Purchasing and Collecting Tips

A few guidelines can help you make easy and intelligent decisions when purchasing Western art created both before and after 1950.

1. As with all forms of art collecting, establish a focus or specialization for your collection.
   • Decide your preference.
   • Do your homework: look, read, study. Find out all you can about your specialization.
2. Is the artist a professional? The artist should offer some permanent value.
   • Is he/she a full time artist?
   • Is the artist listed in reference books?
   • Does the artist have a dealer?
   • Does the artist hold memberships in artist societies/organizations?
   • How many and how often does he/she do exhibitions of new work?
   • Has the artist received any honors or awards?
3. Is the work of good quality?
4. Is the work in its original condition? Value can decrease with restoration depending on the extent and quality of restoration.
5. Is the art authentic? Value can decrease if there is a question of authenticity.
6. How well do you like the art? Here are a few guidelines to judge each piece.
   • Does it tell a story? What is it?
   • What is the symbolic meaning?
   • Is there action?
7. Pick a subject matter and media that appeals to you.
   • Cowboys, Indians, horses, events, etc.
   • Paintings, prints, bronzes, etc.
8. Can you live with the work in your home everyday without getting tired of it?

Next Section: How To Evaluate Art