With art lessons andtrips to the library, my parents generously fostered both pursuits.
Books and art have remained favorite Christmas and birthday gifts well into adulthood.
From Lowcountry landscapes to quiet still lifes to moody abstracts, each piece is special.
Credit:James Ransom
To help me (and you!)
get started, we turned to two of our favorite Southern artists for help.
Artist collectives are a great place to begin your hunt.
They do the digging for you, Shain says, which is especially beneficial for new or young collectors.
Looking for more resources?
Start Small
Most of us arent buying largescale 36-inch-by-48-inch canvases right out of the gates.
Instead, start with small works that really speak to you.
Small art transitions between spaces well, Davis says.
Price points are generally more inclusive, too.
Investing in small pieces from established artists adds immediate value to your collection, she says.
That particular piece was only $10, she laughs.
Of course, any purchase is price dependent.
Collect things that resonate.
It doesnt even have to be a traditional piece of art.
It could be an old coin framed in a cool way.
Its up to you, Shain says.
Personally, I love the having a really diverse room.
I love something figurative, something abstract, a landscape, and something behind glass in every room.
I like for things to speak to each other on color as opposed to subject matter.
But Davis and Shain agree that the collector dictates the mix.
Theres no right way to collect.
It’s not about things that go together, Shain says.
But dont be surprised if unexpected connections appear as your collection grows.
Buy Local
Shain suggests participating in a local art walk to discover new artists in your area.
And if a local artist offers open studio hours, go!
When hunting for work by an established artist like Benedict, Shain suggests watching for works on paper sales.
Benedict herself has offered such sales in the past.
These pieces are generally priced lower but remember to take into framing costs when youre considering your budget.
Artists like Davis and Shain also love prints because they keep their work accessible.
Honestly, creating a print is itself a kind of art.
Shop Your House
Before you buy something new, look around your house.
Go through a parents or grandparents attic.
You never know what treasures you might uncover.
Its just graphic and cool, she says.
