Thoughts on Collecting Art

Anne Irwin's thoughts on collecting:

I bought my first piece of art right out of college.  I was living in Massachusetts at the time and an artist lived down the street from me and worked in a frame shop.  The painting was half print and half original.  It was a watercolor and the pen and ink part had been printed.  I am guessing he must have printed hundreds, because every time I passed the frame shop he was painting the same image, using different colors.  I still have that piece and even though it no longer hangs in the place of honor in my home, it is a wonderful reminder of my humble beginnings!!

The next piece was years later in an art gallery where I stopped on the way to Cannon Beach in Oregon.  When I saw this piece my heart skipped a beat.  I loved this little oil painting.  It never occurred to me that it had to match or go with anything I owned…..i just knew I had to have it.  My only second thought was, “could I afford it”?

I was hooked and my collecting life began.

Should you buy what you love?  Every article I’ve read on collecting art says “yes”.  I agree, with a caveat.  First spend time looking at reputable galleries, or you may end up inadvertently buying a print.   Meet the gallery owner and find out about art from them.  A good gallery owner will be happy to answer any questions you have.