Why Conduct Artist Research Before Investing In Art?

Jun 4, 2023

The art market is booming, and more and more people are making the decision to invest in art. Art can make a great investment; not only is it profitable, but it’s a tangible investment - it’s something you can enjoy. But what do you need to consider when investing in art? What research should you complete? That’s what we’ll be exploring in this blog post. Read on to learn about the importance of conducting artist research before investing in art, as well as some of the key things you should research before purchasing art.

What Should I Research Before I Invest In Art?

Even if you seek the help of an art advisor, we recommend that you conduct thorough research yourself. First of all, consider the type of art you wish to invest in. Utilise online resources - and if the artist has a website, be sure to have a read. Likewise, explore their auction history - how much does their artwork typically sell for at auction? Most people gravitate towards art they enjoy - for example, pop art or Renaissance art. It can be easier to invest in a type of art that you are interested in and already familiar with. After all, the art you invest in may be hanging on your wall for some time, so you should opt for art that you love.

The Provenance

Provenance is a hugely important factor when it comes to art investment. Provenance refers to the history of a piece of art - for example, who previously owned it, and where it was previously exhibited. It’s equally as important to determine the authenticity of a piece of art. One of the main risks in the art market is forgeries and counterfeit artwork - this can be the cause of much financial loss. Conducting thorough research can ensure you’re investing in an authentic, valuable piece of art.

The Artist’s Background

If you’re considering investing in art, you should always complete some research on the artist. Do they have an interesting backstory? Are they connected to any big, industry names? Knowing this information can help you make an informed decision on your investment. If an artist has an interesting backstory, their work could potentially sell for more. People love a backstory - whether it be a ‘from rags to riches’ story or overcoming personal challenges - and this could make an artist’s work more investable. For example, urban artist Stony experienced many personal challenges such as dyslexia, autism, and eventually, cancer - and after his death in 2022, his artwork became his legacy. Likewise, Banksy has an interesting backstory, after beginning his career in a graffiti crew in Bristol. Banksy is extremely popular, and something that gives Banksy an edge against other street artists is not just his political and satirical style, but the mystery surrounding his identity.

Artistic Themes

Art isn’t always about how it looks - and just because a piece of art is aesthetically pleasing, this doesn’t mean that it will make a good investment. Often, art carries a deeper meaning. Research can help you understand the deeper meaning behind a piece of art, and gain insight into the themes and ideas reflected in the piece. Gaining an understanding of the artist’s inspiration behind the artwork can help you to appreciate the artwork on a deeper level. It can also help you make a decision on whether you’ll purchase the artwork or not.

Market Trends

One of the most important things you should research about an artist before investing in a piece of artwork is market trends. All artists will have their own market trends and cycles - which can give you an insight into the best time to buy an artist’s work. Research into market trends can also help you to identify emerging artists. Often, you can purchase art created by new, emerging artists at a much more affordable price as opposed to blue-chip artwork from established artists, which can be much more expensive. This is a great way to generate profit, as you may be able to sell the artwork for a higher price further down the line.

Investment Potential

Of course, one of the main things to consider when investing in art is investment potential. Be sure to consider the artist’s potential for long-term growth - do they have a steady background of selling artwork for profit? Will they have a lasting impact on the art world? When you research an artist’s history, you may be able to judge their trajectory. For example, you can predict whether an artist will rise in the artwork or fit in with a certain artistic movement or style.

Can An Art Advisor Help?

Yes - an art advisor can help you to invest in art and generate a steady profit. After completing independent research, we recommend that you seek the help of an art advisor. It can be tough to determine what exactly qualifies as investment-grade artwork, and whether a piece of art is worth investing in or not. This is where art advisors can help. Art advisors usually have plenty of industry experience and industry connections that you can utilise for your benefit. With a keen eye for detail and extensive knowledge of the art industry, art advisors can provide you with all the guidance you need to make a successful investment. At Grove Gallery, we are home to an effective art advisory service - our experts can help you to generate between 8-12% profit on average per annum. You can begin your art investment journey with as little as £3,000. Contact us today to enquire about your art investment options and to kickstart your art investment journey with Grove Gallery.

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