Actor and comedian Steve Martin, an avid art collector, once said that “paintings are the last luxury, an intellectual harem. A painting on the wall gradually peels off its masks and addresses you over time, not in some flash. It’s a permanent conversation.”

Whether you’re a seasoned art buyer or new to the world of purchasing fine art, the experience of collecting can be a life-long passion.

While the pristine atmosphere of an art gallery may sometimes be intimidating, the purpose of the austere presentation is primarily to give the individual pieces of art plenty of room in which to be viewed. Usually an exhibition shows a body of work by a featured artist or group of artists. This gives the viewer a chance to see an artist’s work in context with other pieces exploring a similar theme or concept.

Usually visitors to a gallery will be greeted by an individual who can offer more information about the exhibiting artist and body of work, or discuss other gallery artists. Members of the sales staff or the gallery director may also be able to answer additional questions for you.

Why purchase art?

Most buyers of art do so for one of four general reasons: Some desire to make a personal statement. Others do so out of an appreciation of the historical or cultural value of art. Many purchase art as an investment. For another group, collecting art is a way of enriching their quality of life.

What to look for

One of the first things an observer should do while looking at a variety of works is to note which pieces most draw your attention and why. Is it the subject matter, choice of medium, the palette, concept or technical skill? Perhaps the piece you’re drawn to is a grand example of work by a particular artist that you have been following, or maybe the response is more intangible–an emotional response evoked by the work.

Says northshore collector Bob Phelan, “Original art contains the energy and expression of the artist; regardless of the media, only original work possesses that power and presence. Collecting art is almost an involuntary response to being near art. The more you are exposed to it, the more you want to experience it in your environment.”

Contemporary artists reflect back to the viewing public visual statements about the culture of our world. These value judgments and beliefs are sometimes beautiful to look at–and sometimes difficult.

Methods of purchasing art

Most galleries offer an approval policy by which a potential buyer may take the artwork home for a three-day trial. In addition to purchasing by cash, check or credit card, a layaway option may also be available. A non-refundable payment may be required to hold the artwork; then, the client is billed in the following months until the piece is paid in full, at which time the client is allowed to accept delivery.

For corporate collections, a lease option may be available in which artwork can be leased for a minimum number of months with the option to purchase at the end of the leasing period. This type of purchase affords companies an opportunity to deduct the expense from their income taxes.

Information about the artist

In addition to your art purchase, you will want to request a copy of the artist’s vita or biography, as well as any past reviews. You should also ask for any accompanying statement from the artist about the particular series of work. Be sure to obtain a sales receipt or statement of authenticity for insurance purposes and ask to be added to the gallery mailing list so that you can be kept informed of other works that may interest you.

Framing choices

Most galleries will offer assistance with framing for a piece of purchased art. In choosing a frame, you should consider not only the proper frame for the piece, but also the particular location in your home or office where the work will be displayed. Many galleries and designers utilize an expert in art placement to help you with frame selection.

When painting on canvas, many artists continue the painting around the sides of the canvas, thus giving the buyer the choice of whether to frame or not. Often, the artist considers this an important part of the work, so you may ask about the artist’s intentions.

Insurance and appraisal

Galleries can provide pertinent information for the purpose of insuring your collection and may also refer you to appraisal companies or agents.

Living with art

There are many different kinds of art and many different ways of living with it. In “At Home with Art,” Estelle Ellis comments: “Art has a chameleon quality. Where you see it changes how you see it. How you wish to live with art varies as much as your personal relationships ... collectors all delight in the art they possess or are possessed by-integrating it in such a way that life and art are one.”

Robin Hamaker is the director of Brunner Gallery in downtown Covington.

Copyright 2003, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.