How To Start Making Original Art Investments With Confidence

Starting a collection of original art not only brings a source of beauty and emotion to your home, but it is also a way to support the artistic community, particularly if you invest in works by emerging artists. However, the art world can be daunting, and it can be difficult to understand price points and how individual pieces are valued. 

Here’s a guide to making art investments with confidence. 

What art speaks to you?

Above all, decide what images inspire and move you. Maybe you are drawn to bold abstract oil paintings of sunsets and seascapes, which have fascinating depths of texture, light and colour. Is it a specific location that triggers memories of where you grew up, or creates an emotional dialogue between the past and present?

View the artwork as more than a piece of interior decor: the colour of your walls or furnishings may change over time, but your art is a lasting investment, and should bring atmosphere and storytelling to any surroundings. 

Understanding the value of the work

So you’ve found a piece that you love: the next step is to understand the price point. This can be confusing for new investors, because the cost of fine art varies widely. The work of contemporary artists tends to be determined by the career stage: for example, work that has gained critical recognition and international exhibitions will tend to be valued more highly. 

Other factors that determine the price of a piece include the size and medium of the work; collector demand; and if the work is an original or a limited edition print. 

The work of emerging artists who are early in their careers but have a growing audience is often more affordable than established names. The art may also appreciate in value over time.