Five Things to remember when starting to collect art.

So many beautiful things!

Choosing just the right artwork can sometimes seem daunting, especially when beginning your collection. Here are five things to keep in mind to help you feel confident, relaxed, and enjoy the treasure hunt!

A painting by Iris Osterman installed in a collector’s home. See Osterman’s most recent work in Fountain Street’s April 2019 main gallery exhibition “Altered Matter X2”

 1. Find out more.

Subscribe to a few art magazines. Artscope and Art New England are excellent regional publications and the Boston Art Review and Boston Hassle are a couple new favorites of ours. Read critics’ reviews in The Boston Globe and New York Times to get an overview of the current arts scene, and help you decide which exhibits you’d like to see for yourself. Listen to podcasts dedicated to the arts or radio segments like WBUR The Artery. Most importantly, follow artists you love through their Instagram, and Facebook profiles, and/or their blog.

2.  Get out of the house.

Nothing comes close to the experience of seeing art in person. Visit as many art galleries and museums as you can. Get on their mailing lists so you'll be invited to openings and special events. Many museums and art centers have special members’ only discounts and events. The more you experience art in person the more you will begin to understand your aesthetic and the types of work the speaks to you.

3.  Trust your instincts.

How do you know if a work of art should be yours? Have you ever seen a work of art and once you get home you cant stop thinking about it? You know it should be yours because it touches your soul, speaks to you in a deep and special place, a bit like falling in love. Good art is never boring, you see more in it every time you look at it.

4.  Fall in love.

Allow yourself to be smitten. Art that moves you will enhance your life every day. When you find a work of art that you love, buy it. Take it home, enjoy, repeat!

5. Buy the real thing.

Good original art doesn’t have to be expensive. Support local artists by buying art from galleries and studios in your area. You will surround yourself with one-of a kind treasures that have meaning, which is much more satisfying than purchasing mass-produced home-store decorations.  

Pond by Brenda Cirioni installed at a collectors home in Carlisle, MA. See Cirioni’s most recent work in Fountain Street’s April 2019 main gallery exhibition “Altered Matter X2”