Advice on Collecting Art - a Gallerist's Guide...
- Emily Hadley
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
Buying art can sometimes feel like a faux pas waiting to happen. It is easy to be intimidated by those who seemingly have much experience and knowledge in the area. The truth is, no matter how much you know about art movements, gallery shows and the art market in general - the most important thing is you buy art that YOU love. All art is subjective but the power of any art is the ability to move you, to please your eyes and to speak to your soul in some way!
Here is some of my best advice on collecting art, a gallerist's guide!
Buy with your eyes, not your ears. It’s easy to get swept up in what people are saying, but the real connection comes from how you see and feel about the work in front of you. Trust your own eye - it rarely leads you wrong.
REALLY look! Spend time in galleries, wander through museums, train your eye. Then, when you find a gallerist you trust, invest in that relationship. The right one will not only guide you but grow alongside you, making the journey even richer.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Some of the most compelling collections are built across categories, materials, eras and cultures. That layering creates a dialogue that feels alive and deeply personal. And remember: price isn’t the only measure of value.
Most of all—buy what moves you. If a piece makes your heart catch, that’s worth leaning into. Stretch for it if you can. The best galleries respect genuine passion and a good one will always try to help you bring home the work you truly love. Never be afraid to ask for a payment plan in order to make that piece yours!
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