Who collects abstract art today?

Beyonce and Jay-Z have an incredible collection including Jean-Michel Basquiat.

David and Victoria Beckham have spent big bucks on their “Love-themed” collection including Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst.

Eric Clapton bought three Gerhard Richter paintings for $3.4m in 2001 and sold all three eventually for a profit of $74.1m.

Wow!

It’s an accepted fact that most of us collect abstract art to decorate our homes and offices simply because it makes us feel good.

But what if you’re about to buy your very first piece of abstract art?

It can be a little scary. What if it’s no good? What if friends poke fun at it behind your back! What if they ask if the kid next door did it?

There’s plenty of research on the web that will help. After all, you wouldn’t buy a new car without doing your research.

To make it easy for you and once you’ve had a look around the web, here’s a simple checklist to follow:

1. Look at the artist’s portfolio. Is the art consistently good and do you love what you see?

2. Is the artist experienced and have they won an award or two?

3. Do the colours really appeal to you?

4. Is texture important to you or do you like a smooth, fluid painting?

5. Does the story behind how the painting was made resonate with you?

6. Is the art within your price range?

7. Think local if you want to see the work in reality.

Professional abstract artists put a lot of time and thought into their work. The best artists take great care to make the work look effortless and simple, but don’t be deceived. There is always a clear intention behind each painting. Every mark they make and colour chosen is carefully calculated.

You can often tell a professional artist by the quality and content of their website these days.

Have a good look at what’s out there, find an artist you like, use the checklist, check their terms and conditions, and read the testimonials.

Then you can be sure your choice will be educated and wise.

This urban landscape was inspired by the streets where I grew up. We'd walk the suburb for hours, meeting friends and having fun. Pale greens, reds and oranges with touches of black and pure white for contrast. In oil on stretched canvas 80cm x 100cm.