Buy With Your Heart, And Your Head

In my first post on this new blog, I explained the meaning behind my tagline: “Buy the best artwork by an artist that you cannot afford.®” As example, I described how I fell in love with a painting by Kerry James Marshall, and decided on the spot, I had to have it.

That impromptu purchase, which suits my tagline to a “T,” fortunately turned out well as the artist’s work has jumped 10 times my original cost.

I’ve never regretted that decision to buy Marshall because purchasing African-American art and providing consulting services for clients is my business. I knew what I was doing.

But, what if you’re a novice collector? I worry you might purchase with your heart, and not your head. That’s perfectly fine if you just want to acquire beautiful things and aren’t interested in seeing your investment grow. In that case, my advice is: if you have to have it, go ahead and make the purchase.

On the other hand, if seeding your retirement, or building a serious art collection is your goal, I suggest you engage the services of a professional art consultant who can provide the knowledge, background, and experience to guide you to a worthy purchase.

This advice doesn’t rule out shopping with your heart. After all, there’s nothing as enjoyable as falling in love, even with an inanimate object that can’t return your ardor. Just keep the cost within your budget. 

Here’s an example of my theme: In the mid ’70’s, I spent the day in the home and studio of Elizabeth Catlett with her two young sons and husband Francesco Mora.  It was a privilege to meet her and be surrounded by her powerful wood, clay, and stone sculptures.

But, while at Catlett’s studio, I also saw paintings by her husband. Can you guess which artist's work spoke to me? You’re right: It was that of Francesco Mora. In later years, I grew to admire Catlett’s elegant, simple, and powerful sculptures of strong women and have placed many of her works in important private collections. 

Do I regret not purchasing one of Catlett’s works?  Absolutely. Yet, I still love the Mora painting (image at the beginning of this post) I purchased that day in Mexico.  However, if an art advisor had been at my side, or on call, I'm certain you know which artist would’ve gotten my check.