Re: Investing in ART...how is it done? I could use help on my new discovery...

Hi Gordon,

I’d like to give an opinion from one who has been in the art business for over 15 years. I’ve sold many of those prints you are talking about at $2,000 - $5,000 and original works for many more thousands of dollars. I was a Fine Art Consultant for many years; have been a Gallery Director for a couple of high-end galleries; worked with publishers on both retail and dealer accounts; have been an Artist’s Representative; and am an artist myself. I mention this only so you know that I am familiar with many aspects of the art world.

I don’t want to put a negative spin on all the enthusiasm being created here in this thread but I do want to get down to the real world. First off, I would advise one to be very wary of investing in the fine art world. Please find some investors who have purchased those expensive prints and ask how many of them have made money on their investment. I sincerely doubt if you can find many.

You mentioned that there is a huge speculation market for unknown and undiscovered artists. Can you back up that statement with facts? There IS a huge market for artists whose works are being mass marketed by publishers who are investing tons of money in getting the artist branded. These publishers have spent years developing relationships with fine galleries, gallery owners, show promoters, fine printers, artists, and on and on. These relationships have cost plenty in terms of time and money.

When the publisher has a new artist to promote, he notifies all the galleries of the event with expensive, professional, slick, marketing materials - color brochures, flyers, biographies, selling scripts, etc. He promotes the artist at major trade shows (extremely expensive); takes the artist on a road show tour (lots of costs); arranges artist appearances at galleries, events, etc. (more costs); educates his reps on the marketing program; arranges publication of the prints with a specialized printer (major work and expense); etc. etc. He will have to pay the artist something before he makes even one cent. If the publisher has put together a successful marketing program, then he will probably make a good profit. But, he will have worked day and night and put up lots of money in the process. Successful publishers are a very special breed.

Some things to think about:

1. Artist’s work is sold with hype. Check out the hype before you buy. Ask about the documented appreciation of the work. Most publishers set the value of the artwork and it can be manipulated to create marketing excitement.

2. If Dean Duvall is such a hot artist, why can’t I find his work anywhere in the search engines? I read his daxfax site and it sounds like a lot of hype to me. What galleries promote his work?

3. Regarding Stephen Jiles – I checked out his Ebay auction. It was started on 4-8 and to date has not had a bid. Why aren’t all those Akron collectors bidding on this? Why isn’t that reknown local celebrity bidding on this?

In my opinion, artists who resort to Ebay are having problems selling their work in the traditional way – through fine galleries, juried shows, trade shows, etc. Ask the artist what galleries are carrying his work and then check with the galleries to see how successful they feel this artist is. Find out if the artist has any exposure besides the local area. If the artist is truly successful, he will have collectors from all over.

4. Please know that many an artist has given a celebrity one of his works of art just so the artist can say that this "famous person" owns a piece of their art.

5. Picking the next star of the art world has nothing to do with the artist’s talent. Check out who is promoting the artist.

My professional advice - purchase art that you truly love. Art that speaks to you in a special way, connects to you, or makes you feel good. Art is truly magical and can add a very special touch to your home and life. Buy what you love! If it appreciates, wonderful. If not, you'll still have a work of art you love.

If I can be of service in any way, feel free to email me with questions or request my phone number. If you are really interested in this field, I have a couple of ideas to discuss.

Barbara Arlington
[email protected]