Why Invest In Art?
No matter what the reasons for buying it, selecting a work of art is a pleasurable, enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you get started turning your blank canvas into a work of art. Why are you looking to buy? Is it for you and your home or office? Is it a gift for a loved one? Do you have any specific requirements? Think about the overall dimensions of the work (including the frame if necessary) and how they will fit into the desired place? Is there a specific function for the work? Are there particular materials to be used or considered? Do you have any particular themes, styles, colours or materials in mind?
For Simple Pleasure: These purchases are made usually for the sheer joy of owning a piece of art that gives a sense of enjoyment through its appearance. Colour is often the only motive in this instance. Or perhaps the subject matter evokes a sense of nostalgia or meaning to the individual doing the buying.
For Decoration: Here the initial desire is simply to decorate a wall with a painting that suits the room and its décor, or perhaps use a sculpture, ceramic or glassware to act as a focal/discussion point in the home. Visualize your space and how you want it to look in the future. Choose a style you like - decide upon abstract, modern, traditional or impressionist and concentrate on pieces that fit into that category. Worried about colour? Bring along a paint chip or fabric swatch to help you find the right color palette if co ordinating with interiors is a priority. Do you prefer an eclectic look or minimalist approach to things? Here are a few things to consider:
To Start A Collection: This is a growing trend, particularly with "established" artists. Well known names develop a following of enthusiasts who regularly attend their solo exhibitions and are first on the scene at previews thereby ensuring they have the widest choice of purchase. Some collectors restrict themselves to one or a few artists only, others build a collection based on variety of artist and media. Often subject matter is not important to the collector although most are driven by their instant love of the art work concerned.
As An Investment: Becoming more common in these unsettled times, is the art buyer who is looking for an investment. With so much disillusionment around over stock markets, banks and other savings institutions, investors are turning in ever increasing numbers to other ways to gain capital appreciation. Art as an investment can start with relatively modest sums. Whatever the value comparison, the fact is that it will never provide the same level of enjoyment and pleasure as one can have had by looking at the painting again and again down through the years. The secret, can often be in the selection of the artist. Get that right and your purchase should command a decent value as can be seen in national auction houses.
Considerations: Once you have decided what you want to buy, you should also consider the following:
Does it make you feel good? Is it aesthetically pleasing? Is it a piece of work you just can't imagine walking away without? Does it have any special requirements for installation? Will it fit the space you have in mind? Does the piece need framing or perhaps a change of frame?
Budget: You don not need a large budget to get beautiful statement art on your walls, and your home does not have to suffer with naked walls. If you're sick of staring at leftover college posters or stretches of blank walls, try decorating your space with sculptures, paintings or photographs. Finding fine art doesn't have to be difficult or expensive with the right advice. The Bass Rock Gallery can help - We offer private appointments at the gallery outside normal office hours to view pieces that are currently in stock. We are also more than happy to source a particular piece for you and discuss your ideas, budget and overall expectations of your art work.
Commissions: These needn't cost the earth either. If the artwork you originally found is not available to buy, the artist may have similar works that may interest you. Some artists will be open to commissioning a work just to your specification. To have artwork hanging in our house when you've talked to the artist, know who made the piece and the process of how it's done, is a fulfilling experience.
Artists Information: you will find on our Artists page a variety of artistic styles and their individual CV's to peruse. If there is a particular artist you are trying to source, please speak to us. We will be more than happy to help you.
So why buy art? It's very simple really, for enjoyment first and foremost, as a start or continuation of a collection, and potentially as an investment. The Bass Rock Gallery, Dunbar, will be stocked with all of the above principles in mind.
Payment Options: Ask about our payment options.
Gift Certificates: If you are purchasing art as a gift, we also offer Gift Certificates and can provide a wedding list service in the gallery.