Our 7 Top Tips On Starting Your Abstract Art Collection

Eiko #1 by Corrine Natel

Eiko #1 by Corrine Natel

Starting your very own abstract art collection can seen like a big step into the unknown. 

You may have been quite happy with mass produced prints and posters, but now want to think long term and buy some meaningful pieces of abstract artwork to take with you through your life's journey!

What makes it seem daunting? Most people worry that they will buy something that they won’t like after a while or that buying a more expensive original artwork makes it more difficult to commit to.

We have put together our 7 Top Tips on starting your abstract art collection, or, indeed, adding to the artwork you already have.

Darting Light by Lee Herring

Darting Light by Lee Herring

1) Make A Plan:

Decide on what sort of abstract artwork you are looking for: It could be painted in oils or acrylics, on canvas, framed or unframed? It could be that you want one big painting or several smaller ones to hang together. Whatever you are looking for, the most important thing in your plan is your intended budget. This will narrow down your search.

Bonus Tip: If you are not sure is abstract is for you, then look at our blog ‘How To Love Abstract Art’ for some guidance!

Newfound Sky by Fintan Whelan

Newfound Sky by Fintan Whelan

2) Be Realistic About Your Budget:

Do a bit of research online or in a gallery to see, generally, the price of original artworks. Being realist means not expecting a 1m x 1m original painting to be in the region of a couple of hundred pounds!

3) Find Out About The Artists:

Find a gallery that you like and trust and ask them about their emerging artists. Never be afraid, ask questions!  

Bonus Tip: Read about how we choose our artists (and why they choose us to represent them) in our Blog ‘It’s a Family Affair’.

A Hold Between Inhale and Exhale by Rod McIntosh

A Hold Between Inhale and Exhale by Rod McIntosh

4) Get The Back Story:

It usually is ‘Love At First Sight’ with artwork, but always ask about the story behind a piece of artwork.  It’s a must for loving the artwork more!  Plus you can extend your knowledge to all those who view it!

5) Ask About Paying In Instalments

It is inevitable - you fall in love with an artwork and chances are that it is just outside your set budget.  Ask the gallery if you can pay in instalments! Most galleries offer a payment plan over a six month period.

Greenwich by Jayson Lilley

Greenwich by Jayson Lilley

6) Make Sure You Have Provenance Documentation:

When you buy your artwork, make sure you have as much documentation and information about it as possible for your records. The gallery should give you a Certificate of Authenticity, especially if you are buying a limited edition print.  

Bonus Tip: Take a look at our Blog ‘Our Tips On Keeping Track Of Your Abstract Art Collection!' for more help.

7) Just do it - Trust Yourself:

Don’t be afraid to trust your own instincts! If you love an artwork, don’t try to talk yourself out of it - buy it! Have in mind that it is a ‘one of a kind’ artwork and whilst you are thinking about it, someone will come along and buy it from under your nose!- just saying!  Even a limited edition print will sell out very quickly.

Stormy Skies by Camilla Jane Gittins

Stormy Skies by Camilla Jane Gittins

The more artwork you buy, the more your confidence grows and it becomes easier. Just enjoy the experience of building up your collection and making your home environment something special to you.