1. DE-CLUTTER YOUR HOME – Before you begin you need to start with a ‘blank canvas’; I’m sure if you had booked an art consultant or interior designer to make their recommendations you’d tidy up, so make this your starting point. It is also a fundamental feng shui principle that de-cluttering your environment will de-clutter your mind. If you don’t have the time or the job is too big call in an expert.

2. THINK LIKE A GUEST – Now walk through your home imagining you’re a visitor or guest so you can understand the logistics of entering your home for the first time and what impression or atmosphere you wish to create. Important areas from a guest’s point of view are: the entrance (this is their first impression) the path from the entrance to the main living/entertaining area and an outdoor area if you have one. Look for what you think they would notice: as you enter your home, is it obvious where the kitchen/living areas are from the entrance; are private rooms or areas such as bedrooms ‘on show’ as guests walk through the house to the living area. Can any outdoor areas be seen from the main living area? more…

Hype and value in the art market are two very different things. Hype may mean you end up buying art that sells well in the auction houses at the moment. My opinion, and I reiterate my opinion only is that the auction houses are a small step from the type of market manipulation seen so recently on Wall Street. Value art is based on Warren Buffett’s philosophy, stick with good value fundamentals.

So what gives art its value? It is after all just canvas and paint.

Art markets work like all other markets – perception counts for about 60% and proof about 30%.

Over the years I have developed these ten criteria to help me determine my purchases:

Perception
1. Is it scarce? If it is hard to find or tightly controlled there is a perception of specialness. That is why originals and limited edition artist prints are better value than mass produced.

2. Is there a story behind the art and artist? It is hard to separate Van Gogh’s life story from his art and indeed his popularity is a combination of the two.

3. Is the artist well known? That doesn’t mean he/she is doing the celebrity circuit but is there enough knowledge about the artist that people can feel safe in investing in him/her. more…

Collecting art is a possibility for almost anyone. I can say this after many conversations with dedicated art collectors of many differing bents and differing economic means. Original art IS available to everyone.

The amount of money that you can spend is one of several factors in choosing additions to your collection. But, the amount spent has not been demonstrated to me as the prime factor in determining the size or quality of of your collection. Rather, I believe the prime factor is personal taste.

Personal taste accounts for a lot. There are many personal and organizational collections that were well-founded on the numerous secondary and tertiary factors, but were not well-founded on a taste for excellent composition. These collections, no matter how large or full of “name” artists, show themselves as well-meaning but second level collections. more…