed to a contract that regulates the price of their work, the gallery’s commission and sales of the artist’s work in the region. If you’re unsure about what you want or the process, it’s nice to bring in a professional from a gallery. The gallery rep will be able to explain things to you and walk you through the process if it is your first art purchase.
Buying art is an investment of your time, money and in many ways, yourself. And working with individual artists and studios the first time out may not be for everyone. Working with a gallery can make you feel more at ease with the entire process. Plus, a gallery representative will discuss your likes and dislikes, your price range, your space requirements or limitations and more. Like anything else, if you work with a gallery over a period of time you’ll develop a relationship – one where they have a chance to learn about what you want and like. You’ll receive invitations to artist’s lectures and have chances to meet the artists - the personal touches that make buying art even more enjoyable and meaningful. The gallery can also take care of the logistics of framing the work, delivery, installation, proper lighting and so on.
4. Should I buy for pleasure or investment?
Buy just one piece of art and chances are you’ll enjoy it far more than you thought possible. Plus, it will become a focal point and conversation starter you can share with your family and friends at your home or office.
Still, if you do choose to invest in art, and are contemplating making a substantial investment then you’ll need to do some research and ideally, seek the advice of a professional art consultant. Besides books covering the topic that are readily available, you can use this helpful guide from the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) at www.artdealers.org.
5. Can I talk to the artist?
Most artists love to talk about their work, and you really should meet with them in order to learn more about the artwork – the concept of the work and the process used to create it.
6. What questions should I ask the artist?
What do you want to know? You might start with topics like inspiration and influences. Or if there’s a work you’re drawn to but don’t quite understand, ask the artist to describe the work and why they made it. Ask if it’s typical of their work, or a departure, and if so, why? Sometimes asking the artist to talk about the work reveals a deeper meaning or sometimes, like music, it reveals the work is as much about rhythm and energy and really doesn’t require an additional explanation.
7. Will the artist think I’m ignorant if I ask a lot of questions?
No, the artist will think you are interested in their work and want to have a deeper understanding of the piece.
8. So what’s with the dots on the tag at a show?
In an exhibition or show where the artwork is for sale the red dot on the label beside a work indicates that the piece is sold. The half red dot indicates that the piece is on reserve, but if you really like it, go ahead and ask about the reserved piece. If the original sale does not go through you may have an opportunity to purchase the work (you might also visit the artist’s studio to see other pieces).
1. How much will I need to spend to buy Dallas art?
There is locally created artwork that fits nearly every budget. Start first by giving yourself a budget that works for you. If you want to test the waters with your first purchase, works on paper (drawings, mixed media, photography, prints) can range from $50 to $200. Also, purchasing something unframed will cost less than if the work is framed. Keep in mind that works by an emerging artist, which is an artist early in his/her career, will be considerably less as they are trying to build their careers and clientele.
There is no shortage of styles and price ranges. If you find an artist you like, but the price for the work is beyond your budget, ask the artist if he/she has anything (maybe a print or smaller work) that is within your specific range.
2. What are the benefits of buying directly from an artist?
Buying directly from the artist may mean you’ll learn more about the work. And in Dallas, there are hundreds of artists who aren’t represented by a gallery so you may miss out on their work of you only check out galleries to find art you like. If you find an artist whose work appeals to you, check out his/her website and if you like what you see, contact the artist to arrange for a studio visit. Most artists understand that a studio visit means you are interested in their work and that you would like to see more of it. This can really be fun! Take your time and feel confident that while the artist would like to make a sale, they fully understand that you may not purchase anything during your visit.
3. What are the benefits of buying through a gallery?
So what does “being represented” mean? It means the artist has been chosen by a gallery to be on their “roster”. It also means the artist has agreed to a contract that regulates the price of their work, the gallery’s commission and sales of the artist’s work in the region. If you’re unsure about what you want or the process, it’s nice to bring in a professional from a gallery. The gallery rep will be able to explain things to you and walk you through the process if it is your first art purchase.
Buying art is an investment of your time, money and in many ways, yourself. And working with individual artists and studios the first time out may not be for everyone. Working with a gallery can make you feel more at ease with the entire process. Plus, a gallery representative will discuss your likes and dislikes, your price range, your space requirements or limitations and more. Like anything else, if you work with a gallery over a period of time you’ll develop a relationship – one where they have a chance to learn about what you want and like. You’ll receive invitations to artist’s lectures and have chances to meet the artists - the personal touches that make buying art even more enjoyable and meaningful. The gallery can also take care of the logistics of framing the work, delivery, installation, proper lighting and so on.
4. Should I buy for pleasure or investment?
Buy just one piece of art and chances are you’ll enjoy it far more than you thought possible. Plus, it will become a focal point and conversation starter you can share with your family and friends at your home or office.
Still, if you do choose to invest in art, and are contemplating making a substantial investment then you’ll need to do some research and ideally, seek the advice of a professional art consultant. Besides books covering the topic that are readily available, you can use this helpful guide from the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) at www.artdealers.org.
5. Can I talk to the artist?
Most artists love to talk about their work, and you really should meet with them in order to learn more about the artwork – the concept of the work and the process used to create it.
6. What questions should I ask the artist?
What do you want to know? You might start with topics like inspiration and influences. Or if there’s a work you’re drawn to but don’t quite understand, ask the artist to describe the work and why they made it. Ask if it’s typical of their work, or a departure, and if so, why? Sometimes asking the artist to talk about the work reveals a deeper meaning or sometimes, like music, it reveals the work is as much about rhythm and energy and really doesn’t require an additional explanation.
7. Will the artist think I’m ignorant if I ask a lot of questions?
No, the artist will think you are interested in their work and want to have a deeper understanding of the piece.
8. So what’s with the dots on the tag at a show?
In an exhibition or show where the artwork is for sale the red dot on the label beside a work indicates that the piece is sold. The half red dot indicates that the piece is on reserve, but if you really like it, go ahead and ask about the reserved piece. If the original sale does not go through you may have an opportunity to purchase the work (you might also visit the artist’s studio to see other pieces).
