Buying Art: How an Art Consultant Can Help You

As you survey your home or office, you may be interested in buying art that fits your place, but need like advice on what kind would fit your interior design style. That is where an art consultant may be the person you need to help.

An art consultant helps people define the art program or theme—its purpose and function in the home or office. The consultant may survey the space, help you decide on the scope of the theme, and develop a budget, if one is not already set. He/She searches out the artwork that you are interested in, and then presents it in a way that the client can understand and that makes the experience enjoyable. The consultant may oversee the framing, shipping and installation. Sometimes interior design skills come into play—moving furniture around to make the space more attractive, working with designers and architects to develop lighting, and consulting on other aspects of the space that relate to the art.

They also are a good source for purchasing fine art from local or nationally well-known artists or sculptors that fit your personality. Art consultants usually have good relationships with artists, framers, art galleries, interior designers and decorators and other art professionals that can help you.

If you would like to hire an art consultant to work with you, make sure he/she has some of the following expertise:

• A working knowledge of art history since 1850;
• Curatorial skills, including art handling and preservation techniques;
• Knowledge of the art market;
• Personal integrity and ethical working procedures;
• Knowledge of the diverse ways art has been successfully used to solve corporate and residential needs; décor, image marketing and corporate identity, employee and public relations.

Contact the International Association for Professional Art Advisors for more information.

Artist, Charlie Jones, Jr.

I first viewed this artist's work in Atlanta, Georgia at an art function and found his work among the most unique images that I have ever seen. Upon meeting him a few months later, I could see how his architecture background had a great influence on his work as an artist.

I would like to introduce Charlie Jones, Jr., an abstract artist who resides in Silver Spring, Maryland as the first artist to spotlight for 2006.

Where are you originally from and how long have you been an artist?

I am originally from Youngstown, Ohio. I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. I used to redraw comic book characters beginning in 3rd grade. I and my fellow classmates used to have contest to see who could closely replicate the characters. I also remember being in church around that same age drawing the profiles of church members faces on the back of the church bulletins.

What inspires you in creating your art?

My inspiration has always been internal. My artwork is a reflection of myself and how I am feeling about a person, situation or mood. I usually sit at my art desk with no predisposed theme in mind. I let my internal feelings guide my work.

As an art consultant, I am always curious as to why people collect art and what inspires them to do it. So, I decided to talk to some folks who are avid collectors to not only learn from them but also help others who are looking to start their own art collections.

To start off, I recently interviewed Adrienne, a thirty-something art collector who resides in Lorton, VA, about her thoughts on art collecting.

Why did you start collecting art?

I was on a cruise and a friend convinced me it would be a good investment.

How many pieces of original art do you have?

I have 9 pieces of original art.

What is your favorite medium of art (sculpture, paintings, etc.)?

Paintings

Where do you typically buy art that you like?

In the cities I travel to. If you buy art away from home, you get to see the world and there can be tax advantages.

Who is/are your favorite artist(s)?

James Michalopoulos from New Orleans. He creates images of shotgun houses. Others I like are Stacey Brown, Art by Andre and Tim Cottrell .

What advice would you give to someone new at collecting art?

You can ask for a discount and you might get it. I learned this from a friend who ended up buying a piece for $5,000 that was being sold at $8,000. I’ve managed to get most pieces for less than full price. I know it’s not the American way but I spend much of my time traveling and it’s the way of much of the world. Also buy what you like and insure it if it’s nice. Check out galleries wherever you are. I still get letters from a gallery in South Africa where I bought a piece. They shipped it to me. My favorite artist also allows you to buy art on layaway. I bought the one piece that I have of his on a 12 month layaway plan. Also, I try to get certificates of authenticity from artists and most are happy to do so.

Authentic Art News

Looking for unique, ethnic art from another continent to spice up your living or working space? Authentic Art Consulting has now partnered with NOVICA to offer you more than 17,000 handcrafted works of art from more than 2,000 extraordinary master artists from around the world at affordable prices! Contact me for more details!

Upcoming Events

See our Spring Calendar in the next newsletter.....!

A few places to view and buy art in January and February....for more information on additional gallery shows and events, visit Authentic Art DC

January 11-February 5, 2006

Latest Additions
Featuring the art of new gallery members
Touchstone Gallery
406 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC
Phone: (202) 347-2787
www.TouchstoneGallery.com

January 14-February 28, 2006

Art for the Wall
An exhibition of prints and paintings.
Meredith Gallery
805 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, Maryland
Phone: (410) 837-3575
www.meredithgallery.com

January 18-March 26, 2006

Target Gallery
105 N. Union Street
Old Town, Alexandria, VA
Phone: (703) 838-4565

AFRICA!
January 18-February 19, 2006
This juried exhibition of artists investigates contemporary and/or historical notions of Africa and its influences.

Stretched Tight
February 24-March 26, 2006
An exhibition of artists working in the medium of painting. Artists were encouraged to submit work that challenged conventional notions and represents a broad range of subjects, genres, concepts and/or processes.

January 27-29, 2006

The Outsider Art Fair
The Puck Building
New York, NY
Phone: (212) 777-5218
www.sanfordsmith.com

February 2-5, 2006

National Black Fine Art Show
The Puck Building
New York, NY
Phone: (212) 925-5257
www.blackfineartshow.com

January 25-February 12, 2006

ATLart[06]
Various Venues
Atlanta, GA
Phone: (404) 818-6084
www.atlart.com/atl06/

"There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who - with the help of their art and intelligence - transform a yellow spot into the sun." - Pablo Picasso

email: sjb@authenticartonline.com

phone: (301) 910-1231

web: http://www.authenticartonline.com