If you have been reading my blog- or visited my house, you know that I enjoy my art. My dining room has no open wall space- it even has easels to hold more art. Same with my living room. And, the staircase wall. And, my bedroom. And, my office. And, my family room…

New artists. Established artists. i have what I love. And, thankfully, what I love has value to others.

Now, if you don’t know about art and want help making choices to adorn your wall, there’s a book to help you. (NOTE: I did not use a book. But, i did follow many of the same recommendations found in this book. “Collecting Art for Love, Money, and More” (Phaidon), by Ethan Wagner and Thea Westreich Wagner [Westreich Art Advisory Services] seems to be a good find. This husband and wife team of art advisors have been around for a while and specialize in finding and promoting emerging artists.

Their book suggests you find a gallery you like. Because each gallery has its own coterie of artists- and if you like their selection, you’ll probably like most of what else they carry to sell. And, unless you have really deep pockets, they suggest you find newer galleries, ones that haven’t developed the influence the more established ones have, so you can build a relationship with them as they grow. (I did that – one or two in Israel, one in Boston, one in New York, and one in Michigan.)

It’s also useful if you can become personally acquainted with the artist. I have had the opportunity to meet with some of the folks in my collection- such as my American Artist collection of Erte to Thomas McKnight to Peter Max to Marcus Glenn. (Just to mention four of them.) Meeting and talking with them lets you know what they are considering- and whether you feel that will enhance their value, pique your fancy, or determine another direction for your collection.

Of course, if the artists have personality or quirkiness (which you can discern when you meet them), it can enhance (or detract) from their value. I’ve met more than few artists (whose works are on my walls) that seem to cringe when they have to meet folks- I bought their pieces because they spoke to me, but i know they won’t accrue large followings from others. Of course, folks like Peter Max, Erte, Dali- their art AND their personality made their reputation.  (Yes, they are all in my collection.)

You also should learn what the art world says about various artists. You know, curators who produce major shows. I used to visit the Hammer Museum (Los Angeles) to get an idea of what was up and coming. There are others you can find just like that museum. Visiting these museums – and those galleries- will help you “develop your eye”. No, it won’t guarantee you pick tomorrow’s art star- but you will learn what you like and manage to get your pick of good values.

But, you don’t have to rush out and buy the art anymore. No, you can rent art! (I guess this is something like- do as I say- and not as I do…since my art is all owned by me.) There are a whole bunch of choices- places like Artsicle and Turning Art that are national, or Artify It on the West Coast.

These sites want you determine what you like- by filling out questionnaires and clicking on a few art pieces that intrigue you. You choose among pieces to determine what would make sense for them to rent to you. Some of these firms  even have art experts online to help you make those decisions.

Now, the rentals are not grand bargains. You pay a monthly fee that runs about 4 to 6.5% of the purchase price. And, there are minimum monthly rental periods. (I guess that is not only to make sure they break even, at worst, but to make sure you don’t rent the art for a party- and then return it.) Some of the sites count part of the rental (say 50%) to the purchase of the art, if you decide you want to own it.

So, go ahead, beautify YOUR environment.

I should mention that I have two women to recommend for you- that may help you start beautifying your walls.  Lisa Brandel (I’ve written about her art) and Elise Boysaw.   You will enjoy their offerings. 

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