For newcomers, the barrier to entry of the art world can feel near insurmountable.
But in reality, the road to becoming a collector is as varied as the collections themselves—whether it’s Chad Leat, a Wall Street executive finding a new passion post-retirement, or couple Rob and Eric Thomas-Suwall bringing the art world to Richmond, Virginia, via social media. Here, 10 acclaimed collectors offer a boost past the barriers with advice for those just starting out on their journey. Learn to trust your gut, or use your eyes not your ears. These tips demystify the process since, after all, the most resonant collections aren't built on prestige, but personal connection.
“Take your time. There’s no rush. Download the See Saw app—it’s an amazing tool for seeing what shows are happening and where. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. People in the art world are far more generous with their knowledge than you might expect, especially if they can see you’re genuinely curious. Also, see as many museum shows as possible and support local institutions if you can.”
“First define the category you want to focus on. It could be African art, American art, drawings, objects––anything. But once you choose a category based on your passion, a specific subcategory, or your financial means, you need to fully commit to it.
The most important rule is to never compromise on quality. A collector should always seek out the best possible works within their chosen field, prioritizing excellence over price. If you can get the best price for a high-quality piece, that’s great––but the guiding principle should always be quality first, not price first. In the long run, great works retain their value, while lesser works rarely do.”
“Get smart and get involved—it's the finest part of collecting art. If you’re a self-starter, there’s a myriad of ways to get educated not only about the market but art itself. If you can afford it, hire an advisor. Most importantly, visit museums, galleries, and get to know artists.”
“Pull the trigger. Buy something you love and hang it on your wall. Even if that artist doesn’t become super famous, you’re going to love living with the work and you are going to discover more about yourself and your world. The best time to buy a Monet was 150 years ago, but the best time to buy today’s Monet is yesterday. Great art is constantly being created. You just have to find it. Next, stay informed! Read Street Smarts in CULTURED. Ralph DeLuca knows his stuff. Join the Critics' Table and let Johanna Fateman and John Vincler teach you something new. Challenge yourself to learn more about this incredibly expansive world.
Finally, take risks! Eric always says: don’t collect the list, make the list. Even in the avant-garde world of art, it can be challenging to forge your own way. However, as you continue to collect, one of the most rewarding results is developing a unique collection that reflects your own passions. Lastly, watch out! You may discover an obsession and end up needing to buy an apartment in New York just so you have more walls to live with all of your art!”
“The biggest piece of advice I give is not to be intimidated. I have found that galleries and auction houses are more than willing to take the time to provide information. Art fairs can often be overwhelming, but I find that gallerists are very happy to discuss the pieces, the artists, and their practices. Take the time to attend the art fairs, go to the lectures by the artists, and stop to talk with them and ask them about their work. The most fun I have in the art world is talking to artists. They are truly unique, special, and magical people.”
“As I often tell my clients, 'If you buy what you love it will never be a mistake.' Make sure the piece resonates with you personally. Buy with your eyes, not your ears. Do your homework, talk to professionals who can guide you, and remember that a collection should reflect who you are and what you love.”
“Be passionate. Start with a beautiful piece that you love—something that resonates emotionally and that you want to live with. In the beginning, you may buy less expensive works, but it’s essential to stay informed and train your eye to recognize quality. Above all, always trust your instincts and buy what you love.”
“I’d start by sharing some wisdom I gained from Jack Tilton, the late dealer who had a profound influence on my approach to collecting. He taught me to temper my instincts and to truly understand a piece before making a commitment. His guidance helped me slow down, process the work, and consider how it would resonate over time. For new collectors, I’d say: Follow your intuition, but don’t rush. Seek out artists whose work speaks to you, pieces you genuinely want to live with and see every day. The goal is to build a collection that reflects your own tastes and values.
Collecting isn’t just about acquiring art; it’s about supporting artists whose work you believe in, those who are making important contributions to the conversation. Focus on what moves you, and let your collection evolve naturally from there.”
“Follow your curiosity and collect with your heart and eyes. Don't be a collector who collects what you are told is important to collect, as it will invariably lead to dead ends and fads. In this way, you will have a collection that genuinely reflects your point of view and taste.”
“Starting your art collection is like embarking on a thrilling and rewarding journey. No degree or prerequisites required—just curiosity and a willingness to dive in! Being an enthusiast is the perfect first step. Visit galleries, museums, and art fairs, ask questions, and let yourself tumble down the inevitable rabbit holes of discovery. You don’t need an art advisor to begin; half the fun is building your own circle—fellow enthusiasts, curators, artists, gallerists, and even your family (kids too!). Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and before you know it, you'll be confidently collecting pieces that bring you joy.”
“Find those galleries with programs that resonate with you. Great galleries will have a strong point of view, and your interest in one artist will probably connect to another in the program. Listen to your doubts––wait until those moments when lightning strikes and those doubts are non-existent. Finally, the fact that an artist is historically and culturally important shouldn’t dictate whether you like or collect the work.”
