How to Invest in Art
Investing in the right artist or artwork at the right time offers a potentially nice return. Don't forget the added ownership and enjoyment while waiting for price appreciation. Like any business, supply and demand directly affects pricing. Other factors include authenticity, condition of the art, aesthetics and rarity. Art education remains foundational in making wise choices for art investments.
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Instructions
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Visit places that sell original art. Go to an art gallery, museum and auction house to develop a sense of both great art and art that sells.
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Read books and magazines on the art world. These offer background information and newsworthy items to enable you to spot trends, find new artists and understand how the art business works.
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Buy art after you research the type, painter, average prices and authenticity.
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Allocate a budget to invest in art over the long term. Artworks go up and down in price. Buying at the peak or before changing trends often means a poor investment.
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Invest in art that you enjoy. Know why the art appeals to you to determine if it might appeal to someone else.
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Keep original frames and documents of any artwork. Replace a missing frame according to its period.
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Insure art investments that already have value with your insurance agent.
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Tips & Warnings
Research an individual artist to find out previous sales, art reviews, showings and if the artist has an agent.
Investing in a limited series usually goes up in price after the last item sells. Often, the number of artwork in the series determines the price.
Never buy expensive art from an unknown source. Deal with reputable auction houses and galleries; also, consider an art appraisal.
Beware of investing in stolen art, forgeries and frauds. Keep up on all aspects of art news.
