2 More Secrets to Collect Art for Le$$

Unframed and waiting for a home
1. Visit the artist’s studio and look for unframed, hidden gems.
(Call or email for an appointment if you know the artist). If not,
the artist may want to meet you when they have Open Studio. Ask and they will happily tell you what
works for them.
Many artists welcome feedback. A quick studio visit doesn’t take away from the artist’s schedule.
Ask to see the box, bin, shelf, file of unframed works. Then make an offer on a piece you love.
First ask what a framed piece in the same size goes for so you can determine a price range.
Chances are there is a reason it is not framed up. A piece may not have fit into any body of work ready
to be exhibited. Or if you are not comfortable making an offer, ask what the plans are for the piece first.
2. Ask for “retired pieces”. These are works of art that have already made the gallery rounds.
For some reason they did not sell. The right collector may not have seen them or they may not
have been exhibited in a good spot, etc. For whatever reason, once back in the studio,
the artist places these pieces in the pile of paintings already exhibited. Many of these pieces can be had for
le$$ because they have already made the rounds and they are considered “retired”.
I have collected many works of art by some of my
favorite artists (when I was still learning). This is a great way for artists to get better- study from
the works in your own collection that your favorite artist(s) painted. If you take an art class from an artist ( and you love their work),
ask if they offer a student discount on demo pieces. I’ve learned soooo much by studying the original at home.
Happy hunting! Tell me what you find!
Email me at Linda@LindaRichichi.com or simply comment at the end of this post.
You can also find me at the
Worldwide Paint out at SUNY Orange campus
on lower Broadway in Newburgh, NY
on Sat. Sept. 15th from 9-11am
and then at the opening of the Cauldron Group Exhibit in Chelsea
3-6 pm at the New Century Artists Gallery – click here for more details.