November 21, 2006
The Art Patron’s Buying Guide
by Andrea Gomez
It's time to start your Collection. No argument, people. Buy some art. Real art. When an archaeologist digs up your North Raleigh split foyer 347 years from now, do you really want to be known as The Patron of the Starvin' Marvin Artiste Sale?
There are many reasons why the American consumer will plunk down $7799.99 in hard, cold plastic credit card for their imported (read: no longer made in North Carolina) formal dining room ensemble, and then shy from the idea of buying a $2000 sculpture, carved by an individual of known history, credentials and reputation. I will narrow the scope though to one: fear.

Fear has its subcategories: fear of making a mistake, fear of sounding like a dork, fear of being in an enclosed room with an artist. Think of this little ramble as therapy.
Where to Buy the Stuff
Most people think "art gallery" when they think "buy art." There are good reasons for this, as a good gallery assistant will explain, explain, explain. This is reassuring, I suppose, if you like words. Pick a gallery like you would pick a doctor. Search unceasingly for the right place, the one that you trust, and only then follow their advice.
There are a few alternatives to galleries, and if you have a curious and exploring spirit, the adventure starts here. First are the internet galleries. This web site has a gallery, for example. The Artsrambler made an odd and interesting comment in our conversation about purchasing art webside:

"Frankly it's a crappy idea."

I was a little stunned, of course, since the old bag lady spends time doing this very thing.

"No, I don't spend too much time. My philosophy is if an art buyer makes an inquiry about an artist they have seen in the gallery, I will do my best to explain why I like the work of this person. But then I'll direct the inquirer to the artist, advising them to visit the artist's studio. You have to see this stuff in the flesh, you know. You have to be able to touch it if they let you, put your nose up to it. And these artists are alive and talking. Most of them talk. Some babble, but never mind. An art buyer can ask them exactly what was on their minds when they made such a thing. That's an incredibly wonderful way to buy art and the advantage of buying the art of the living."

That is a good point, I must admit.

"Our gallery has the extra benefit of the "feel good" factor. If you buy a piece from a gallery artist because you were introduced to the work from our website, that artist–as honest as the blue, blue sky–will kick back 10% to us. That's our agreement. It's revenue, BADLY NEEDED revenue to keep us going. So the patron feeds two birds with one seed."

I had to end the interview as the Artsrambler was becoming too impressed with her own prose. Yet her point was a good one: use the internet galleries like crazy, but only as stepping stones to the next level: the artist's studio. Some artists actually have hours when the curious are welcome to come by and see what's up. Sometimes studios are open only during gallery walks. (See Showings: Gallery Walks ) However many times the artist publishes open studio hours (See Artists' Open Studios: A Resorce for the Adventurous Art Patron)

What To Say Be respectful. Amendment: be respectful if the artist is respectful to you. Don't put up with surly supercilious, obnoxious condescension. (However do put up with a little harmless condescension as it's very hard to make a living as an artist and sometimes we allow ourselves a little "entitlement.") Don't put up with shoe salesmen artists, i.e. if she/he sits you down and says will this go with your blue lampshade? etc.There's a good chance this painter is making framed wallpaper and not art. "What is Art" is the natural segue, but this is not within the scope of my discussion here. Keep in mind though that art is no different than music. Do you really go to the symphony to hear elevator music? No, I didn't think so. The days of Mantavani Collections are long gone. Music should be heard. Your expectation of art should be similar. Art should be herd. The artist should be heard from the art speak of his/her piece.

Ask questions. Yes, there is such a thing as a dumb question, but artists ask them all the time. Don't worry about it. Ask why they used those materials, that imagery, that non-imagery. Why the painting seems angry, or melancholy or is that just your own baggage. What is the artist's baggage? What is the artist's story? Listen. Ask more. Discuss. The art will become fuller and denser, if it is a good piece.

Don't barter. For Heavens Sakes! I'm not sure where this crazy attitude came about: art is for bartering like garage sale mittens, I do remember an old N&O article, years ago, professing this approach and was as scandalized as, say, a doctor would be, if a patient came in and tried to talk his fees down. As professionals, which artists are, we are very fair in our price structure. Much of it depends on our reputation and excellence. Really, one cannot say that about too many other professional vocations.

Don't be a BeBack. My good friend Charlie Burkhead taught me this term. Whenever a patron would look at his work and show shallow interest, leaving with some murmuring of we'll be back, Charlie would say, "Oh. another member of the BeBack Tribe." Just thank the artist for their time, perhaps express an appreciation of the work if such an appreciation exists, and promise nothing. Leave.

