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Renaissance Gallery, "Summer Afternoon," By Marshall Noice

Whether you have hundreds or thousands of dollars to spend purchasing art, experts agree that you should only buy the work that you are willing to live with for the rest of your life. We talk to local gallery owners and experts as well as art collectors throughout the region for a “how to” on buying art for the beginning collector.

REFLECT YOUR PERSONAL TASTE
Never buy something just because an “art expert” tells you that it is beautiful or classic. “When purchasing art, buy something that reflects your own taste. You can’t buy something that you don’t like because it may be popular or a ‘good investment,’ ” says Constantine Grimaldis, owner of the C. Grimaldis Gallery.

Mary Cloonan, exhibitions director at Baltimore Clayworks Gallery adds, “When I purchase art, I try to find something that intrigues me or something that I respond to. I suggest that people buy what they connect with, that way they are investing in themselves and in the artwork.”

Your artwork represents your own personal style, so you should choose art that speaks to you. Longtime art collectors Robert and Sharon Dondes agree, “Know what you like and what you don’t. An important secondary benefit of knowing your taste is it gives you the ability to clearly state your desires to art dealers that you work with to help build your collection.”

Baltimore Clayworks, "Plot," By Mary K. Cloonan

EDUCATE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU BUY
Take a class, study art magazines, or ask informed questions of art experts or dealers. Educating yourself is a great way to hone in on what you like.

“Buying art can be intimidating, especially if you don’t have the vocabulary. You should ask questions to find out how it was made or if there is an artist statement to see where the artist was coming from and what he or she was trying to accomplish with the piece,” says Cloonan.

“A dealer should try to explain as thoroughly as possible to the prospective buyer what the artist is trying to achieve in the work,” notes Grimaldis. “Learn as much as you can about the artist and the work that you like, so you can make an informed decision before you buy. Education is a huge part of buying art.”

It is also valuable to get a history of the artist. “If the artist is reputable, there will be a paper trail,” says Carl Stevens, marketing and public relations director of Gallery Imperato. “Get the artist’s resume, a list of museums/private collections he or she is in as well as [in] what publications he or she has appeared.”

BUYING AS AN INVESTMENT
Many art collectors also buy art for its potential to appreciate. As with any investment, there are no guarantees, but “if you buy well, the value of the piece will increase over time. When people approach art as an investment, they should also like what they end up taking home. You have to like it if you are going to live with it,” says Stevens.

“Art will appreciate, but it’s not like a CD you tuck away in a bank. You have to live with art, it becomes a part of your everyday life,” agrees Cloonan.

Madelyn Madden, an art consultant for Renaissance Fine Arts, prefers to view art as an investment in the future. “Long after we are gone, our names are forever attached through the provenance, or history, of that painting or sculpture. Years from now, the artwork that you preserved and enjoyed will do the same for your children and their children.”

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH DEALERS
Once you know what kind of art you like, find the galleries that sell it. Get to know the gallery owners; let them know what interests you. “When purchasing art, find someone you trust. Ask your friends and get referrals. If you are in someone’s home or business and see something that interests you, ask the owners where they found it. It is the ultimate compliment,” says Madden.

“If you know people who collect, ask them to take you along on some gallery visits so that they can introduce you to individuals as a kind of a referral,” explains Robert Dondes.

Gallery Imperato is a contemporary, cutting-edge, commercial art gallery in Baltimore.

Also, talking with a friend who collects will help you better understand the nuances of negotiating price—art prices are not set in stone, so don’t be afraid to negotiate, especially when buying more than one piece at a time.

“When in a gallery, don’t feel intimidated, talk to the consultants and determine if you have something in common—you want to work with someone who can relate to you and understand your needs,” says Madden.

DON’T RUSH DECISIONS
Buying art is a lifelong commitment so you should love the piece you are considering buying.

Grimaldis recommends, “It’s not a bad idea for a new buyer of art to walk away and think about the piece, see if they remember it from the day before—before they buy it. And as far as bringing family members to view the prospective piece . . . art should not be bought by committee. Your father might hate it, but you like it a lot. Ultimately, you live with it. Art is something you interact with every day on a personal level.”

Robert Dondes adds, “Try to avoid impulse purchasing. Most galleries will hold a piece for a few days for a serious buyer, so it’s a good idea to ask for an image of the piece you are interested in and then go home and think about it. Make sure that the piece really is still resonating with you after one or two days, and that you can visualize it in your home.”

Buying art can be an intimidating process unless you have the tools to make it a worthwhile endeavor. Remember to go with your instinct and buy what strongly appeals to you. For people who want to begin collecting art, it is an experience that can enrich your life.

Jennifer K. Dansicker is Special Projects Editor for ChespeakeHome.

Contacts:
Baltimore Clayworks Gallery: baltimoreclayworks.org or 410-578-1919
C. Grimaldis Gallery: cgrimalisgallery.com or 410-539-1080
Gallery Imperato: galleryimperato.com or 443-257-4166
Renaissance Fine Arts: 410-484-8900