The Tribune

By Deidre Bastian

Buying art seems a prodigious task to most of us. Especially when there are tens of thousands of artists promoting their work, and shifting trends that make it difficult to know whether a piece you purchase today will pay for your retirement tomorrow, or be worth less than the canvas it was painted on.

Well-established artists may sell their fine arts for prices far outside your budget. Therefore, if you find yourself buying art that costs more than your house is worth, you are probably overreaching.

Nonetheless, all is not lost, as there are a few factors to consider. These include if you are buying art as an investment, to become a collector, enjoyment or to boost your living space.

Perhaps you may want to glance through a few art magazines, attend a few gallery openings or observe what other artists hang on their walls to entice you. Get a feel for how art interacts with the space in which it is hung, as some pieces may impress you in a museum, but will just feel overburdening above your couch at home.

Pay attention to the lighting and consider how it will affect other pieces in that area. Likewise, ensure not to rush into buying art simply because of something that seems irresistible.

Remember, you will be living with this piece of art for a long time, so select something that will fit your mood and transform your space into what you envision it to be.

If it is art for profit, analyse the artist. Are they well known? How much has their work increased in value in previous years?

Even finding an artist who is not yet established, but who is beginning to get a ‘buzz’ through articles, interviews and small shows, can be a great way to get in on the ground floor.

Be mindful that it is not a sign that their art is sub-par. In fact, it may just mean they have not been discovered as yet. Nevertheless, seeking an older artist who has been creating art for decades might mean you are buying part of a legacy that can continue on for a very, very long time.

Keep an eye out to determine whether it is an original or a reproduction, as many duplicates resemble original paintings. No doubt as technology improves, copies get better and better.

Likewise, if a piece of fine art is sold as part of a Limited Edition, be sure to ask whether it is an original. A reproduction, no matter how flawless, will always be worth much less than the original piece.

As a final point, even though a sophisticated understanding of fine art can aid immensely in your selection, it is best to choose pieces that call to your instincts, combined with common sense.

Never misjudge the power of your instinct, as that is what separates the great collector from the mediocre. Happy 41st Independence Bahamas. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

• NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com. ABOUT COLUMNIST: Ms Bastian is a trained graphic designer/marketing coordinator with qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.