#6 How Do I Develop Taste?

Congratulations! You’ve reached the final lesson in the Collecting 101 series. While this series cannot possibly cover all there is to know about the art world, I hope that it has given you a foundational understanding of art, its history, and how to build an art collection. Together, we can continue to deepen your knowledge, expand your comfort zone, and finesse your collecting skills so that you can enjoy a strong and personalized art collection for years to come.

Even now that you know where to buy art from, how it is priced, and the variety of art and artists available, you may wonder how on earth you even begin to decide what you want to collect. (Yes, it can be overwhelming!) This final lesson will suggest some questions to ask yourself as you explore.

I always encourage collectors to approach the task of developing their taste with an open mind. Have an open mind towards art that you do not initially understand, be willing to take a little risk, and also allow yourself to change your mind as you learn more about art, artists, and your preferences. And I’ll say it again – the best way to develop your taste is to look at a lot of art. In time, you will have a clear understanding of what your taste is and can collect accordingly.

Air kisses (we are tres chic), Casey

Questions To Ask Yourself

What Style of Art Am I Most Drawn To?

There are two distinct styles of artwork: abstract and representational. Abstract art does not accurately depict a visual reality but uses shapes, colors, forms, and gestural marks to achieve its effect. Representational art represents some aspect of reality, in a more or less straightforward way. While the distinction exists, artists often blur the line between the two, with abstract elements appearing in representational works and vice versa. As you look at art, pay attention to what style you are predominantly drawn to, however, by no means does your collection need to contain only one or the other!

What Do I Value Most in Art?

Each artwork contains various elements, from color, form, shape, and brushstroke to technical skill, materials, and emotion. Artists can be known for their mastery of one particular element, or excel at many, and understanding what is most important to you will help guide you in your selections. Ask yourself what you value most when looking at art. Is it an artist’s ability to render a scene exactly as it appears? Is it the emotional journey they take you on through vibrant colors? Is it how an artist expresses thoughts around a particular issue? Pay attention to how art makes you feel and think, and what affects you most strongly.

What Themes are Important to Me?

Art covers an unlimited range of topics and themes. Some artists boldly approach challenging subjects, while others focus on aesthetics. As you explore what you are drawn to, you can consider whether you would like your collection to follow one theme or incorporate a variety of themes. Do you want your collection to challenge you intellectually or for your art to complement a color scheme? (It can be both!) Would you like your collection to represent certain ideals, and what are those ideals? What kind of conversations should your collection spark? Some examples of themes currently trending in Contemporary art are environmentalism and sustainability, social justice, technological development, and the acknowledgment of previously unheard or unrecognized voices.

What Story Do I Want My Art to Tell?

Every art collection tells a story. Perhaps it is a story of your community, representational of local artists, landscapes, and identity. Or, maybe, it’s a story with a global perspective comprised of artwork gathered from memorable art experiences around the world. As you build your art collection, consider what story you would like to tell. Ask questions and have discussions – the more you do the more you will learn. And, above all, allow your personality and identity to inform your decisions and inject your collection with soul.

It might be daunting at first, but you will have a developed sense of taste in no time!