For Collectors
how do you buy art? • do you have to be rich to buy original art? • what do the red or blue dots mean? • what if we take art home and we don’t like it? • can we do a monthly payment plan to buy art? • should i buy art as an investment? • how is the art priced? • Our Advice
"Collectors should buy from their hearts — what they love, not what decorators or salespeople say." —Diane Waterhouse
Kathleen Avram , “New Roots”, ink on clayboard, 18 x 24", 2019, Nouveau Gallery, Regina
How do you buy art?
We offer clients the advice of "buy what you love." You don't need an art degree to visit a gallery or to purchase art - just like you don't need to know how to build a combustion engine when you go to purchase a car.
Do you have to be rich to buy original art?
No, you do not have to be rich. There are many affordable works available and, if the piece is in a higher price range, most galleries offer a payment plan or lease. Some of our clients set aside a little money each month, much like planning for a trip, and use that money to buy a piece of original art. Or, they buy art as birthday presents, anniversary gifts or for special occasions. If you are interested in a work, talk to the gallery staff or take a look at their website before you visit to see what their policies are. We know of one client who bought a painting of flowers for his wife and told her “Now you can never say I don’t buy you flowers.”
What do the red or blue dots mean?
The red dot beside an artwork indicates it has been sold. A blue dot lets you know the work is reserved for someone, but not necessarily sold yet. With a blue or ‘hold’ dot, you still might have a chance to purchase the piece, so tell the gallery owner you’re interested if the other person doesn’t buy it.
What if we take art home and we don’t like it?
Most commercial galleries can arrange for you to ‘test drive’ the art. They can install it for you in your home, you live with it for a week or so and then decide if you like it and want to buy it—or try another piece of art. Ask the gallery if they have this option available.
Can we do a monthly payment plan to buy art?
Most commercial galleries do have payment plans and some have leasing plans as well. If you are interested in a work, talk to the gallery staff or take a look at their website before you visit to see what their policies are.
Should I buy art as an investment?
Our gallery owners recommend that you buy what you love. Yes, some people do buy art as an investment, absolutely, but remember the piece is going to be in your home or your office for a long time so it’s a good idea to also enjoy it! The gallery owners can tell you about each of their artists, including their exhibition history and art practice — things that affect pricing. It’s good to know if the artist is an emerging, mid-career or senior artist with exposure nationally or internationally.
How is the art priced?
Well, there are a few ways to describe this, one is using economic terms; high demand and a small supply creates a price. Art is unique because there is a limited supply at any given time. Price is also determined by an artist’s exhibition and sales history, career level, and scale of artwork. In general, the list price is meant to be consistent throughout North America and around the world. Artists with reputable dealers will have work of the same material, period and scale priced equally whether it is for sale in Regina, Calgary or New York.
Our advice:
Visit any of our galleries and, if you’d like, sign up for an email list of exhibition openings, gallery news, etc. The owners are approachable and knowledgeable about the artists they represent. They're not the stuffy/fake accent gallery owners you see in movies. We promise. Ask any question you'd like and they'll gladly answer it or get the answer for you. Our gallery owners got into the business of selling art because they love it. And they want you to love it too. They have already curated the art for you and built a relationship with the artists.
Know that when you buy art from a SaskGalleries’ member, the artist is a professional (they create art for a living and have a consistent art practice) and they receive fair payment for the work from the gallery.