Here is how you can buy art that’s within your budget

Art makes for a very wise investment. That’s why no matter what kind of budget you’re on, it is a good idea to invest it in starting an art collection of your own. When one thinks of personal art collections, galleries priced in the millions come to mind. But it doesn’t have to be that way. For those who are just starting out, there are ways to buy art within your budget. And you don’t even have to be investing in major artworks in order to start a personal collection that is a step-up from your bedroom posters of your teen years. Read on to find out how you can start your own gallery.

Buy just the artwork, no frills
You would roll your eyes in frustration if you knew how much just the frame costs on certain pieces. If the artwork is all you’re after, then buy just that. Buying a canvas or a piece of watercolour paper without a frame is a great idea when you’re on a budget, just make sure you store or hang the piece correctly to avoid it being damaged.

Attend estate sales and auctions
You can attend estate sales and auctions and get some amazing bargains on art pieces. Contact auctioneers in Cape Town, who will be able to tell you the details of upcoming art auctions. Of course, make sure you know what you’re getting into, as there are auctions out there that can sell off paintings for around R1-million. Do your research.

Shop online
The amazing thing about the internet is that many previously-undiscovered yet incredibly talented artists are finding places to showcase their art without a fancy gallery having to give them their approval. You could spend hours trawling the net on the hunt for the perfect piece. And the great thing is you can just have it shipped over – which means you can have art from all over the world on your living room walls. The best part? There are usually money-back guarantees as well as details on the artists, which you may not find when wondering into thrift stores or tiny galleries.

Keep it local
Of course, there is always the option of supporting local artists. This always goes a long way to keeping the art industry alive and will probably mean the world to the artist you’re supporting. Again, you can attend local auctions, browse cute, indie galleries or even head to the flea markets to track down some undiscovered gems. Just make sure you know what you’re buying the art for, as this isn’t always the best option for those who buying art for the sake of making money from a future resale.