How to start your own art collection

February 20, 2024 by LikewolfPortrait of Artist, Musician, Author, and Publisher Likewolf

An art collector is a guardian of culture, an enthusiast who breathes life into inanimate creations, and a participant in an ongoing narrative that spans centuries. Through their collections, art collectors bridge the past and the present, inviting us to contemplate the profound beauty and significance embedded in the diverse expressions of human imagination.

Collecting art is for everybody

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The Likewolf Head Number 32

The Likewolf Head Series is a commentary on the future of artificial intelligence, and a personal reflection on Likewolf's own relationship with technology. The artwork is called "The Likewolf Head Number 32". It was created by Likewolf in 2023 and is made of metal, plastic, and electronics. The thought-provoking piece of art is a reminder of the power of technology.


Aesthetic Appreciation: The Essence of Collection

Art collecting begins with a refined appreciation for aesthetics.

It's more than the acquisition of visually pleasing objects; it's a pursuit of beauty intertwined with emotional resonance.

The collector's discerning eye navigates through diverse artistic expressions, capturing the essence of each piece and creating a harmonious symphony within the collection.

Artistic Curation: Crafting a Visual Narrative

The art collector, akin to a skilled curator, orchestrates a visual narrative within their collection.

Each piece is carefully selected and placed, contributing to a broader story.

The result is not just a collection of disparate artworks but a curated ensemble that invites viewers on a journey of discovery, where every brushstroke and sculpture tells a tale.

Art collectors emerge as modern-day custodians, safeguarding artistic movements, styles, and traditions.

Each artwork becomes a living testament to its era, offering a tangible link to the cultural tapestry of the past, present, and future.

The art collector is a multifaceted enthusiast, a custodian of culture, and a key player in shaping the narrative of human creativity.

An art collector embodies the spirit of aesthetic appreciation and cultural preservation, engaging in the nuanced pursuit of assembling a curated assemblage of artworks that transcends mere possession.

Connoisseurship: Beyond the Surface

Artwork of an African woman wearing a golden top and a black bra.
Collecting with Conscience: Navigate the Art Market

Every collection tells a story. Do you yearn for the timeless elegance of Renaissance paintings, the emotional depth of Expressionism, or the cutting-edge innovation of contemporary art? Define your thematic focus, your artistic voice.


Are you thinking about becoming an art collector but don't know where to start? The suggestions and recommendations that follow provide guidance to those in search of best practices of collecting art. Remember that all established collectors had to start somewhere.

If you purchase one or two works of fine art for their visual appeal but without any broader context, you are acting as an art buyer. Being a serious art collector, on the other hand, requires time, strategy and consideration. Collectors buy art with a long-term goal.

Bringing together diverse works of art into one collection requires the development of a unique collector's style. Decisions should be considered to ensure that artworks complement each other and as a body reveal something about yourself. Educating oneself about prices of artworks is equally important.

Get a sense for what you like and learn to articulate why. Successful connoisseurs develop a signature style and a set of visual preferences that shape their collection to make it relevant and meaningful.

To acquire high-end art, it is advisable to consult an art expert in the guise of a trusted art dealer.


From Classics to Contemporary: Your Art Exploration Starts Here

  • Contemporary art is a dynamic and ever-evolving force in the world of creativity, constantly pushing the boundaries of tradition and challenging the pre-existing.

  • Pin-up art has had a profound impact on popular culture. From fashion and advertising to music and film, its influence is evident in various aspects of our lives.

  • Ibiza Art Collection: For art enthusiasts and collectors, Ibiza offers unique and inspiring fine art to nurture their passion for aesthetic beauty.

  • Embracing the Beauty of Ibizan Women: The appeal of the Balearic island goes beyond geographical boundaries, attracting women of all nationalities, cultures and backgrounds, predestined to become artists' muses.

  • Stunning Guitar Art prints: Guitar art is a popular search item for music and art lovers alike. Guitars are seen as symbols of creativity, passion and expression, and guitar art can represent this spirit in an impressive and unique way.

  • Boudoir fine art that will make you feel: Boudoir art has been around for centuries, and it has been popular with collectors for many reasons. Boudoir art is a genre of portraiture that depicts women in a private and intimate setting.

  • Ibiza ancient mythology: Discover the mystical attraction of the goddess Tanit. Explore the ancient story, art and myths of this revered deity of Ibiza's culture.

