Beginner's Guide to Buying Art

Happy February everyone! With 2011 off to a good start, maybe it's time to act on (or keep up!) your annual resolutions. Perhaps this year one of your goals is to begin cultivating an art collection but you aren't sure where to start, or are concerned about the financial ramifications of becoming an art collector?


1. Buy for Sentiment- Pop into your local art gallery and have a browse. Look for artists who are from an area you know, or have created work based around a familiar area. Works that have a story or a connection will mean a lot more to you. Perhaps the artwork reminds you of your childhood or a special holiday. If that is the case and you are looking for work that reminds you of your visit to Scotland or your home in Fife, artists like Aldona Juska or Colin Carruthers may suit you. Aldona creates beautiful thistle pieces made of wire from North Sea oil rigs, such as this Short Thistle Mantle Stem. With her work, you take home a creation that depicts a symbol of Scotland as well as a literal piece of Scotland. Colin's gorgeous oil paintings, such as his Shoreline Daisies are often in subtle pinks, blues and purples, and depict images of Scotland's east coast, in colours and sizes that would make a nice statement in your home. Ask about the artists shown in your local gallery and you can learn a lot about their life and work, making the piece more meaningful to you, and making the piece a conversation starter at home.

2. Look for what you like- This is generally the first thing people tell you when you want to begin an art collection, and oftentimes easier said than done. Some people think that art is an impulse buy and know the second they see a piece that it is exactly what they want. Others have a general idea of styles they like, and that is enough to get started! If you're a fan of the Surrealist style, but can't afford a Dali, check out work by Australian artist Andrew Baines, whose work, such as this Bowler Hat painting, is shown in Artery. If you're a fan of American painter Georgia O'Keefe, but don't want to settle for just a print of her flowers, consider original floral oil paintings, such as Calla Lily, by Jo Beer. Again, ask at your local gallery for similar style substitutes, so that you can find a style you love at a price you can afford.


3. Buy Original- This may seem pricey, but it doesn't always have to be. Buying original is always better than buying a reproduction. Originals do tend to be more expensive than prints, but they hold more artistic and monetary value. However, if you have your heart set on a particular print, always be sure to purchase a copy signed by the artist, for both value and authenticity. An unsigned print is of little value, but original artworks are more likely to be treasured and perhaps even become a future heirloom!

Here at The Artery Gallery we are proud to feature only original pieces by a wide variety of artists with a range of styles. There truly is something for everyone in here! Pop in to visit us and we'll be happy to tell you about our artists and help you find new artwork that you will love!




www.arteryuk.com

Celebrating Our 3rd Birthday In St Andrews

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Artery Gallery in South Street, St Andrews is celebrating an exciting and enjoyable three years in the town.

There has been great excitement and enthusiasm from the many UK and overseas visitors along with tremendous loyalty and support from local people who have claimed it as their own favourite shopping “hot spot” since the opening in May 2006. The continued growth and variety of local, national and international artists has been the major factor in Artery Gallery’s development from the early beginnings of the Crieff gallery, to the expansion of the St Andrews branch, through to its award winning website, www.arteryuk.com which brings orders and artists from across the world.

2009 has started off very bright and busy thanks to Artery’s philosophy of providing art that is more affordable and accessible, with an increase in purchases of paintings which could be a result of less people moving house and instead wanting to wake up their own walls and living space with fresh, new art.

Contemporary paintings from exhibiting artists such as Derek Collins, Colin Carruthers and Jane Duckfield continue to prove popular purchases as well as newcomers Susan Lincoln and Robert Ryan amongst many others. Thought-provoking paintings from popular artists such as Steve Johnston, Andrew Baines and Scott Carruthers continue to inspire and attract collectors from far afield.

The Director of Artery says, “Despite the gloom out there, artists are producing some of the most exciting and vibrant work we have ever had. It makes for a really promising year ahead”.

Artery is constantly bringing in quality handmade art and craft, which means there is always something new. With birthdays, weddings, graduations and anniversaries all year round, there is increasing demand from people who are looking for unique handmade art gifts as opposed to high street mass-produced items. Scottish artists such as John McPhail, Ronna Elliott, Rob Mulholland, Daniel Kavanagh and Mike Hunter are all proving that Scottish craft is as strong as ever.

Handmade jewellery has continued to show great popularity in the St Andrews gallery with Artery exhibiting works from nearly 20 different designers, all very different and unique in techniques, materials and style. Wedding jewellery has also seen a huge increase this year with many St Andrews couples having their entire party bedecked in individual and memorable pieces from Artery.

Artery Gallery has become part of the fabric of St Andrews, and like the town, is full of great character, style and individuality and if the last few years have been anything to go by, it will celebrate many birthdays to come.

Artery Gallery at 43 South Street, St Andrews (01334 478221) and 22 King Street, Crieff (01764 655722).

www.arteryuk.com

New Andrew Baines Originals

"Escape of the Corporate Battery Hen" by Andrew Baines

We are very pleased to announce the arrival of 2 brand new original paintings by the much celebrated Australian surrealist, Andrew Baines.

In typical fashion, Andrew's work shows his usual element of humour mixed with day to day thoughts most of us undoubtedly have on our own lives, particularly when having to balance work and pleasure, or whether deciding on a career path, or even contemplating the tolls a career can have on oneself!

One thing is for sure about his paintings, a definite sense of calm can be felt when just looking at them. The soft tones and warmth within the skies provides the gentle ambience that anyone would welcome into a busy lifestyle.

www.arteryuk.com