The Art of Collecting




Suzy McGrane-Hop, ISA AM

 

I recently joined the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art’s Collector’s Circle because as someone who has a lifelong passion in art, I wanted to connect with others who shared this passion. At my first official gathering, I listened to a long time collector describe his experiences as a collector. He purchased his first item at the age of 16 and has been adding to his collection ever since. He made the analogy that collecting art was akin to having an incurable disease. He meant that in a good way; his point was that once you begin collecting and it gets in your blood, becomes hard to stop. It got me thinking about reasons why people collect art and tips for new collectors.

My theory has been to buy art because you like it and because it moves you and will enhance your life. Some people buy art for investment with the idea that they can turn around and sell it in a few years, but that is a different blog for another time. If you buy a piece of art that you truly love and can’t live without, you won’t get burned.

What to collect is always a hard question. Do you work towards a cohesive collection or be eclectic? I suppose it depends on your intention. Some people need to collect every piece in a series, some collectors are primarily devoted to a single artist or art movement, and others collect a diverse grouping of artists and styles with the cohesive element being the collector themselves.

Conger Metcalf Boochie

I recommend educating yourself about the pieces you intend to collect and the artist or the time period. Visit galleries, go to museum events, join a collectors circle, and get involved. Galleries and museums have events regularly and it’s a great way to meet other collectors and discover new pieces.

Currently in the gallery we have several items that recently arrived and may pique a collector’s interest. We have an exquisite Conger Metcalf in a beautiful hand gilded frame made by the Guido frame company in Boston, where Conger Metcalf lived. When collecting Conger Metcalf’s work, take into consideration who did the framing, it does make a difference. Guido frames or a frame comparable to Guido style always adds value to the artwork. It is rumored that Conger Metcalf often began with a beautiful frame and made the art to complement it.



Marvin Cone Sketchbook Page


There is also a wonderful Marvin Cone pencil sketch from his haunted doorway series. In this drawing from a sketch page there are four different drawings ranging from a rough sketch to a more complete rendering. It gives the viewer some insight in how Marvin Cone worked through his compositions.

These are two examples of fine art that would be great for beginning a collection or adding to an existing collection. Half the joy of collection is the journey of finding that perfect piece.


Suzy McGrane-Hop, ISA AM is an art and framing consultant at CornerHouse Galley and Frame and an Accredited Fine Art Appraiser