For an amateur art fan, the mention of a gallery opening tends to conjure images of pretentious types, clad in black, sipping champagne and vaguely referring to pieces as “expressive” or “moving.” Most beginners wouldn’t dream of entering a gallery without the token beret and dark glasses, much less attending an opening with the intention to buy a work. However, this fall brings several exhibitions to New Orleans’ Warehouse District that would be absolutely gauche to miss. Arthur Roger, owner or Arthur Roger Gallery on Julia Street, provides simple steps for joining the art-savvy ranks:
1. To kick off your first buying mission, look around museums and galleries as much as you can – the more you see, the better. This footwork will allow you to develop knowledge and visual interaction with the works. You will cultivate good perspective by keeping your eyes open and asking questions. The best gallery employees will be generous enough to talk with you, make you comfortable, and explain the artist’s intent for each piece.
2. To pick the perfect starting piece for your collection, understand what you want the art to communicate. Examine individual work by evaluating how you feel about it, the values it expresses, and your interpretation of its meaning. “Art is about pushing the envelope and expanding, not comfort or revisiting what’s already been done. Art is a constant exploration,” says Roger. It is essential to avoid any kind of pretense – just know what you like and trust your eye.
3. Establish a budget. Roger suggests a yearly investment between $500 and $2000, but don’t break your bank. Talk to galleries about policies on financing, and try to pay by the month. Better to buy the best single piece you can afford than several mediocre works. Spend enough money to purchase a piece that will be timeless to you, and over time, sharpen your eye and skills for collecting. See if the piece holds up or if your taste changes. Becoming comfortable with your first piece of art can guide you into what you want to buy next. A final note: different art mediums can give you better bang for your buck. For $500, you may be able to purchase an excellent photograph instead of a second-rate painting.
4. When you are ready to buy, speak to the art dealer. Because galleries are not overtly commercial and intend to show art for the integrity of the work, pieces are rarely labeled with prices. The gallery’s information desk can provide you with a price sheet to carry with you. Roger makes it clear that hype and misinformation exist in the art business, just as in any other market, and this can impact prices. Advertising and marketing are ways of manipulating you to buy artwork, and the publicity and price may not be based on “substantive values of art.” When you go ahead with your purchase, be confident that you are buying for yourself and your preference, and nothing else.
The real necessities for buying art are confidence and patience. Take the time to learn what’s out there and explore your tastes. Developing a trained eye and the confidence to purchase the art that pleases you is the key to a rich collection of your own.
I've always been interested in developing an art collection, but I never knew where to start. And I have always felt intimidated by the idea of venturing into some posh gallery. But this little piece makes me feel more confident, not necessarily of my knowledge, but of my own importance the process. Thanks!