It’s said that art is in the eye of the beholder. No two people will react to or interpret a piece in exactly the same way. On the other hand, there are some general words of advice for art enthusiasts as they begin to purchase art. Tracy Gielbert, owner of Gallery Orange in the French Quarter, offers some wise do’s and don’ts.
Gielbert studied fine art herself before moving into the role of gallerist 16 years ago and advises beginning with a basic idea: Rather than thinking of art as a financial investment, approach it as something to enhance your daily joy and surroundings.
“If something enriches your home and your soul and makes you happy, buy it,” said Gielbert. “You invest thousands of dollars in a sofa that you will throw away one day, so why not on a work of art?”
That said, Gielbert emphasizes that it is wise to buy art that will last. First, however, Gielbert says to get out and start looking at art.
- Buy one large piece you love rather than a multitude of small works about which you are lukewarm.
- When traveling, look at art for information vs. acquisition. Shipping can be expensive.
- Make sure art is hung properly – at the correct height, for the proper weight etc.
“See what you like and get familiar with prices, so you don’t get sticker shock,” she said.
This includes visiting galleries, museums, looking at online sites, and books. Save auctions until you know what you like and have a better knowledge of cost. Once you’ve been exposed to a variety of art, Gielbert recommends going to galleries that handle the work of emerging artists. They offer several advantages. Price tags on works by emerging artists are lower than those on works by established artists and the gallery has already put its confidence behind the artist’s work and professionalism.
When considering a purchase, Gielbert advises buyers ask themselves whether they are buying a piece as part of the décor, to fill wall space or because “it speaks to you.” If you love a piece, it’s more likely to be a lifelong possession. At the same time, she notes that buyers’ tastes change as they become more educated. Gielbert recommends buying art that is made with quality archival materials that last and buying the largest piece you can afford (as long as you love it) rather than buying small works in order to save money. Large pieces generally have more impact and you will require fewer pieces in the long run. She also is a proponent of buying original works vs. prints or giclées. An original work bears “the energy and the handprint” of the artist and doesn’t always require the expense of framing as in the case of a print.
Because sales in New Orleans slow in the hot summer months (June to September) due to less foot traffic, Gielbert says summer is a good time to buy. Galleries have more time to spend with customers and are more likely to negotiate. Most galleries also offer spread payments for customers who prefer to pay in installments. Finally, Gielbert suggests building a rapport with a gallery owner. That way a would-be buyer can rely on the eye and expertise of the gallery as well as their own enthusiasm for a work.
About the Expert
Gallery Orange owner Tracey Gielbert attended the Willem deKooning Academie in Rotterdam and the Royal Academie of Art in The Hague and began selling her own art while still a student. Tracie feels that her formal training as an artist gives her the advantage of being able to discern the quality of the artist’s technique.