Purchasing your first artwork and starting an art collection shouldn’t feel like a daunting task. You may be well versed on what it is that you want but if you are not, that is ok too. This doesn’t need to be a life-defining moment with a clear path on what artists, medium or theme you are interested in. Have fun, follow some sensible steps and time will do the rest.
My top tips on purchasing your first artwork…
- Consider artists that engage in critical thinking. They will stand the pass of fads and time.
- Ascertain your budget. In general, for a modest budget I would recommend to consider limited editions, works on paper and photography by young artists or small scale works.
- Degree shows at renowned art colleges remain great places to uncover talent before their market goes up. However, on the race to discover the next big hit, galleries are already on the hunt at this stage and prices may not seem as low as you would expect…
- The online art market is booming with online auctions, tech start-ups and social media making art and artists super accessible. First-hand experience has no replacement though. Enjoy the real thing. Make sure you are familiar with a work before you purchase it.
- Rejoice in the details. Since we are focusing on limited editions, it is worth remembering that in art is not all about uniqueness. Screenprints, lithographs, woodcuts, etchings… are all different printing techniques that make huge differences in the way paper absorbs ink and colour. The paper type and quality will also give a specific texture to the surface of the work and imbue it with enormous glossy vibrancy or a velvety finish. Similarly, bronze cast editions are a fantastic way to make sculpture more accessible without compromising on the weight, feel and presence of a work.
- No matter how big or small the purchase. Always follow three basic steps: Research. Condition. Documentation.
Budget, size, where is the work going to be displayed, style, your taste… all need to be considered. However, I felt like going shopping today! Counter Editions’ current commissions caught my eye so below I include a few ideas on where to start if you are a total newbie.
Edition of 120
C-type photograph
50 x 60 cm (20 x 24 in)
£2,000
Edition of 150
Inkjet with one colour screenprint and one glaze on 300gsm Somerset Photosatin paper
76 x 60cm
£540
Edition of 100
2 colour screenprint. Printed on Somerset Tub Sized 410 gsm paper
100 x 75 cm (40 x 30 in)
£1,000
Edition of 75
4 colour screenprint using ink with Puff Additive on Somerset Tub Sized Satin 410gsm
60 x 42 cm (24 x 16.5 in)
£400
Edition of 20
Hand painted bronze
14 x 8.5 x 16.5 cm (5.51 x 3.35 x 6.5 in)
£1,500
Edition of 45
Bronze
17 x 12.5 x 6.5 cm
Accompanied by a numbered and dated certificate, signed by the artist
£8,000.00
Edition of 200
Hard ground etching on 300gms Somerset TP paper.
66 x 44cm (26 x 17 in)
£900
