For many, buying art can be an intimidating process filled with questions about what to purchase and how much to pay. Some might envision using a paddle to bid on a piece of art among a suited crowd. While those situations exist, they are not typical for the average buyer.
In San Antonio, the art-buying process is known for being friendly. Below are a few practical tips for buying art locally.
Figure out what you like
Consider what you like and what you’d like in your home. Can you live with this piece on display, or is it more of something you’d appreciate in a public space like a gallery or museum?
You may appreciate a piece’s aesthetic, but it may not work with your interior design style or the mood you’re trying to set in your home. That’s a subtle but important distinction, according to Roberta Hassele, executive director of Contemporary Art Month in San Antonio, who said, “Your guiding principle should be: Do I love it, can I live with it and does it fit within my budget?” (More on budgets later.)
One way to determine your tastes and preferences is by visiting galleries and museums, talking to other community collectors and attending artist talks to speak directly with the artists. The more you know about the artist and their work, the more meaningful and personal your purchase will be.
“Knowing more about an artist helps you connect with art on a different level and may open you to pieces you might not have considered otherwise,” said Hassele, whose own collection includes pieces by Alex Rubio, Vincent Valdez, Christie Perez, Barbara Felix, Wendy Saha, Brian Phillips and Tim Olsen.
It helps to visit a variety of galleries, where owners can direct you to various resources. For a good starting point, check out these nine galleries to get to know San Antonio’s art scene, or find out about art openings in the San Antonio Report’s weekend event series, “Go Do That!”
If going to an art gallery seems too formal, there are alternative ways to view art in the community, such as café galleries like Bright Coffee on Blanco Road, which may feel more approachable and where you can enjoy art while sipping on a cappuccino.
Set your budget
Viewing a range of art will give you a feel for what kind of art is available and what it sells for, which may help you set your budget. Gather pricing information by inquiring with gallery owners or directly with the artist.
There are also events specifically for buying art where prices are readily available. On First Friday and Second Saturday, many galleries are open to the public and freely showcase the art, sometimes with the artist present and sometimes with the gallery’s curator.
Once you understand what you like and the average prices for those pieces, set a budget that works for you.
Remember that the price listed is not an asking price. “Many people think they can barter, but that’s a misunderstanding,” said Hassele.
Make your first purchase
The logistics of buying a piece of art are simple; you can convey to the artist or gallery owner that you’re interested in person during a gallery’s hours or set up an appointment to discuss the purchase in more detail. If you’re at a coffee shop gallery, let the cashier know you’re interested in purchasing a piece.
Documenting your purchase is the next and final step. It’s important to know what is in your collection and all the information on the art card, including what you paid for it and when you made the purchase. As you begin to collect art, this will be a useful tool for archiving and insuring your pieces.
Art collecting doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to building a meaningful and personal collection. Remember, the key is to find art that resonates with you, set a budget that works for your financial situation and enjoy the process of discovering and supporting local artists.
