Thursday, July 14, 2011

How to Collect Art, an insider's guide + Summer Beet Salad





"Blow-Ups" - ink on art paper - Art as Journalism "painting  from life as it unfolds in front of me" - by Jack Atkinson




ART:
Dr. David Holcombe
on Art Collecting 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvsMYf4SqVw


1 BREAKING NEWS: Original Art and original editioned art is better than museum posters. Even bad original art is better than a museum poster. But museum posters are in many nice homes and the money people spend on those posters and framing them is huge! - BUT at the end of their useful life most museum posters are worthless! 

2 You don't have to be rich to be a collector. You can collect student art, insider art, mid level art or excellent emerging art OR bid against the museums for the top pieces at auction. 

3 Never buy art as an a financial investment. Art is a social investment, an investment in the artist, an investment in "The Arts" - you become a part of the cultural, social structure. Art is also a human investment, an investment in the quality of your life and an investment in your happiness. Life is better when you enjoy "what" is around you every day - (endorphins are released every time you look at art you love). 

4. If you don't have big money to invest, don't buy anything created by dead artists, buy from living artists. It is a pleasure to meet the artists, to have an interaction with them, to get to know them. You then build social capital with with those artists. 

5. There is not "one" gold standard in art. In the art world, many people think art has to be this certain thing or it has to be that certain thing, but there are just two major things to consider. Some works of art are "pure passion" and some works of art are "pure technique". Technique on one end of the scale and passion on the other. There is art all along that spectrum - but works which have both technique and passion - those pieces are magical!

6. When your house gets full of art, don't stop buying. Change things out, store what you cannot show. Some pieces, you get tired of, or your income improves, allowing you to buy new. You always want to buy "good" art, art you think should be in a museum - you can then give the art to a museum.

If you are looking at a piece of art, which your gallerist is telling you will probabaly be the next big thing, but something in the pit of your stomach is telling you no - trust your gut! Even at the top level of museum qaulity investing in art, it is never a sure thing. Some old master's paintings have lost value in recent years, because today's buyers enjoy the new art made by living artists more.

So in art, buy with your heart not with your head OR you will regret your purchase.
------------------------

Dan Addington
on Art Collecting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seaGY76ZTbs

Relate visual arts to music: classical, western, 60's pop, easy listening, acid rock, rap, heavy metal, electronic music or the latest feedback music. You can like parts of the music scene and you can dislike others - different strokes for different folks. The same goes for the visual arts market.

It is very different to listen to a CD than it is to listen to live music. Going to an art show, you bring some of that energy home with you.

Real art is so satisfying because as you grow, it grows - it has the potential to grow with you. Partly because art has meaning in IT, it also has meaning to you. It is a great experience to live with art in your house and even means more to you the longer you live with it. With art, investment comes naturally - good artists usually see their prices going up - but if you own a valuable piece of art you love, you are not going to want to sell it. For the best values in art, it is usually best to buy from emerging artists.

Galleries have biographical information, how many shows they have done. If they are in it for the long hall. When you buy art you are participating in that artist's carreer.  If you like one artist at a gallery, you will probably like other artists at that gallery, because the sensibilities of the gallerist and you are the same. When you buy art, you are participating in that artist's creative act, by appreciating the work. It is hard for artists just to get shown - just to get their art out in front of people.

People should think of art as more than decoration on the wall. Think of the meaning of the art to the artist and to the collector. 

Most of the arts are time based, you invest your time and you are entertained.
In the visual arts, the pleasure comes a few seconds at a time, over and over through out your life. Art is whispering to us, not bombarding us.

--------------------------

TIPS ON ART COLLECTING
Ten things to remember when starting to collect art!

Tips for beginning art collectors as well as for experienced art collectors.
Good reminders for anyone interested in art or already collecting art.
  • Buy art because you like it and because it moves you, and because it will enhance your life.
  • Visit as many art galleries as you can, gallery staff can be helpful guides in your art education.
  • Get on gallery mailing lists so you'll be invited to openings and special events.

