Random thoughts after a couple of decades of collecting: When you first start buying paintings, it seems like you’ll never have enough pieces to cover your walls. However, if you stick with it long enough you’ll eventually end up wondering where you’re going to put the latest one you bought because the walls are all filled up. Artists often become known for a specific kind of work. For example, Jackson Pollack is famous for his drip paintings. He did paintings in other styles but they are less collectible, and therefore less expensive, than the drip paintings. These lesser know works can be a good way to collect the artist without breaking the bank, but know that they are unlikely to rise significantly in price. And even if a piece is in the style for which the artist is known, some examples will be better than others, and it’s the best examples that command the highest prices. It can sometime be difficult, especially with abstract art, to tell which are the best works. This is where looking at a lot of art can help sharpen your eye. There’s a difference between styles of art you like and those you’ll be willing to spend money on. My wife and I regularly find things we like, but the ones we love and are therefore willing to purchase are typically in a small range of styles. Each new piece you buy makes you look at your existing ones with a fresh eye. Move your art around from time to time. Each new location will give you a different experience of the art and will let you appreciate it like it’s a new piece. Collecting different kinds of art (oil paintings, photographs, sculptures, etc.) can strengthen a collection because the contrasts between the materials help highlight each kind of art. Art books are a great way to satisfy the urge to buy something from an artist without spending large amounts of money. They usually provide much deeper insight into the artist than you’ll typically find about them on the internet, and they can also be works of art on their own.
Great points! I love moving art around. But don’t forget about prints - you can get the artist’s signature style for a fraction the price of a painting.
@@christopherwestpresents - That's a good point. I love Robert Rauschenberg but cannot afford his original works. However, he did a large number of prints that are much more reasonably priced. Also, I believe becoming a member at a local museum is a good idea for anyone who wants to learn more about art. Not only is a great way not only to support the art community in your area, but they often have social events where you can meet other collectors. These events allow you to interact with other people who share your interest in art, and they will likely be a good resource about which galleries in your area are the best ones to work with and which ones should be avoided.
what you say is interesting and educating. But from an artist's point of view it is also quite devastating: as an artist it is quite important to be present in collections in order to be interesting for galleries, or museums, or art prizes and grants. And so it's the same everywhere: accolades garner more accolades. But as artists we need courageous collectors who take the risk that the work may not rise in price (during their lifetime). This way, more uncomfortable, important, and more interesting works come to market, and these - so far unknown - artists can rise. Collecting artists who have already won awards or are shown in museums and galleries leads to a vicious circle: this way, art that is bold and courageous and deeply speaks to your heart, will never have a chance (because it might not be 'saleable' enough - yet!). Unknown artists in particular need an audience that is courageous and supports them. Otherwise the art on the market becomes more and more compliant - which the (now world-famous) artists who fetch such high prices today were certainly not.
I’ve only discovered your channel today and I’m addicted 😅 absolutely love your content! I too am obsessed with watching auctions (especially live streamed Christie’s or Sotheby’s) it’s incredibly fascinating watching these pieces of art history being sold. A Picasso very recently sold in a Sotheby’s London for around £14m and I thought that was an absolute steal!
So nice of you to say! I live streamed a couple of the big auctions last November and plan to do so again this May. You MUST watch with us and include your thoughts during the live stream. I would love that!
That cat is great. I was thinking about copying Dogs Playing Poker. I heard of a forger that said it was his favourite of all of his paintings, Forged or original.
I discovered your channel today! Thank you, your work is fantastic and very "well-crafted"! Although I'm not keen on contemporary, your knowledge is super valuable! Oh, and unfortunately I have to say I'm in the "Jeff Koons Haters Club", too 😂 Greets from another "scavenger" of auctions and garage sales, from Brazil!
Mr. West, what a great informative video! The advice you give is simply priceless period. I know of multi-millionaires who pay to receive that kind of information. Thank you
When purchasing work from my favorite gallery ( Coda ) & my favorite artist ( Lucia Heffernan ) they usually give a 10% discount . Would you call that average ?
I think 10% is pretty industry standard. But can go up or down a bit depending on economy and how the gallery has actually done that month. Just be careful - 10% is fine, just don’t be that guy that always tries to lowball everything.
Random thoughts after a couple of decades of collecting:
When you first start buying paintings, it seems like you’ll never have enough pieces to cover your walls. However, if you stick with it long enough you’ll eventually end up wondering where you’re going to put the latest one you bought because the walls are all filled up.
Artists often become known for a specific kind of work. For example, Jackson Pollack is famous for his drip paintings. He did paintings in other styles but they are less collectible, and therefore less expensive, than the drip paintings. These lesser know works can be a good way to collect the artist without breaking the bank, but know that they are unlikely to rise significantly in price.
