Central Coast Home & Lifestyle Winter 2021

PROPERTY and FINANCE

Buying Artwork as an Investment

I nvesting in your interior has many positive returns, frommaximizing the use of a space to personal enjoyment and the potential added monetary value to the home. The wonderful thing about art is it’s a tangible artefact which not only adds to the décor but also has the potential to increase in value. Over time many aspects of your interior décor may date or depreciate, however original art is one item where you can achieve short-term and long-term returns on your investment. Your return starts immediately as you start to enjoy it. Art can lift your spirits, bring beauty and luxury to your home, transform a space – and bring the added bonus of long-term return if you have purchased well. When buying art for an investment remember there aren’t any financial guarantees, so sometimes your enjoyment and the decorative result is the ultimate return. To maximise your chances of success it helps to consider various aspects of the art market. Here are my top tips on selecting a collectable artwork that’s on-trend and ticks the boxes to help make it an investment that you also truly love. Start by ensuring the artwork is a quality original – Avoid digital prints (including giclee prints) because after all it’s only a copy. The reality is the rarity and originality of artworks provides value. Instead of buying a print you could value the labour and love an artist has poured into a copper etching or crafted screen print. Better yet aim to purchase an original painting. Great art screams quality and professional artists are committed to quality products. Luxurious paints, custom made canvases of quality linen, and a well- constructed premium frame (if included) all contribute to a quality artwork. Art Trends – Interior styles are constantly changing so you need to look for art that stands the test of time. Recently I purchased an artwork for my son’s nursery. I sought the perfect piece that I could admire with him during his early years but also something he can enjoy for many years to come throughout his childhood, teens and adulthood. The colours were somewhat neutral but the

collectable art and exciting contemporaries, collectors can feel confident that all items available at KAB Gallery are quality works that have been carefully vetted for exhibition. Open 7 days on the Terrigal beachfront under the Crowne Plaza ph 1300 78 7773 or visit KABGallery.com

artist’s unique skill shines through. I did my due diligence and purchased a piece we love and will enjoy in our home forever, while taking comfort knowing the career strengths and international reputation of the artist’s style, subject and career. Aesthetics and appeal – Step back to take an objective look at the artwork you are buying. You should love art which will reflect your personality, but take a moment to consider who could be investing in your artwork if you hope to sell again in the future. If you are investing in a quirky piece you need to consider how it will be received in another 5 or even 50 years’ time? If sold at auction would there be a lot of bidders willing to fight it out? Is the work versatile enough to suit various hanging spaces and positions? The Artist - If you need more of a concrete source of information I recommend looking at the artist’s career, reputation and sales history. Consider how their popularity has grown and whether this is reflected in their prices and demand. This gives you an insight into the selling pattern of comparable works and potentially indicates a pattern for possible future returns. While many art lovers have struck it lucky by investing in an emerging artist who goes onto become famous, many others have not. With so many options on the art market it can be daunting. It is important to understand that like all investments there is risk, and like all markets the art market rises and falls over time. If you do your research you can purchase confidently, allowing you to enjoy your art while it’s hanging on your wall and then when the time comes to sell hopefully realise a return. At KAB Gallery Terrigal we take a contemporary and practical approach to selling collectable artworks in our physical and virtual gallery spaces. As a trusted international art brand, KAB Gallery is the culmination of my lifelong passion for art, along with education and career spent learning everything there is to know about collecting, investing in, valuing, restoring and selling art. With a focus on Australian

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KAB Gallery’s Kerry-Anne Blanket holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts and two Masters degrees (Hons) from the University of Sydney. With an extensive career in art education along with the management of museums and investment art galleries, Kerry-Anne can offer premier art consulting to her clients and source specially requested works. She has a keen eye for detail, comprehensive art market knowledge and a love of all things beautiful. Kerry-Anne works directly with artists and collectors alike to curate interesting and eclectic exhibitions.