Art as an investment

It is possible to buy art at competitive prices. What counts is the right mindset.

Why buy art?

In the world today money buys everything you want (and lots you probably don't want). There is no shortage of luxury articles. However, these things don't have personality attached. You can buy a piece of art, but not the mystery it bears. An experience that only exists once and can not be transmitted in this intensity among all the other things on the market. Sometimes the artists themselves don't even know how they created their work of art as if they were the tool of their inspiration.

Whoever wants to invest in art can either support the past masters or the upcoming generation of artists today. If you buy a famous piece your money is well invested and value will increase. In this case you must invest more, at a slowly climbing profit. Should you buy from a newcomer it is not sure if he or she can maintain the state of an artist, and if there will be a breakthrough. However, should there be one can you count on an enormous profit. If you buy the right piece at the right time you can make a fortune.

• Buy early and at a good price. You might well discover a promising talent which can be rewarding.
• Have the courage to buy young art if you are convinced of the quality and you checked a few important points.
• Talent can be recognized early. This doesn't mean, however, that the artist might achieve a certain popularity.
• Only buy original art which is signed by the artist.
• Make sure you know if an artist only creates some interesting works in his spare time, or if the person is actually mad about art and therefore has been working wholeheartedly for several years.
• Is the artist convincing? Is it authentic or an imitation? Is there personality in it? Does he or she manage to catch the viewer in a tight corner?
• Is it innovative in whichever form? Are there unusual perspectives? Or has it been there many times by different artists? Only innovative artists earn their title.
• Do some research about the artist. Try to get in contact with him or her. Try to get familiar with this mindset. A connection between the collector and the artist might develop which goes beyond the business.
• Don't listen to the general public about a piece of art or its artist. Buy with courage and an own opinion, with feeling, intellect and knowledge about the world of art and the artist.
• Be sure to look for flaws. Is the piece defect? Is the defect intended? Consult someone who knows about it.
• Get experienced and get informed. Talk to artists, gallery owners, art critics, and exhibitions.