The Art of Buying Art

Suffer from Bare-Wall Syndrome? Join the artfully uneducated club. Knowing what to buy, where to buy and who to buy is no easy task – especially for a newbie art purchaser. The solution? Consulting with an expert. From choosing between oil paintings and photography to the debate of professional framing vs. a DIY job, we played 20 questions with Toronto’s Archive Inc. Gallery co-owner Patricia Christie. Here, her short-listed answers.

Expect the unexpected
Consider yourself warned: just because you go to a gallery thinking you want a black and white photograph doesn’t mean you’ll leave with said item, says Christie. In fact, she says, oftentimes clients will end up choosing a piece they initially would have never been interested in, simply because they didn’t know it existed. Her suggestion: approach art with an open mind and try not to set your sights on a specific genre until you’ve seen all that a gallery has to offer.

It’s not just about decor
Sure, the hunt for the perfect above-the-couch canvas may get you through the door, but it’s the work itself that keeps you interested. "Most people start out approaching art from a decorative standpoint, which is fair enough, but collecting can be an exciting and meaningful pursuit on its own," she says. Start with a rough idea of what you’re looking for – both in terms of style and colour scheme – and go from there. One tip to keep in mind: if you want to highlight a piece of artwork in a room, try to use opposite colours from what’s already there. Incorporating a canvas with vibrant reds and oranges in a neutral taupe room is a great way to make a piece pop.

To frame or not to frame?
When money is an issue, inexpensive do-it-yourself frames are a great option, says Christie, making mega-stores like IKEA invaluable. But if you’re investing in a good piece of unframed art (many small works can cost upwards of $500), one you’d like to maintain for more than a few years, having it professionally framed ensures that dust and particles will be kept at bay. It also means your artwork meets professional standards and will stand the test of time.

Brush up on local artists
Finding an artist that suits your style can be like looking for a needle in a haystack, which is why keeping up with new arrivals is a good idea. Not only may you find someone whose work you love while they’re still relatively unknown, but catching them early in their career can minimize abuse to your wallet.

Visit commercial galleries
We all know that life is busy and time is short, but if you’re serious about finding a great painting, make time for gallery visits – even once-a-month trips work. You’ll have a chance to ask experts about any and everything, and, according to Christie, it’s a great time to lose any feelings of timidity when it comes to galleries or art in general.

Read art magazines
"Reading these exposes you to upcoming artists and highlights those who have caught the eye of the media. Some may be out of your price range, but reading about them could help hone your interests and build your confidence when buying work." A few on her must-read list: Canadian Art, Border Crossings, C Magazine and Art Review.

Choose enjoyment over investment
Don’t make resale value your main motivation for buying a piece, she says. The hard truth: an artist's work may climb in value over time but that doesn’t mean selling a piece will be easy. Your best bet? Buy something because you love it and it will be money well spent.

By Liz Bruckner