Collect art like an expert

Make sure you take your time to look at different types of artworks on offer; spend some time looking and exploring the whole fair. Check out the different methods, materials, colours and sizes when considering what you want to purchase. As Mark Jason, of TAG Fine Arts, explains:

“Do some research, take your time. See as much work as you can and make a note of your top 5-10 pieces.”

Comparing works also gives you an idea of what’s available in your price range. Mark continues:

“Buy the best piece you can in your budget … sometimes it’s a case of buying a major work by a minor artist or if your budget is modest, a minor piece by a major artist.”

One of the most exciting parts of collecting contemporary art is learning about established artists or discovering rising stars. It’s not only important to get to know as much as you can about their status and background, it’s also fascinating to understand their inspiration and motivations, their techniques and materials. Deborah Allan of Wychwood Art comments:

“Buying art for your home is a really exciting time, however, we know it can be a difficult and daunting process. It takes time and commitment on the buyer’s side but help is at hand from great advisers. We are here to help you find the right artworks for your space/collection. The key to success is to find the right art adviser for you. At Affordable Art Fair most, if not all, art galleries will be happy to help you with this.”

As Amy Caiger, Director of Caiger Contemporary Art says:

“Traditionally artwork prices have always varied because of the medium and materials used. This is one (although not the only) reason why pencil, charcoal and pastel drawings have a lower price point than oil paintings and bronze sculpture. Drawings and sketches can be a great way to buy an original piece at a more affordable price compared to paintings. If you are after a painting then acrylic paintings will have a slightly lower price tag than oil paintings. Sometimes artists use special materials in their work, for example, our artist Rod McIntosh uses beautiful metallics such as 24ct gold, copper and silver in his artworks, such as this piece called ‘Fractured Moment 3.2.1-1 (F)’. Therefore artworks containing these special materials can affect the price. Bear this in mind when browsing artworks and try to compare like for like.”

You can be secure in the knowledge that all artwork sold at an Affordable Art Fair is an original or limited edition. When it comes to limited edition prints, there are certain factors to be aware of which can give you confidence in your purchase.

Deborah Allan explains:

“All prints made or designed by a printmaker are printed by hand and this is why usually they are more expensive than a giclee print which is printed by a machine. Each print from a printmaker is individual and will look different from the one before as the inks are applied by hand and not by a computer. Never be afraid to ask if the gallery has another print from the same edition for you to see in case you prefer a slightly different colour or version. For example, Eliza Southwood’s ‘Keirinan’ be slightly lighter or slightly darker depending on when it was printed.”