  • Curators sometimes give lectures on collecting art.
  • Attend National and International Art Fairs and Art Expos whenever possible.
  • If you know art collectors, talk to them and find out what they know and what they've learned about collecting art.
  • Read books on art history and books about collecting art.
  • Subscribe to a few art magazines.
  • Read reviews by local and national art critics, keeping in mind that reviews usually just reflect one person's opinion.
  • Working with a professional art advisor / art consultant is a good way to learn about art collecting, and they will guide you through the process of purchasing art.
  • Once you've educated yourself and have fallen in love with a work of art, buy it, take it home and enjoy it.
     
  • NEW ART PURCHASE
    How to Protect Your Art Investment

  • When purchasing art, consider the following related to your purchase. Make sure that you receive a full and detailed receipt, documenting each artwork purchased. Take care to protect your artwork from damage while transporting it to your home or office. What are your plans for the artwork and where will it hang? Is the artwork automatically covered by your insurance or do you need to contact your insurance company? What are your responsibilities as an art owner? This page provides you with information and tips that will help protect your art investment.
     
  • Documentation from the Gallery
  • Bill of Sale
    You should always receive one, and keep a copy with the artwork.
     
  • Letter of Authenticity
    Be sure to get one especially if the piece is limited edition.
     
  • Artist Resume and Biographical Information
    Always have a current and updated artist information.
     
  • Artist Statement
    Attach all of your artist information on the back of the artwork.
     
  • Type of artwork
    It may seem obvious but find out if it's an original, limited edition, or reproduction.
     
  • Special Care and Handling Instructions
    Make sure that you know how to protect and take care of your artwork.
     
  • Meet The Artist
    Openings are a good place to meet the artist. You might also take the artist to dinner or drinks, or invite them to your home to see their work on your walls.
     
  • Gallery and Artist Mailing Lists
    This is an easy way to follow artists career.
     
Transporting Artworks Home
  • Car / Van / Truck
    Make sure you have a vehicle large enough to get the artwork home.
     
  • Supplies Needed
    Cardboard and blankets can be used to protect the artwork.
     
  • Transportation Insurance
    Does your auto or homeowner's insurance protect the artwork, while it is being transported home?
     
Shipping Artwork
  • Gallery Advice and Recommendations
    Your best source of information will come from the gallery.
     
  • Art Transportation Companies
    You will find this type of art service in large cities.
     
  • Crating and Packaging Services
    Make sure they know how correctly package and protect artworks for shipping.
    The gallery may have a service they use, be sure to ask them if needed.
     
  • Federal Express and Other Carriers
    Be safe and go with a trusted carrier like Federal Express.
     

Framing
  • Archival Framing
    Make sure your artwork is framed and protected with archival framing.
     
  • Glass or Plexiglass?
    Glass breaks, but it's easier to clean and take care of.
    If the artwork is expensive go with the added safety and protection of Plexiglass.
     
Hanging or Storage
  • Where to Safely Hang Artworks
    Never hang expensive art over a fireplace.
    Always protect it from heat and direct sunlight.
     
  • How to Hang
    Use the appropriate type of art hangers. Go with a professional service when the artwork is expensive and you can afford it.
     
  • Type of Hangers Needed
    There are special types of picture hangers for artworks, ask the gallery about best type.
    Professional framing stores and shops usually have hangers available for purchase.
     
  • Professional Installation Services
    These are usually available in large cities and galleries can refer if needed.
     
  • Storage Options
    Your walls might be already covered with artworks, so where do you put it?
    Be careful with wet basements, and always keep artworks 3 inches off the floor.
    Temperature and humidity, make sure the storage area is stable year around.
     
Artwork Documentation
  • Artwork Details
    Document your artwork fully, be sure to include size, current condition, type of Artwork.
    Also, makes notes about any identifying numbers or markings on the artwork and make sure you know the correct title and date of the artwork. How's it framed and what's the prominent subject matter of the art?
     
  • Photographs of Artwork
    Digital cameras work well, make sure to photograph from different angles.
     
  • Artwork Information and Records
    Keep in a safe place like a safe deposit box or in a separate building in case of fire.
    Other documentation to protect include your bill of sale, artist statements, appraisals, articles about the artist, etc. should be together in a safe place.
     
