ABOUT

history  |  on collecting  |  education  |  copyright  l  articles/reviews

This guide is for new collectors wishing to start a collection, and who are searching for original art to enhance an environment, and for those who are looking for additional works to expand an existing collection. 

Many believe collecting is out of their reach.  A compelling collection can be formed for a reserved investment of $2000 to $4000 per year.  When spread over a twenty-year period of consistent purchase, of one or two works per year,  you can grow a modest  but  meaningful collection. 

It helps to have a long term strategy where sound fundamentals are applied to your decision making process.  One goal is to form a collection that reflects your personal interest and evolving aesthetic sensibilities.

Collectors who speculate on the investment value of a particular name or buy art as a tax write-off are usually disappointed in their end result.  Be suspicious of dealers who promote investment schemes.

History has shown, when collectors bought art they loved, their investment paid back many times over. If it happens to increase in value, that’s a further benefit.  Investment shouldn’t be the primary purpose of collecting, even though an artists established market is important to consider.

Become someone who really learns something from the experience of art. Surrounding yourself with original artwork is an enriching and    intimate experience that will continually provide substance to your life by adding a fulfilling aspect to your cultural experience. This aspect of collecting becomes the intrinsic value of your investment.

Your collection will reflect segments of your personality, developing taste, and independence of choice.  A valuable goal is to develop a particular significance to whatever you collect.  A combination of the following guidelines will help you form a criteria in considering new works of art that will bring a lifetime of pleasure. We hope you find these   principals of collecting helpful in your search.

John Gregory, "Extracted Beauty", 2005,  soft pastel, 54¼ x 21

ASK QUESTIONS:  Above all, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and more questions.  Don’t be embarrassed to engage the gallery dealer in    discussing a work of art or an artist you appreciate.  It is easy to recognize a dealer who has a genuine passion through their desire to share their knowledge. Learn everything you can about  a gallery’s reputation.

HOW MUCH TO SPEND:  Determine an annual budget you can afford each year.  It’s nearly impossible for full time professional artists to effectively pursue art as a career and create an original artwork for less than $1000.  Nevertheless, an excellent graphic, drawing or photograph can be acquired for such a price and smaller works for less.  From that price level up it’s a question of your budget and desire for each work acquired. 

ANNUAL ACQUISITION:  Keep your collection momentum going.  Acquire something every year. Each new purchase will bring a different art image into your life and provide tangible evidence that a cohesive collection is continually building.

William Pachner, "Terminal", 1960, ink

BUY QUALITY WORKS OF ART:  Buy the best example of the artist’s work that you can afford at the time. If you are fuzzy on this aspect, all of your efforts will yield mediocre results. This may be most important element of your decision making since your future acquisitions will have an aesthetic correlation to the previous works of art you own.  You should also consider the condition and rarity.

Be wary of large editions when considering graphic prints, lithographs, etchings, photography, etc.

Think twice about  local favorites unless they are artists who are either known or beginning to be known among galleries and museums. Always look for steady gallery representation and ask for the artists exhibition history.  This means someone is investing in the artist’s career over a period of years.  Ask questions and study their resume which will list a range of the artist’s activities.

DISCOUNTS: Serious art galleries appreciate your long-term support. If you arrange with a gallery to buy consistently from them, ask for a discount on the price. Many times this will depend on the market of the artist and demand for their work.

Buying from the artist’s studio at a substantial reduction from the gallery price only reduces the ongoing market value of the artist and the sustainability of their gallery representation.

Thom O'Connor, "Waterfalls", quad blk iris print 5/25, 14 x 30

SECONDARY MARKET:  There may be exceptions to the price of a specific work and you may find it substantially lower for the reason that it came from an estate liquidation or from someone needing to sell work from their collection.

TRIAL PERIOD:  If you’re not sure how a particular artwork will feel in your space, don’t be afraid to inquire about a trial period.  Most art will surprise you at how much more comfortable it looks in your own space than it does in a gallery.  There may be an adjustment period when you first approach an original work hanging in your space. Living with the new work will elevate your understanding of unique imagery that may be unfamiliar.  After a transitional stage, the work becomes a familiar friend and adds to the whole of your collection. Ask about installation ideas and assistance. A experienced gallerist has installed various works in a range of locations and can help.

BRAD COOPER GALLERY:  represents a distinctive group of   emerging and established fine artists from the region and throughout the country. Since 1984, we have presented over 100 exhibitions. We deal with artists and artisans directly,  exclusively represent their work in the region, and help them expand their careers. Sustaining this gallery since 1984 has been a demanding effort and we continue to invest in the artists and the cultural community. Your acquisition of artwork and future donations help us to maintain our philosophy of cultural development.

What to Look for in a Work of Art


Yvonne Petkus "Memory, 2002, oil on board, 12x12

OBSERVE AND REFLECT: Maintain an open perspective and learn to suspect your own taste. Beware of the temptation of rushing to judgment to buy a houseful of work all at once.  If a particular artist is unknown to you, study her/his exhibition history and who is collecting their work.  Check the résumé to see if the artist has a certain degree of public notice.  Exhibitions are one of the ways the dealer builds an artist’s reputation. 

INDIVIDUALITY OF ART: Avoid imitators. Acquire artists who have an individual vision and whose output is focused on a consistent path that evolves incrementally year after year.  Beware of local favorites, unless they are artists who are either known or beginning to be known among galleries and museums in various regions.  Always look for continuous gallery representation in their exhibition history.  This means the dealer is investing in the artist’s career over a period of years.  Learn to tell the difference with art that originated from a genuine source by the artist, and something that is made for the interior design market.  It is easy to be fooled by initial appearance. There is a difference between the artist found in a department store and the artist represented in a fine art gallery. Don’t be lead astray.

Willard Lustenader "Folding Table", 2002  oil on linen, 24x30

PATRONIZE QUALITY, ESTABLISHED GALLERIES: You will find your best and most enduring values in galleries with a committed track record.  Too many galleries operate like “a flash in the pan” and are seemingly more interested in the flash than the pan. This type of gallery doesn’t last long. They enjoy lavish cocktail openings but quickly grow weary of the real day-to-day work of researching art and helping collectors. An established artist and collector-oriented gallery will have a clear history of presenting a small stable of artists with a continuous exhibition schedule of solo and group shows. Establish a relationship with a reputable dealer who can assist you.

CORPORATE COLLECTIONS:  Art can serve many functions for your business.  A corporate collection projects the, philosophy and strength of the company to employees, clients, and visitors.  A corporate collection can reflect a company’s commitment to supporting cultural development. Fine Art in offices and shared spaces should create a comfortable yet stimulating environment.     

BRAD COOPER GALLERY works with most spaces, including  private homes, office lobbies, corridors, conference rooms, waiting areas, private offices, and exterior spaces. 

A variety of factors are taken into account in designing art programs for corporate facilities. We are happy to consult with you to form a  conceptual plan, assess your needs on architectural plans or site, specify, design and build *archival frames, provide installation of art works and visual documentation of collection for insurance purposes.

CONTACT INFORMATION:  For an appointment to discuss your art needs call us at 813-248-6098.  For additional information, about artists represented,  view current and past exhibitions, or to be added to our email list for updates and events please sign our guestbook.

Invest In Yourself Through ART