  • Diverse Perspectives on Sensuality: From the sensuous curves in Indian temple sculptures to the ethereal portrayals of beauty in Renaissance art, each culture offers a unique lens through which to explore the human form.

  • The appreciation of blue chip art has been shown to increase over time, making it a good hedge against inflation. In addition, blue chip art has the potential to be a source of delight and esteem for its owners.

  • Celtic art graces homes, offices, and personal spaces, providing a sense of aesthetics, spirituality, and cultural connection.

  • Erotic Wall Art is not mere decor; it is an artistic medium that has the power to infuse sensuality, desire, and emotional resonance into your home.

  • Beer Wall Art collectors appreciate the narrative behind these items, making them more than just decorative pieces.

  • Pop Art the vibrant and revolutionary art movement of the mid-20th century, is characterized by several fundamental attributes that set it apart from traditional art forms.

  • Zeitgeist the spirit of the times, is a concept that has transcended centuries. It is both a reflection of the collective spirit of a particular period and a dynamic force that shapes culture, art, literature, philosophy, and society.

  • Halloween art and folklore as we know it today, has its roots in ancient Celtic traditions, primarily the festival of Samhain.

  • Limited Art Editions: The pricing of limited art editions is influenced by several factors. These include the artist's reputation, the edition's size, the availability of the artwork, and the demand for the artist's work.

  • Rooted in the idea of movement and adaptability, pop-up art galleries bring creativity to unexpected locations, captivating audiences with a sense of impermanence and exploration.

  • Pixel art serves as a powerful vessel of nostalgia, acting as a time machine that transports individuals back to the formative years of classic video games.

  • The themes of art and photography are closely linked and have influenced and inspired each other over the course of time.

  • Creative AI has emerged as a transformative force, bridging the gap between human creativity and artificial intelligence

  • 8-bit erotic art becomes a bridge between nostalgia and contemporary creativity, inviting audiences to explore the convergence of pixelated history and present expression.

  • One could describe wall art as a form of creative expression intended for adorning and enriching the visual atmosphere of indoor environments.

  • Within the spectrum of artistic genres, botanical art represents a harmonious combination of artistry and scientific rigor.

  • The narratives portrayed in Russian Icons go beyond historical events. They convey spiritual truths and provide a visual narrative that transcends time, inviting contemplation and reflection.

  • The 20th century brought new movements and innovations in dark art with the rise of symbolism and surrealism providing a fertile ground for exploration of themes such as anxiety, alienation, and existential angst.

  • Contemporary acrylic art incorporates techniques, concepts and themes relevant for today.

  • Psychedelic art explores the depths of perception and the trippy inner landscape of the mind.

  • Collage art provides an open-ended approach to creativity, where the only limit is the artist's imagination.


Identify your Style

Abstract painting of a couple standing next to each other on a white background. The couple is a young man and woman. The painting is very colorful and has a lot of detail.
Full of life and energy

Acrylic painting on canvas. 1 meter by 1 meter. Date of creation 2002.


Identify what themes, mediums, and styles appeal to you. Is your focus on a particular era or movements such as Modern Art, Contemporary Art, Cubism, Pop Art, Abstract Art, Surrealism, Minimalism, Expressionism, or on a particular subject such as portraits, landscapes or abstract works.

Whether you prefer a particular medium such as paintings, installation art, photography, graphic prints, screen printing or historical figure sculpture , collecting art enriches life in many ways.

Ask yourself whether you're drawn to rare works by old masters, to well-known and famous stars of the art scene, or to contemporary and developing artists.

There is no pressure to narrow down your choice. The important factor is to find your own 'leitmotif' and to follow-up on it.

Study the art market

Abstract painting of a of a man and a woman. The artwork is a beautiful black and white depiction of a couple in love.
Couple in love

Multimedia installation entitled "Couple in Love" from 1987. The techniques used include acrylic painting, charcoal drawing, photography and stage construction. The large format analog photography in the dimesion 120 cm x 120 cm is a unique piece.


6 questions to answer when building your collection

  • Which emotional feeling does the work trigger in you?

  • Does the composition inspire you?

  • Do you appreciate the historical context of the work?

  • Is there an underlying specified focus to your collection?

  • Do the artworks in your collection complement each other?

  • Where will you display the work?


After you've outlined your focus, the next step is to do your research. Find out about artworks, their prices, history, and origin.

Discover artists, their backgrounds, and the narratives behind works of art. Inform yourself about the latest trends in the art world.

Take advantage of the large and impressive selection of online art which offers a significant range of high-quality works of art.

