5 Things That Could Add Value To Your Art Collection

Posted on July 27, 2012 by natasha

Natasha Wescoat painting LIVE at 111 Minna Gallery in San Francisco, CA – 2009.

As I’ve mentioned in previous collector posts here, here and here, it’s important to collect and archive any supporting documentation or content surrounding the original artworks you collect and house.

That means the bill of sale (documentation of purchase), certificate of authenticity and anything about that listing. I give a better explanation on Art Collecting Tip #1: Documentation.

But in addition to those things, it is a wonderful idea to collect anything else you can which would help identify the value of the artwork in the future:

1. Postcards, hand-written letters from the artist. Even email-correspondence with the artist that may be personal to you.

2. Art books or catalogs from the artist that is available either online or offline.

3. Advertisements or articles about the artist or their work. Even art show brochures/pamphlets that are sent out, mailed or posted could be valuable. You can create a history of their career in a way and show what it must have looked like, what work was shown there, etc.

4. Doodles, sketches, illustrations or rough drafts the artist may offer or discard. If you find articles like that around art shows or find them anywhere, keep those! Be sure you know that they are authentic or that they have the artist’s signature/writing somewhere to identify it’s authenticity. Sometimes I offer these things myself directly, so that collectors have a chance at the opportunity.

5. Photographs of the artist, in person, working, etc. You might have the chance to meet or see the artist in person. Whether they are attending a show, you run into them at a restaurant or event, there is a slight chance you could get a picture. Sometimes these are great supporting evidence of the artist’s career and life. They add value to their history as an artist. They add value to the art’s story. Try to find or procure your own photographs of the artists you follow and collect. You never know if these will be worth anything.

One Hip Baby

Posted on January 23, 2009 by natasha

A lovely collector of mine has designed her newborn girl’s room with a collection of my fine art prints as well as small art murals from Murals Your Way (muralsyourway.com). I love the color scheme and combination of artworks. It’s so cute I want to move in! This is definitely one hip baby!

Here’s her email to me: “Hope all is well! I am sure you talk to a million people, but I wanted to make sure and send you the completed pics of the baby room I told you about. We had purchased large murals of your prints online and small ones from Etsy. It had taken me forever to decide on the perfect theme for our baby room, as I am not traditional at all. I have always been a huge fan of your work and when I saw one of the paintings while I was surfing the net, I had an “ah ha” moment. We have gotten a million compliments on it and of course, it is all inspired by you! I promised to send pics when we were done, so here they are! [...] The baby, (name omitted) was born on 12/16/2008, so she gets to enjoy your beautiful art now, too!!! Yay! Thank you so much! You are an inspiration!“

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Art Collecting: For Kids!

Posted on December 10, 2007 by natasha

Teaching Your Children About Art Collecting

Have you taught your children about the value of art?

Can children be taught to collect art at a young age?

What quality of life do you want for your children’s future?

With great financial gurus like David Bach, there is alot of resources on the net to teach your children about investing and managing their money from an early age.

Starting young has it’s advantages. They form good habits and a perspective on life that promote a wealthy and prosperous attitude. Something that we as kids probably didn’t have! What I want for my own children is a legacy. They are being nurtured and raised to be loving individuals, but also to be inspiring, hardworking, and self-sufficient adults.

Kids can enjoy art collecting!

Here are some tips for teaching children the the art of collecting..art!:

1. GALLERY VISITS:
Exposing your children to art of all kinds is to visit galleries and art shows. Depending on the age, have some snacks/candies on hand to keep them content and undistracted so they can enjoy looking at art. You will be amazed with the art that some children fall in love with. This also gives you the chance to teach them about the value of art and money. They can own prints as well as originals that go up in value. They will learn the art of investing with art collecting.

2. VISIT OTHER PLACES FOR ART:
You can make art collecing fun by including subjects that they like outside of the fine art category. Visiting an animation studio like Walt Disney’s in Florida or California, will give kids a chance to look at original sketches, cells, and paintings that are based on their favorite movies and cartoons. You have the chance to explain the age of the art, what it’s based on, and its worth as an original artwork. They’ll find it exciting to invest in something they love!

2. THE CHILD MUST LIKE THE ART:
You want the child to actually LIKE the work of art that they purchase. If your child insists on collecting 19th century painting of people milking cows, too bad. Don’t impose your style on their art choices or you may turn them off from collecting art in general. This is about cultivating a joy for collecting. It’s not about DECORATING. It’s about how it makes them feel and how they connect to it.

3. REGULAR ART VISITS:
Attending art shows, comic cons, artist events, and the like helps inspire the children. They begin to cultivate a connioseurr’s eye. They gain understanding of the value of art and the work the artist does. It’s another exciting way to inspire them to collect art.

4. ART IN THEIR BEDROOM:
As long as it is hung up so that it’s not accidently destroyed, should your child be throwing a fit that day, or having a pillow fight with friends it will be a great place for their collection. It makes them feel accomplished to have art in their own room. And of course, without question we should teach them to care for their art, and to protect it from dangerous pillow fights! Try to stick to media that can be framed. Young children, like my own always think that because its a work of art, they can draw on it too. Be careful and make sure that the younger kiddies understand. Frame those artworks and put them high enough off from the floor! Give them their own little easel and supplies to create art themselves.

5. SAVING AND INVESTING THROUGH COLLECTING:
By teaching your children about saving, they can learn to save money to buy art themselves. You can help them purchase higher priced works if you want. But this gives you the opportunity to help them learn about the value of money and give them a chance to learn how to save and invest. How cool is that?!

6. ART BOOKS AND HOW TOS:
Another great way to inspire them, is by inspiring their own creativity. Give them supplies to create their own art. Teach them about the many types of art that is out there: sculpture, installation art, video art, paintings, illustrations, graffiti, etc. It will help them gain a broader perspective of art.

ONLINE PLACES TO COLLECT ART:

1. Etsy – a great place to find handcrafted artworks at prices that can range from $1.00 to thousands. Gives kids the chance to own something original.
2. Flickr - full of original photos by photographers that create beautiful scenes. There is a print option so you can buy prints right from there and have them shipped to your home!
3. Ebay/Overstock auctions: like Etsy, auction sites are full of great self-representing artisians who sell their work through auction. You can find great original art in all sizes and forms for all price ranges. A fun way for kids to look at art and buy themselves.

(Image: Originally uploaded by -gadgetgirl-)