Tips for Collecting Contemporary Art

Anyone can start collecting art. You don’t need any previous experience or have a degree in art history


Be clear about your motives. Do you want to start collecting because you are looking for an investment, or because of your love and passion for contemporary art?


Buy art that you like and you will enjoy watching day after day. Don’t wait for other people’s approval or buy a piece just because it is fashionable.


Consider commissioning works of art. This way you could get something unique within your budget


Learn as much as possible about the different types of art. Visit as many art galleries and museums as possible. The more art you see, the more art you will understand and appreciate.


If you feel intimidated by walking into an art gallery, you can start off by viewing art on the internet. Most galleries and museums will have a selection of their artwork displayed on their website.


You might also discover some new and interesting artists by visiting the many artist portfolio websites where artists display and sell their own art without the involvement of a traditional gallery.


Another alternative to galleries is to buy directly from the artist either by visiting their art studio, art exhibition or purchase online from their website.

Visit Art Fairs. This is an excellent way to see a wide range of work in a short period of time. Some art fairs will mainly consist of galleries exhibiting their own collection; others will let you buy directly from the artists.


Learn as much possible about the artists. Lots of information can be obtained by reading their artist statement, exhibition review or artist CV. Some artists will also allow potential byers to visit them in their artist studio or will be available for talks at exhibitions.


Try to find out as much as possible about the art work you are interested in buying. Where it has been exhibited, when it was created and what technique and media has been used.


Estimate and stick to a reasonable budget. A good starting point could be limited edition prints, new and emerging artists or artworks from art fairs or student shows.

For Limited edition prints, the rule is usually the smaller the edition, the higher the price.


Decide if you think the price is fair. Established artists will charge more for their works than emerging artists. Original art will usually be higher priced that limited edition prints. Up-marked galleries will charge more for their art works that unknown galleries and art fairs.


Don’t be discouraged from purchasing an artwork that you can’t afford. Many artists and galleries are prepared to negotiate the price and payment can often be accepted in instalments.


Start small and build up your collection piece by piece. Collecting art can be a life-time passion and commitment.

Acrylic paintings

Paintings created with acrylics have a fantastic brightness which make colours appear more vivid, resulting in a remarkable three-dimensional effect. These original paintings do not require any additional framing and the canvas is about 38mm deep.

Elin's paintings are all painted on box canvas with acrylic paint. These are original works of art (and therefore more expensive than posters, prints or commercially printed canvases).

As this is original paintings, there will only be one piece of each painting availble for sale