Artists will not bite. You needn't arm yourself when visiting the studio, stand behind upholstered chairs, or change your name. Enjoy yourself and learn. And then start your collection. By a credit for your favorite nephew for a Christmas gift that he can cash in in January. Buy a portrait commission to be done later in the year. Those archaeologists will give you an entire chapter in their manuscript 347 years from now. More, your children's, children's children will learn a lesson you'll be teaching for a long time.

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4 Responses to “The Art Patron’s Buying Guide”

1. Constance Pappalardo Says:
November 21st, 2006 at 11:46 am e

Bravo! Well spoken!
I must add, however… that most artists are shy. liking to hide behind their creations. If the emotion they expressed on canvas is very raw… tred gently, the wound might still be fresh. But, by all means, visit, talk, ask and encourage (if you are so inspired).

Con
2. Andrea Gomez Says:
November 21st, 2006 at 12:34 pm e

You’re so right, Con. Artists have a hard time talking aobut their work. That’s a whole other piece, isn’t it? Or maybe that’s what this blog is about– people talking about work, their own and others.
But your point is well taken–tred lgently. Don’t ridicule.
I’ll add to that, artists, grow your skins thick. It’s a life skill.
3. Tom Starland Says:
November 22nd, 2006 at 1:49 pm e

In reading “The Art Patron’s Buying Guide” by Andrea Gomez I found that I agreed with most of what was said, except when it came to the statement - “As professionals, which artists are, we are very fair in our price structure. Much of it depends on our reputation and excellence.”

I have no problem with the statement but it doesn’t represent all people calling themselves an artist. The statement reflects the actions of most seasoned artists - those who have been around and paid their dues in the hard-knocks world of making a living at being an artist.

During my years of being a gallery owner, an art collector, and a publisher of an arts newspaper I have been presented with some of the most ridiculous price structures one could imagine - many from artists fresh from college or university. It’s as if they expected to recoup their tuition on their first sale. And once a relative or friend of the family purchases a piece at the inflated price - the artist feels justified in maintaining the practice or even raising prices due to supply and demand. This can also be said of some artists who are new to the art world - retired from some other profession where their efforts commanded a high price.

I find that some of the worst offenders are those where the sale of art has no effect or baring on the life-style of said artist - or better put - their ability to pay rent or the mortgage - as someone else is covering their tab.

Let’s thank our lucky stars that these “artists” are in the minority - but I have to say because they exist - the buyer should always question the price of artwork - too themselves - not to the artist or the gallery representing them. Do some research and find out if the price is justified. In doing so you can even discover that a prospective purchase is under priced at the time and will soon be much higher in the future.

If you’re really thinking of becoming a serious collector - it would be good to develope relationships with artists, art critics, gallery owners and even some academics who are willing to give you good unbiased advice about future purchases. But by all means - buy art you like and feel the price is worth you owning it. And remember, your taste will change the more educated you become in making your purchases - be able to let go of the past - and past purchases.

Being a patron of the arts doesn’t mean you have to support the arts for arts sake - ask questions and educate yourself about what you’re supporting.
4. Administrator Says:
November 22nd, 2006 at 5:21 pm e

[This is a comment from Marvin Saltzman.]
Art buyers fall into a number of categories. Little money should not stop a buyer. Most artists and most galleries will let you pay for work over a period of time. You will be admired for stepping into the collectors world. One couple in NY bought this way and ended up with a collection worth millions.

As recommended…look, ask and with knowledge of what you then want.. you can jump in.

A second group have money enough to indulge their habit. Maybe they do want to match a sofa.Why not? That is a valid reason..However, they should go to interior designers and galleries for help and advice. Or Find the gallery that handles what interests you . Learn….. ask…go to museums and galleries..meet artists..and develop a faith in yourself..you can afford it….. then buy.

Then the big money…..Often they go to NY….often buy ” names.” I have a cousin that has just bought two Gottliebs and one Twombley….needless to say. They own not one of mine….Their decorator said…”You must have this…………”

These are what I call possesors. They do not have to say “I own a……the work is so identifiable that it screams..COLLECTOR” Their guests will be impressed. But, they know nothing about the visuals that they own. and will own. until they send them off to an auction house.

No matter what or who you may be… ask…..look…do not rush…..and maybe buy.

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