4 Tips to Diversify Your Art Collection
To quote American painter Edward Hopper, "If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint."
At Gray's, we believe in art's power to communicate the unspoken and strike a chord with those who appreciate it. Curating an art collection is a labor of love, patience, and perhaps most importantly, curiosity. Your collection should be an extension of you and your unique personality, and it takes time to develop that creative intuition and find the pieces that speak to you.
The way art is produced has also changed, making it feel more challenging than ever to build a collection that is utterly and perfectly yours. Mass production can make art buying feel generic and impersonal, while the sheer volume of online shopping marketplaces can overwhelm the most seasoned of collectors. So, in this day and age, how do you slice through the clutter and find unusual pieces that make your art collection stand out?
Read on for four of our best tips and tricks.
Get Curious
Whether you are just starting out or an art-buying connoisseur, keeping an open mind is crucial to scoring the wild and wonderful finds you're looking for. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to collecting art. In fact, some of the most enchanting collections stand out due to their ability to alchemize opposites – mixing vintage with modern, experimenting with a wide array of styles and mediums, and turning the outdated idea of niche upside-down. If you’re typically a collector of oil paintings or ceramics, try branching out into the world of photography, printing, or Eastern art.
The bottom line? Art should be fun. Don’t be afraid to play!
Hashtags Are Your Friend
It's no surprise that Instagram made the list. It's becoming more and more common for artists to post their work online and build a digital community of buyers and supporters. Tired of doom scrolling? Ditch the panic by infusing your feed with a daily dose of inspiration and taking your art search to Instagram.
With social media, you can customize your search to find exactly what your collection is missing. From #collectart, to #artofinstagram, and #contemporaryartists, there are thousands of hashtags and creators to follow based on your particular interests.
Not sure where to start? Check out these 9 Art Influencers You Should Know and give Gray’s a follow to brighten up your home feed and chase away those Sunday scaries.
Don’t Hesitate, Participate
Okay, so maybe we’re a little biased, but we think the pulse-pounding world of auctions is one of the best ways to start filling your collection with bold and eccentric art. You can browse hundreds of different lots, each with its own intimate history, from the comfort of your computer or smartphone. With such a wide range of artistry and representation, you’re sure to find a piece that stops you right in your tracks to tell its story. Bonus? Working with a reputable auction team gives you the ultimate insider experience so you can place your bids with confidence.
Don't just take our word for it. Get inspired and sneak a peek at these one-of-a-kind stunners we've featured in recent auctions!
Download our app on Google Play or the App Store to check out upcoming auctions.
Stay in The Know
Maybe you're looking to diversify your collection but don't have much free time to spare. (Who does?) We've got just the thing for that.
Sign up for our newsletter, Curated Curiosities. This weekly roundup features the latest and greatest in art and auction communiqué including auction alerts, so you’ll never miss out on the action. Each week we include a “What The Heck Is It?” highlight – exclusively dedicated to our favorite offbeat finds, like this one we recently posted on Instagram. Kick back, relax and let the art come to you.
If you're in the market to sell a unique piece in your existing collection, check out this handy guide to get started on the valuation process.
Ready to reach out? Drop us a line here!