If you are in the market for some art that won’t break the bank, we have good news for you: From May 7-11, Love Art Fair, a contemporary art fair hosting 50 galleries and a huge array of affordable art, comes to Toronto’s Direct Energy Centre. Going to the fair, of course, is just the first step. But actually purchasing art for the first time can be an intimidating new territory for young professionals. We caught up with some of the Love Art gallery owners and the fair’s Director, Nicole Milkovich, to hear their tips for first-time art buyers…
“Buy art that you love, you’ll be able to live with it. Go with your gut feelings, it won’t steer you wrong. Sometimes you might need to make a few sacrifices to get a piece that you love – it’s worth it!”
“Don’t think about other people’s opinion of the art you buy. Don’t buy art because others like it or think that’s the kind of art you should get.”
– Joan Spence, Spence Gallery
“Educate yourself. Look at paintings, as many as you can; at commercial galleries, public galleries and art fairs. Ask yourself, ‘what do I like about this painting? What don’t I like about this painting?’”
“Don’t buy because someone else told you to or said it was a good investment. Buy what you like and what you can afford.”
– Ineke Zigrossi, Abbozzo Gallery (below: Olexander Wlasenko, Stare, 2010, charcoal on paper, 15 x 22 in, $1,500).
“Buy artwork that you like, not artwork people tell you is good. That’s the most important thing. You’re the one that’s going to be looking at it every day, and it should be something that speaks to you.”
“Don’t buy art only because the person has been hyped up by the arts scene. There’s a lot of stuff out there, and you just need to find something that works for you.”
– Graeme Luey, Hashtag Gallery
“Start by making a selection of work that appeals to you, then build a relationship with a professional art dealer by asking questions and listening, and get sound advice about art and the art market.”
“Don’t rely on personal taste alone and don’t trust non-professional opinions on social media. They are simply not reliable.”
– Terri Roberton, Canadian Fine Arts
“Buy something that you love. If you are not sure and you look around the show or sleep on it and still find that it is on your mind, go for it. That is the first step in trusting your own instincts and judgment. And don’t worry about where it will go – there is always a place for art in your life.”
“Don’t think about your purchase as an investment. That doesn’t mean you don’t have a budget. It means that trying to second guess an art purchase in financial future terms will interfere with your emotional response and make you second guess yourself. Many get lucky stories are exactly that. Luck.”
– Louise Lipman, Lipman Art Gallery (below: Clint Griffin, Red Water, 2013, found wood and paint, 26 x 16 in, $900).
“My best advice for someone buying something is to just go with your heart. Go with what speaks to you. Art is something you should enjoy, not be something someone told you to buy. When it comes to technique or quality, those are questions professionals may be able to help you with in terms of getting the best quality. But for the most part, what you decide to invest in should ultimately spark a positive emotion in you.”
– Allie Wildridge, Roberts Gallery
“Don’t spend a lot of money. Remember, you are a beginner. You’re likely to choose poorly being attracted to the most sensational. The more time you spend looking at art the more appreciation you will have for developed work. Many great pieces I think of as sleepers. The more you get to see them, the more they grow on you until you cannot part with them. The sleepers become the keepers.”
“To counterbalance this possible disaster, your first purchase could be about something you care about; a familiar place or a painting from an artist you know or a painting that gives you a genuine feeling or maybe something you remembered at the end of the show. Go back and look at it to see if it still holds your attention.”
– Laurie De Camillis, Canadian Art Collective
“Buy what you love. Buying artwork that you have a strong emotional response to is the most important thing.”
“Don’t over think it – acquiring artwork should be fun.”
– Alissa Sexton, Bau-xi Gallery (below: Cara Barer, Shooter’s Bible, 2013, archival pigment print, 36 x 36 in ed of 9, $4,100).
“If you see something you like, ask your gallerist to see other works by the same artist. Galleries often have an inventory of artworks in the back that they’d be happy to show you. Seeing an artwork as part of a larger series gives it context, and ensures you are getting the best piece for you.”
“Don’t buy something that matches your couch! An artwork that you have fallen in love with will look great in any space.”
– Anthea Baxter-Page, Alison Milne Gallery
“First-time art buyers should get in front of as much art as possible, visit galleries, art fairs, museums, and auctions. This will help you discover what styles and types of art interest you. Do your research, ask galleries lots of questions, and, most importantly, buy what you love, as you are going to live with it for a long time.”
“Buying art is a fun and engaging experience. However, it is not to be rushed. After all, it isn’t speed-dating. Take your time, do your research, but don’t wait too long as the piece you fell in love with might be scooped up by someone else.”
– Nicole Milkovich, Director, Love Art Fair
Now that you’re prepared, check out the fair for yourself and click here for more information.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
Cover Image: Hashtag Gallery; Taka Sudo, “Where The Night Falls,” 2014, mixed media, 36×36 in, $2,000.
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