Dr. Laurie: How to educate, prepare yourself for the purchase of fine arts, antiques [column] | Antiques

When embarking on a new phase of life, such as a new marriage, a new home, a new job, a big anniversary, or retirement, many people describe the experience of buying an important item. If you are looking for an object for investment that will be both fun and smart, immediately come to mind art and antiques. This is the subject you have always wanted and you are ready to “treat yourself”.

For a novice collector or even for an experienced art and antique lover, entering the market can be challenging. This is a great time to shop, so here I will share my insider tips on creating an art collection. I have compiled a Guide to Buying Art and Antiques to help you find, understand, negotiate and collect the best examples of fine art and antiques.

Learn from the masters

First, learn as much as you can about art and antiques in places where you are not tempted to buy art or antiques. What does that mean? How to start a collection without buying? First, visit museums, historical societies, libraries, gallery exhibitions and other places where fine art and antiques are exhibited but not sold.

First you need to learn about different media (e.g. pastel, watercolor, bronze, oil on canvas, etc.), art trends (e.g. surrealism, impressionism, modern realism, etc.) and plots (e.g. still lifes, seascapes, portraits, etc.) so that you have a good idea of ​​what is of interest to you.

By gaining this understanding, you will be better prepared to invest in something good that you also enjoy. This method will not allow you to acquire anything impulsively or simply because the opportunity arises.

Stick to your budget

Don’t think about buying artwork or antiques until you set a budget. I know, I know … sad. Sad but necessary. If you have a budget, decide on it and stick to it. Don’t give up. Don’t convince yourself to spend because you also fell in love with the piece. No matter what, you will be happy if you stick to your budget. More often than not this way you get a good chunk because you don’t view too many objects at once, which can cause confusion.

Slow down

Forget about life distractions when you think about buying great art or antiques. This work of art or antique item will be a part of your home life for many years to come. Learn to look at a work of art or an antique item in more than a few minutes. Don’t let persistent traders, encouraging friends, or other “background noise” distract or rush to buy major art or antiques. Take a moment and just stand and quietly look at the work. Think about what you see and try to understand what you like about it. Think about it, think about it and take your time.

Back to basics

Try to consider the basics, starting with black and white. Don’t get carried away by the color of the artwork or the various details of the antique decoration. Some people who sell art or antiques will try to make you enjoy a particular work based solely on its colors or how it fits into your color scheme. Remember that most of buying something good is learning to recognize quality products. The goal is to buy what you like, also high quality.

Buy training

Buy works by trained artists and famous masters. And it is even better to acquire works by artists who teach other artists, such as those who have become professors from prestigious art schools. When it comes to market success, those who can, teach!

Appraisers know that the best art and antiques are always the best choice for a collection. Collecting quality art and antiques is always a good investment.

Lori Werderham, who received her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, is an antiques appraiser, author and award-winning television personality who starred in the hit show History Channel “The Curse of Oak Island”. It provides information on the estimated cost of DrLoriV.com and Youtube.com/DrLoriV or by phone 888-431-1010.