Certain kinds of property tend to increase in value because they have worldwide appeal. Whatever the economy, there will always be those with the money who seek out the best in art.
The reason art collectors and art dealers do collect is for just that reason. They know the world needs beauty. Owning something of beauty by an acclaimed artist increases in value because of what it is and the joy it brings.
That is why investing in art is both practical and highly indicative of the collectors wish to bring beauty into their part of the world.
Organizations such as Greenwich Workshop established in the 1970’s have become leaders well known for the Fine Arts of today’s young masters. Their affiliated galleries, art showings, and eye for valuable art are well proved. Names like June Carey, James Christensen, Jim Daly, and Simon Combs visually echo their voice from the walls displaying their signatured works.
Quality Fine Art, like most tangible investments will hold or rise in value even during economic low points. There are artists and sculptors from nearly as many genres as there are in publication. Each style and type is in demand for some portion of society. Dealers and designer’s keep a keen eye as do art brokers.
If you are an avid art collector you know that gaining from experience and from the experience of others is the training ground for ventures into developing valuable art collections.
Greenwich Workshop has published artist’s imagery that sing of quality and emotional impact. They know and seek the most recent artists who qualify because of their potential to be appointed to their dealers’ Fine Arts lists and showings. The works of the new masters now reside within the collection of Greenwich Workshop. Specimens of valuable works can be found at http://www.greenwichworkshop.com/
Names like June Carey with her pastoral landscapes of the countryside. Her use of muted blues and rich greens bring the outside within your four walls. Her best limited edition pieces of five or six years ago sold for $750, the resold for $2,450 two years ago. And now: her stunning work “Above Florence” is priced at $1,850 at Greenwich Village affiliate American Visions Art Gallery in Folsom. http://www.avartgallery.com
Perhaps you prefer a Jim Daly reminding you of childhood games and simpler living. Do you crave his blend of gold and yellow? If your taste goes for the whimsical, look at the limited collector’s edition of James Christenson’s “If Pigs Could Fly.”
Gaze into the brown eyes of the Jaguar of Simon Combs “Eyes of Warning.” This stunning piece of wildlife wonderment graces the Masterwork, Greenwich Workshop Fine Art Anniversary Edition. It is limited to 195 available fine prints that can hang on your walls for $1,250. Reading the history of Combs ventures to find the illusive large feline adds warmth and richness that will never go out of style or demand. You can read this enchanting story at http://www.greenwichworkshop.com/ThisMonth/
The sculptures are exquisite. James Christensen’s Bronze “Sleeper Lost In Dreams” from this very limited edition is now selling for $6,000. If you want to buy the best quality sculpture for your money, this one fits the definition. You will want to notify your broker to find her namesake’s portrait to complete a rare pairing and build investment value.
I was fascinated by the books of “Classic Fairy Tales” illustrated by Scott Gustafson. Speaking of his work Gustafson said “I want to make my characters’ emotions clear to children, but I also want to create something that they can come back to as adults and share with their own children.”
According to Jake Biddington’s Investing there are nine basic rules for “Long Term Investing: Art, Antiques & Collectibles.” http://www.biddingtons.com/content/investinglong.html
“1. Buy the best you can afford.
2. Buy Items with a Paper Trail. (There is no pedigree better than a complete documentation of an art piece’s history.)
3. Buy Signed Objects.
4. Buy Items in Perfect Condition.
5. Keep Items in Perfect Condition.
6. Buy Small Scale Objects.
7. Buy Typical Items. (It’s best to pass over an early unsigned Pollack sketch and purchase a recognized painting by Pollack).
8. Do Not Buy at the Top.
9. Sensitize Yourself to Major Trends. (Politically profound pieces of one decade may be of little significance by the next.)
I think this wise list misses a final quality: Find the pieces that carry the love, and personality of the artist and their subject with them.
A piece of art painted or sculpted by the artists who happen to earn some money doing what they love is more valuable than any commercially mass produced product that lacks the depth and character of the Fine Artists.
Everybody has their own vision of the art they wish to own and share. By purchasing art for investment you have both tasteful and conversational decor with value for retirement, or to add to your grand children’s inheritance. Keep track of what is available in galleries, and keep your art broker informed of pieces or names you wish to add.