Which artists are the up-and-coming talents? Track which artworks are currently traded.

Refine your search for offers and artists, and monitor auctions and particularly their performances.

To locate objects, value and authenticate them, negotiate prices, understand legal issues, and finally add works to your collection, it is necessary to use all available resources. With knowledge comes understanding, and with it deep satisfaction.

Focus on quality

Abstract painting of two women dancing. The painting red, yellow, and blue painting is full of life and energy
Rays of light

Acrylic painting titled "Rays of light" from 1982. Painted on canvas at a dimesion of 150cm x 150 cm.


Every collection must be well thought out and needs awesome pieces.

Include only the highest quality works in your collection. Make sure that the items in your collection interact with each other. The impact of a well curated collection is more significant and powerful than its individual items.

Being creative about your collection means having a clear vision of your individual tastes. The most famous collections are those that show one' s unique signature style

If you want to build a private collection, don't look for artworks that promise you a quick financial return. Buy with your heart and make sure you purchase quality art that you can live with for the long term.

Art collecting best practices

Digital art illustration of a Sexy red hair groupie wearing red bikini next to a red guitar.
Rockin' Red

Digital art illustration created in 2016. Dimensions 1 meter by 1 meter. Edition 2 of 3. The image is printed in pigment process on Hahnemuehle fine art paper.


Choose art that will enrich your collection into a consistent unit. Develop your taste, knowledge and connections in the art world.

Having your own visual identity will allow you to find and buy art with ease. One desirable aspect of building a collection is the opportunity to gain the reputation of a serious collector.

As you progress and delve deeper into the art, you will select items based not only on your taste but also on your understanding of significance and foresight.

The question of whether one must understand art remains unanswered. The most important key to an interpretation of art is which emotions the work triggers in a person.

Do I want to own this work, can I afford it, can I afford not to buy it.

These are the thoughts of every art collector. Be serious, have fun, and expand your horizon.

5 good reasons to collect art:

  • The pleasure of a work of art and the high prestige factor distinguishes art investments from other forms of investment.

  • Collecting art and establishing a collection makes you part of a global legacy.

  • Art broadens the horizon and can be compared to learning a new language.

  • Owning art increases your dopamine levels and makes you a happier person.

  • Art has proven to be a valuable investment.


The Art of Storytelling Through Collections:

Painting of a beautiful sensual woman with billowing robe looking at the sea with ship sailing in the distance.
Sensual woman with billowing robe

Art is known to evoke emotions, challenge perceptions, and spark intellectual curiosity. By encouraging an emotional connection to art, you will foster a passion for collecting that extends beyond the mere pursuit of ownership.


An art collection is not merely a random assortment of artworks; it can be a powerful narrative that tells a story.

By curating with intent, collectors give their collection depth and meaning, elevating it to a form of artistic expression in itself.

Art collection basics for beginners

Painting of a target on a blue background. The target is made up of concentric circles of different colors, starting with a small black circle in the center and expanding to larger circles of red, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
The Circle of Life

When starting a beginner's art collection, consider exploring various art styles and artists to find what resonates with your personal preferences and interests.


A crucial aspect of art collecting is setting clear goals for the collection. Art collection, as an endeavour, goes far beyond simply accumulating art pieces.

It is a deeply enriching and personal journey that allows individuals to immerse themselves in the world of creativity, aesthetics, and cultural significance.

Collecting art is not limited to the elite or wealthy; rather, it is a fulfilling pursuit that can be enjoyed by anyone with an appreciation for creativity and beauty.

At the core of the art collector's identity is an insatiable passion for the visual arts, a profound respect for the creative process, and an acute awareness of the narratives woven into each canvas or sculpture.

Art Collector: FAQ

To start an art collection, begin by exploring your artistic interests, setting a budget, and researching different art styles and artists that resonate with you.

Whether to focus on original art or limited-edition prints depends on your budget and collecting goals. Limited-edition prints can be an excellent way to own works by interesting artists at a more affordable price, while original art offers unique and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Do your research. Ask questions. An insider tip is to pretend to be a buyer at art galleries. You will find that art dealers have a lot of time and patience for potential new customers.

Many new art customers are put off by the appearance and behavior of art dealers. Do not worry, these people are also just salespeople.

Insuring and protecting your art collection is crucial to safeguard your investments. Consult with art insurance specialists to find a policy that adequately covers your collection's value and addresses potential risks like theft or damage.

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Digital art represents an innovative aspect to the world of art.