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What should you look for when investing in original artwork?
- Aubrey Gray
- Mar 23
- 5 min read
Your money holds significant value, and although purchasing original art is a wise investment, you want to ensure your hard-earned cash is spent on something you'll genuinely appreciate. I have numerous tips for selecting your next art collection piece, but the cornerstone of your investment decision should be: do you love it? As we delve into key considerations for your art investment journey, remember that, as artists, our ultimate desire is for our work to be enjoyed. Now, let's dive in!
Who can I buy reputable artwork from?
The first step to investing in your art collection is finding a reputable artist with great art in the style you're looking for.
Often, great affordable art is right under our noses in our local art community. A lot of these artists participate in local shows, feature their work in coffee shops and other small brick-and-mortar businesses, and set up at pop-up markets around town.
How can we determine if an artist is trustworthy? Before spending hundreds of dollars, I assess whether the artist truly comprehends their craft. Inquire about their expertise with the medium they use, their involvement in exhibitions and publications, or if they offer their work for sale through an online shop, such as a personal website or Etsy.
When buying from an artist for the first time, I prefer to begin with a small purchase. Many artists provide prints or other reproductions of their work at a very reasonable price. Bring home a small piece, observe the quality and attention to detail in such an affordable item, and then determine if this is the quality you’re comfortable investing in.
What mediums are most worth the investment?
Artists dedicate their time to mastering a wide array of mediums, and many are skilled in multiple forms. How can you determine if the process behind the creation of a piece is worth more in the long run?
In essence, it doesn't really matter. Whether it's oil versus acrylic, watercolor versus gouache, or colored pencil versus oil pastels, not to mention mixed media works, different mediums can seem daunting to those unfamiliar with them, particularly first-time collectors. Is one superior to the other? Not necessarily. They primarily influence the style of the artwork for the artist.
The costs of supplies for different mediums can vary, occasionally leading to greater frustration for the artist during creation. For instance, artworks created in oil are generally a bit pricier than those made with acrylic. However, when it comes to which is a better investment, I believe it doesn't make much difference.
If medium doesn't make much difference in the quality of my investment, what does?
There is one thing that is important to consider for the longevity and resale value of your investment: Varnish. Varnish is the final sealant on your piece, responsible for protecting the artwork from UV rays, moisture, and dirt.
Varnishes are a daunting subject for artists. There's debate over varnishing techniques, the necessity of an isolation layer, which brand is the best, and whether a piece can be restored after applying a certain varnish.
Personally, if the artwork is created in acrylic and costs under $500, and isn't anticipated to increase in value by more than 5% over 10 years, I opt for a non-removable acrylic-based varnish. The likelihood of the piece requiring restoration in 1,000 years and yielding significant financial returns after I'm gone is quite slim. Therefore, investing in the piece is more about the joy it brings to everyday life rather than it being a Monet.
If the artwork's initial sale value exceeds $500, I hope it has a removable varnish in case it becomes a family heirloom and appreciates by more than 10%. Many artworks will require restoration after they discolor or suffer damage, which can occur in just a few years if frequently exposed to direct sunlight (depending on the medium).
If the artist isn't aware of the significance of varnish or isn't sure whether the varnish they applied is removable, I'm unlikely to spend more than $500 on the artwork, but that's a personal choice.
How much will my investment generate?
There are numerous factors to take into account, but a common guideline is that most artworks, if they increase in value, will do so by 10% over a decade. Art is not a quick-turnaround investment, yet there are several factors to consider.
The history of the piece. Has the artwork been displayed in exhibitions, how many previous owners has it had, and were any of those owners notable?
Artist's Reputation. Is the artist recognized locally, regionally, or nationally? Do they possess distinctive styles in their work that differentiate them from other artists?
CONTEXT. Grasping the trends at the time of creation, the social influences on the piece, and the general historical context during the artist's working years can help determine its potential resale value in 50 years.
Condition and rarity. Is the piece discolored or damaged? Is it one of a kind or a reproductions?
This is merely a brief list of factors that can affect the investment appeal of an artwork. However, if you ask me, the most significant factor is how much I will value the piece while it is in my possession. If I am not going to cherish it for the next 10 years, I am unlikely to invest heavily in the artwork.
Ultimately, investing in artwork doesn't need to be complex. If you adore a piece enough to take it home, it's likely a truly excellent investment that will add value and brightness to your home or office.
"Aubrey Gray is a fantasy artist from Wyoming, now based in North Carolina. Her love for art began in childhood, watching her great-grandmother paint with oils. Though self-taught, she studied web and graphic design, music production, marketing, and business management at Musician's Institute in Hollywood, CA."
Inspired by the surreal landscapes of Hawaii and the mysticism of Druidism, she creates whimsical, vibrant waterscapes that blend fantasy with creative realism. Her work is defined by a Bob Ross-esque aesthetic, custom hand-textured boards, and fluid water movement.
She has been published in British Vogue and World of Interiors Magazine (three times each) and was a featured artist in the Biafarin 2023 Awards. Collaborating with local authors, teaware companies, and an indie bookshop, she explores themes of life, death, mythology, and parallel worlds—creating with vulnerability so others may see themselves in her work."
Found this helpful?
Yes, I am ready for my next big investment!
I would love more elaboration some topics.
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