  • Books about the Artist
    Purchase copies of all publications related to the artist.
     

Insurance Needs
  • Types of Insurance Coverage Available
    Ask you insurance agent or the gallery you are purchasing from.
     
  • Homeowners vs Other Types of Coverage
    Homeowners policies frequently cover art but check with your broker, you might have to list your artwork as a separate item.
     
  • Current Insurance Information
    Keep you insurance company updated with current artwork value.
    This should be done yearly or whenever the value of the artwork changes.
     
  • What Insurance Companies Pay?
    Are you protected from damage or loss due to an earthquake and water damage?
     
  • Partial or Total Loss.
    Will you be covered for the full value of the artwork or only a partial value?

    We'll be adding additional insurance information in the near future.
     
Keep in Touch with the Artist
  • Loan Artwork to the Artist
    Someday the artist might want to borrow your artwork for a major retrospective.
     
  • What Galleries Represent the Artist
    Know the names of other galleries selling and representing the artist's works.
     
  • Artist Mailing List
    Contact the artist and ask to be added to their mailing and email list.
     
  • Artist News and Articles
    Learn how to use "Google News Alerts" for information about the artist.
     

When You're on Vacation
  • Artwork Storage
    You might consider placing the artwork in storage if you're away for long period of time.
     
  • Cover the Artwork
    Ultraviolet light is one of artworks biggest enemies, covering it helps keep it from fading.
     
Artwork Appraisals
  • Professional Appraisals
    You will need one when selling or donating the work to a museum.
    Find Professional Art Appraisers online or ask your gallery.
     
  • Finding price information online
    The Internet will direct you to artist's information, search for the artist name on Google.
    Look for the artists website, next check for galleries representing the artist.
     
  • Auction Price Results
    There are several companies who provide major auction results.
    One of the largest online price resources is: Artprice.com.
------------------------------------
(Sources: All information was obtained online, ie: YouTube, Wikipedia & photo from JackAtkinson.com)

Ten Best Practices
in Art Collecting
Artzizzle, a contemporary art site, announced the publication of a new art guide, “Ten Best Practices in Art Collecting”. The guide, available free in pdf format, is a useful art collecting resource recommended for both the novice and professional art collector. (The Artzizzle Guide -PDF- is FREE, but you must register your email at their site to download it.)




FOOD
Roasted Beet,
Red Onion, 
Green Bean
and Radicchio
Summer Salad 

Ingredients
  • 1 large red onion, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise
  • 1/4 cup plus 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 large beets (about 2 1/2 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 1/2 pounds slender green beans, trimmed, cut in half crosswise
  • 1/4 cup chopped shallots
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
  • 1 large head of radicchio
Preparation
  • Place onion, 1/4 cup vinegar, and bay leaf in large jar or medium bowl. Add just enough water to cover. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cover and chill overnight. DO AHEAD Can be prepared 3 days ahead.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place large piece of foil on baking sheet. Place beets in center of foil. Drizzle beets with 1 tablespoon oil and 2 tablespoons water. Top with another piece of foil; crimp edges to seal tightly. Roast beets until tender when pierced with fork, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool completely.
  • Cook beans in large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 6 minutes. Rinse under cold water to cool. Drain and pat dry.
  • Whisk remaining 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup oil, shallots, and thyme in small bowl to blend. Season dressing with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Beets, beans, and dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.
  • Peel and cut beets into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange large radicchio leaves over very large platter to cover (reserve small leaves for another use). Drain red onions; scatter over radicchio. Arrange beans over onions. Arrange beet slices decoratively over beans. Pour dressing over salad and serve.
(Source Bon Appetit online, 
© June 2004. 
Recipe by Jeanne Thiel Kelley photograph by Luca Trovat
permission requested.)

UNTIL LATER,
JACK 
ARTSnFOOD, All rights reserved. Concept & Original Text © Copyright 2011 Jack A. Atkinson under all International intellectual property and copyright laws. Images © individual artists, fabricators, respective owners or assignees.

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