And even if a piece is in the style for which the artist is known, some examples will be better than others, and it’s the best examples that command the highest prices. It can sometime be difficult, especially with abstract art, to tell which are the best works. This is where looking at a lot of art can help sharpen your eye.
There’s a difference between styles of art you like and those you’ll be willing to spend money on. My wife and I regularly find things we like, but the ones we love and are therefore willing to purchase are typically in a small range of styles.
Each new piece you buy makes you look at your existing ones with a fresh eye.
Move your art around from time to time. Each new location will give you a different experience of the art and will let you appreciate it like it’s a new piece.
Collecting different kinds of art (oil paintings, photographs, sculptures, etc.) can strengthen a collection because the contrasts between the materials help highlight each kind of art.
Art books are a great way to satisfy the urge to buy something from an artist without spending large amounts of money. They usually provide much deeper insight into the artist than you’ll typically find about them on the internet, and they can also be works of art on their own.
Great points! I love moving art around. But don’t forget about prints - you can get the artist’s signature style for a fraction the price of a painting.
@@christopherwestpresents - That's a good point. I love Robert Rauschenberg but cannot afford his original works. However, he did a large number of prints that are much more reasonably priced.
Also, I believe becoming a member at a local museum is a good idea for anyone who wants to learn more about art. Not only is a great way not only to support the art community in your area, but they often have social events where you can meet other collectors. These events allow you to interact with other people who share your interest in art, and they will likely be a good resource about which galleries in your area are the best ones to work with and which ones should be avoided.
what you say is interesting and educating. But from an artist's point of view it is also quite devastating: as an artist it is quite important to be present in collections in order to be interesting for galleries, or museums, or art prizes and grants. And so it's the same everywhere: accolades garner more accolades.
But as artists we need courageous collectors who take the risk that the work may not rise in price (during their lifetime). This way, more uncomfortable, important, and more interesting works come to market, and these - so far unknown - artists can rise. Collecting artists who have already won awards or are shown in museums and galleries leads to a vicious circle: this way, art that is bold and courageous and deeply speaks to your heart, will never have a chance (because it might not be 'saleable' enough - yet!). Unknown artists in particular need an audience that is courageous and supports them. Otherwise the art on the market becomes more and more compliant - which the (now world-famous) artists who fetch such high prices today were certainly not.
Being an artist is the hardest job. I tip my hat to all of you.
@@christopherwestpresentsnot a great response. The comment is a very good one and a thought out reply would have been interesting
I’ve only discovered your channel today and I’m addicted 😅 absolutely love your content! I too am obsessed with watching auctions (especially live streamed Christie’s or Sotheby’s) it’s incredibly fascinating watching these pieces of art history being sold. A Picasso very recently sold in a Sotheby’s London for around £14m and I thought that was an absolute steal!
So nice of you to say! I live streamed a couple of the big auctions last November and plan to do so again this May. You MUST watch with us and include your thoughts during the live stream. I would love that!
There's great advice in this video and I'm thoroughly enjoying this series!
I always appreciate your feedback. Thank you!
Thank you ❤
That cat is great.
I was thinking about copying Dogs Playing Poker.
I heard of a forger that said it was his favourite of all of his paintings, Forged or original.
I think there’s enormous opportunity for a contemporary take on dogs playing poker!
I discovered your channel today! Thank you, your work is fantastic and very "well-crafted"! Although I'm not keen on contemporary, your knowledge is super valuable! Oh, and unfortunately I have to say I'm in the "Jeff Koons Haters Club", too 😂
Greets from another "scavenger" of auctions and garage sales, from Brazil!
A 700aire! Lol, mood. I cannot believe you don't have more subscribers yet!
I’m working on it!
Mr. West, what a great informative video! The advice you give is simply priceless period. I know of multi-millionaires who pay to receive that kind of information. Thank you
Have ‘em send me a check! Always appreciate your feedback :)
What age did you start collecting?
I was probably 29 or 30 the first time I spent more than 100 bucks on a piece of art.
"pretty much an artist of significance and value, will be listed on arsty"
Me with one work listed on artsy:😎
I guess I could’ve worded that differently- but congrats!🍾
When purchasing work from my favorite gallery ( Coda ) & my favorite artist ( Lucia Heffernan ) they usually give a 10% discount . Would you call that average ?
I think 10% is pretty industry standard. But can go up or down a bit depending on economy and how the gallery has actually done that month. Just be careful - 10% is fine, just don’t be that guy that always tries to lowball everything.
I agree... Why don't we have Cabernets instead at gallery openings!
I’m trying to change the world!
White wine is easy to clean up when spilled unlike reds
Vincent Meow Gogh is priceless
Thanks :)
I wanna sell my painting but how l from Indonesia
Do you can help to me? 😊😊
I don’t think I’m a good option. I don’t really deal with contemporary.
I hope you can buy my art.
❤
Thanks!
I covet your Boggs.
Damnit I sold it!
@@christopherwestpresents hmmmmm.