Art as an Inve$tment

In a recent article, “Fine Art Can Be A Fine Investment”, (Investopdia.com) it was pointed out that, “the rarity of a work of art is what gives it value. . .” This is an excellent thought to keep in mind when searching for the perfect piece of art for your collection. If you are buying a piece of art simply because you've fallen in love with it and investment isn't really your reason for the purchase, then a print may suffice. (And will save you some money.)

Nightlights By Sharon Wilfong Original Digital Art

There are levels of quality and collect-ability within the world of prints as well. If an original is generated digitally then, of course, the print will be an original. Therefore the digitally generated art work may be worth more than a digital reproduction of an original painting. The prints from the digital art work will be worth more depending upon their rarity. Rarity of a digital piece is directly related to how many prints are made. Limited runs of prints will increase the value of the art work. In the case of the painting, the print is a reproduction; prints are copies of the art and are rarely worth as much as an original.

If you are looking for an investment, original art is a legitimate addition to your portfolio. While there are no guarantees as to the worth of a contemporary piece of art down the road, the gamble is well worth it in terms of potential return. AND, unlike many investments, you will own something that can bring a considerable amount of pleasure that is beyond monetary value. For this reason, it makes sense to buy art work that resonates with you as well as potentially increasing in value.

Spring Garden By Sharon Wilfong Original Acrylic Painting

Get to know thecontemporary artists whose work you admire; go to their exhibits if possible. Buy direct from the artists for a better price. 

For more information about investing in contemporary art work, check out these links:

http://www.investopedia.com/university/20_investments/4.asp

http://www.investopedia.com/slide-show/expensive-paintings/

The Scream By Edvard Munch 

 5 Most Expensive Paintings Ever Sold!

"Estimates were for the Scream to go for as high as US$200 million, but the official sale price of $119,922,500 still easily qualified it for the highest ever. The auction took place in New York and was carried out by prestigious auction house Sotheby's. Edvard Munch painted the artwork in 1895 and it has since become one of the most widely recognized and reproduced paintings in history. The New York Times put its popularity nearly as high as Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, which is considered the most popular painting in the world. Four versions of the Scream exist, and the one that sold was said to be the last available in private hands. The other three are available for viewing in Norwegian museums. The winning bidder chose to remain anonymous and bid over the phone. The auction took only 12 minutes. The seller was a Norwegian businessman whose father knew Munch personally."