How to Buy Art From a Private Collector

Museums and public collections of art may inspire your creative side, but a private collector offers the best chance at purchasing art. These collectors invest in paintings, sculptures and other artistic works to gain a high financial return. You need to know how to deal with a private collector while you buy art to avoid poor investments.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Budget
• Glass cases
• Display lights
• Appraiser or experienced collector
• History of art piece

1. Create an annual budget for artistic works before you speak with private collectors. You should establish an absolute upward limit for spending that allows you to purchase several paintings each year to bolster your collection.
2. Mingle with every private collector at local gallery nights to build connections in the art community. Keep the size and quality of a collector's inventory in mind when you are prepared to buy new pieces.
3. Develop your plan of action for each new addition to your art collection before you buy from a private collector. This plan will help you determine paintings that fit your home decor and other works that you want to store for personal viewing.
4. Purchase display supplies for your home as you begin to buy art from a private collector. A series of glass cases can be purchased from art supply stores to help preserve ceramics and small paintings from wear and tear. You should also find small lights to place underneath paintings to highlight surface texture.
5. Eliminate a common problem among new art collectors by purchasing art that is pleasing to the eye. You should look at the price tag in conjunction with your initial reaction to a painting in order to get the best art for your personal collection.
6. Seek information on the origins of a work of art from a private collector. You should be leery of collectors who are unwilling or unable to give you the history of a piece.
7. Bring a professional appraiser or experienced collector to look at a work before you write out a check. These experts can look at the quality of a work of art and analyze its value to help you find a good deal.
8. Shop around with multiple collectors to gauge the local market for art before making a purchase. You should take notes on price, artistic medium and year of origin to locate works of art that fit your budget.

Tips & Warnings

• Monitor open houses and public displays of private collections in your community to find art on sale. Private collectors with a large inventory of art will work with gallery owners and art studios to sell off parts of their collections. These opportunities allow you to view art without scheduling appointments and listening to a sales pitch.

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