Art Buyers vs. Art Collectors

A Matter Of Commitment

Art buyers are usually in the market to achieve one specific objective. Art collectors, on the other hand, are pursuing a number of objectives to be obtained over a period of time.

Two types of people want to buy art for their living room: The art buyer wants to purchase art that matches the drapes, seat covers, or wall, or simply to fill a particular empty space. The art collector, however, looks to art as one means of enhancing his or her life-style, in the future as well as at the present.

When the term "collector" is used, many think in terms of original art such as paintings, watercolors, pastels etc., which of course, is very often the case. However, there is another area of art collecting which makes up a very important segment of the art world - lithographic reproductions. A lithographic reproduction can be a multiple copy image of the same art reproduced mechanically or by hand. Hand pulled lithographs are also called original lithographs and consist of woodblocks, silk screens, etc. Mechanical reproductions are photo-offset lithography and made from a photographic plate of a likeness of an original piece of art.

First of all, let's establish the definition of a "limited edition print." They're just as the term implies - limited. A predetermined number of impressions has been made from a printing plate by some photographic process (usually photo-offset lithography). They are exact likenesses of the original piece of art, be it an acrylic, oil, watercolor, pen and ink, or pencil. Most limited editions range from 500 to 2500 impressions. Once the printing of the edition is completed, the printing materials - plates, negatives, etc. - are destroyed to ensure the integrity of the edition.

Limited Edition Prints: The Economical Solution for Both Art Buyers and Art Collectors

Reasons for Collecting Limited Edition Prints

1. You like art, and you enjoy the feelings and enriching experience which good art can bring. You enjoy visiting art galleries, art museums, art shows and reading art magazines.
2. You enjoy variety in your art - different subjects, styles, colors and artists. Prints provide and affordable alternative to investing in original art.
3. The original work of art is not available . . . there is only one! In a sense, a limited edition print allows you to be a "part owner" of that original work.
4. You like the "value factor" which a paper print can provide - lots to look at and enjoy for an affordable price.
5. You desire a particular atmosphere or that "comfortable" mood for your home or office which is ushered in by quality art.
6. Even after collecting prints, you may change your mind and decide on some other form of collectibles; prints make this feasible and affordable.
7. You like the idea of collecting something that could possibly appreciate in value. There is a viable secondary market for quality limited edition prints of selected artists, although we caution against this being a primary reason for the purchase of prints. Since most limited edition prints have a life expectancy of 100 years or more (depending on how they are cared for) they can become family heirlooms.
8. You like the idea of buying something which, in many instances, is replaceable. When proof of loss or damage can be furnished and the certificate of authenticity has been preserved, many publishers will furnish a replacement for a small fee. HELPFUL HINT: Keep your certificates in a bank vault, or other safe and totally separate place from where your prints are displayed or stored.
9. You like the idea of shopping for art in the comfort and ease of your living room. Art magazines and catalogues make this quite feasible. You have the option of picking out what you like, then have your art gallery order it for you.
10. You want to enter the world of art collecting, but you are inexperienced and unsure about what to collect. Collecting limited edition prints affords you the opportunity to learn about art without costing you "an arm and a leg" or being a threat to your nest-egg account. You love exploring new things and "reading up" on your interests.

Reasons Against Collecting Limited Edition Prints

1. You are interested strictly in originals. You want to own the only one of a kind.
2. You do not have the time to be a "collector" of anything.
3. You do not trust the term "limited edition," and are not really confident you're getting a valid item. NOTE: If this is your feeling . . . simply make sure you are dealing with reputable publishers.
4. You are not willing to make the dollar investment required of a good collection of limited edition prints.
5. You cannot make a commitment to the planning and budgeting it takes to develop a collection.

Next Section: Art Terms and Phrases