Art is a compelling option for thoughtful investors - not just because of its potential returns, but because of what it represents. For many, the decision to collect starts not with the idea of financial gains, but with a moment of connection: a piece that stirs emotion, invites curiosity, or simply won’t let go. That’s often the first signal that you’re not just buying art - you’re stepping into a richer, more personal kind of investing.
When Are You Ready to Start Collecting?
Maryana Kaliner, founder of the gallery KALINER and a former finance professional, recalls her first purchase: a $1,000 painting that captivated her for reasons she couldn’t fully explain at the time. “I bought it because I truly loved the artwork. I thought it was layered and fascinating, it made me think and stare at it for a while!” That moment led to a deeper exploration of the art world, and eventually to opening her own gallery. Today, she helps new collectors navigate that same journey with intention and care. “Art investing is a long-term game,” she says. “Collecting art for investment purposes holds responsibility. It is important to be mindful and play by the rules.”
The Surprising Upside of Playing the Long Game
That mindset resonates with those who are used to balancing thoughtful decision-making with a desire to invest in things that matter. Art doesn’t offer instant gratification. It requires patience, curiosity, and the willingness to develop a point of view.
Francesa Pessarelli, an independent curator, echoed this perspective: “It takes years of supporting smaller artists and galleries, buying actively, and navigating the social dynamics of the art world until you are able to buy higher and higher value art.”
Buy What You Actually Love
When starting out, many collectors begin with a few pieces they simply love. “Art has a presence in the home,” said Pessarelli. “If you're going to live with something, you really should make sure you love it.” Over time, preferences evolve, patterns emerge, and collections take shape. That’s when some choose to bring in an advisor or dealer to help align future purchases with broader goals.
Mike Coleman, founder of the art advisory Second Ave Arts, described the connection to a piece as something emotional, even spiritual. “These pieces of work can become like another pet in your life,” he said. “The love of them can become quite strong.”
The Biggest Mistake You Can Make When Buying Art
Buying art just because it’s trendy or purely for resale value is a common mistake among art investors. Pessarelli warned that trying to predict a return can lead to regret. “The biggest mistake people make is believing that there's a way to be certain that a particular purchase will appreciate in value,” she said.
Kaliner added that “even though artwork can be an incredible financial tool we should not forget that it holds soul.” The advice is simple: support the work you believe in, and give it time to appreciate on every level.
The Financial Return
The returns are possible but rarely predictable. Kaliner noted that returns are easier to forecast when a work has entered the secondary market. “It requires meticulous collection of data across the world and algorithms that take into consideration all the information and evaluate the risk,” she explained. “The best way to start is to contact the dealer from whom the artwork was acquired.”
Pessarelli put it more bluntly: “Most of the work you buy will never appreciate in value. But some of it will appreciate tenfold or a hundredfold. It’s a numbers game.”
Art investing isn’t just about building a portfolio. It’s about building a life enriched by creativity, conversation, and meaning. “Collecting opens an opportunity to be a true patron or matron of the arts,” Kaliner said. “Supporting the artists and increasing the value of the works over time is in the collector’s power.”
