A SIX-PART SERIES ON SUCCESSFUL ART COLLECTING

PART 1: WHY BUY ART?

WHY BUY ART? To answer this question, ask yourself what your reasons are for
thinking of acquiring a piece of art. An artwork can cost a considerable sum, but if it
meets your needs, it’s worth every penny. Anyone can buy art, and for almost any
reason. Many people buy an artwork simply because they like it, even if the artwork
may be by an unknown artist. Art, as long as you enjoy it, is never a waste of
money. As John Keats puts it in Book 1 of Endymion:

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever:
Its loveliness increases”

Art is meant to be displayed, unlike shares or bonds. Don’t ever feel pressured to
buy something you won’t appreciate looking at day after day, no matter what other
people may say. Don’t buy something that doesn’t appeal to you just because it is
trendy, because the artist is famous, or because you have been advised that the
artwork will make a good investment. If you don’t like the artwork at all, don’t buy
it!An artwork should touch your soul, stimulate your thoughts and bring a smile to
your lips. It should bring you pleasure, and even joy.There are only 365 days to a
year (366 on leap years). Be selective about how you live those days. Avoid wasting
them on something you dislike.