Introduction

Whether you've been following my 'Notes From The Studio' or you're exploring the fascinating world of printmaking online, your presence here shows me you share an interest in the fascinating art of printmaking. Perhaps you've already embarked on the journey of creating you own print collection, or maybe you are contemplating building one. No matter your current status, my guide will provide insights and strategies to help you.

Why Collect Art?

People are drawn to art for myriad reasons—some seek emotional connections, others desire to surround themselves with art that brings personality and joy to their homes, and others view art as a financial investment. The latter approach is often connected to prestige, status and impressing others. For me, the essence of collecting lies in the genuine interest and passion for art. Prints make an ideal entry point if you are an aspiring collector.

Prints offer authentic and affordable opportunities to own genuine artworks. Your journey can start with modest steps and can continue in that vein if that is what you want. The key is to begin exploring and educating yourself about various printmaking techniques. You will gradually develop an appreciation for the intricate processes behind each print. You will gain insights into the evolution of an artist’s work over time. Your collection could potentially grow into a specialised assortment of art prints, following many printmakers on their artistic journey. The attraction of art print collecting lies in its accessibility, making it a great starting point for total beginners.

Step 1: Educate Yourself About Printmaking

How should you begin your journey? First and foremost, have fun getting familiar with the world of printmaking. Learn the differences between distinct techniques - monotype, collagraph, etching, linocut, wood engraving, photo etching, and silk screen printing for example. As you grasp the uniqueness and history of each one, your appreciation for the prints you come in contact with will deepen. Attend open studio events, workshops, and explore online resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the printmaking process. You will get an insight into my working processes here.

Step 2: Define Your Collection's Focus

You might want to hone in on the focus of your collection given that the world of art and then printmaking can be vast. The kinds of things that might guide you are paying attention to the specific print media, styles, or artists to which you are drawn. Do you like contemporary or traditional approaches? Landscapes, portraits, still lives or abstract works? Defining your collection's scope will help you make decisions about your acquisitions, shaping a collection that tells a cohesive story.

Step 3: Set Yourself a Budget

Collecting art is a customisable journey that can accommodate various budgets. Affordability of prints compared to paintings or sculpture is an advantage, especially for beginners. If you set yourself a budget, you might find that many galleries and artists offer payment plans, to help you stick to your budget. While there is the potential for some art prints to appreciate in value, in my opinion prioritising emotional connection over financial gains when selecting your pieces is more important.

Step 4: Explore and Research

Have fun visiting galleries, museums, art fairs, and open studios. This hands-on approach will get you up close with prints, engaging with the artists who create them, and discovering diverse styles and techniques. Attend exhibitions and events to foster connections with artists and fellow collectors. Enjoy the discovery and delight in the new, in a world of colour, pattern and texture on paper.

Step 5: Start Small and Diverse

Your collection should be filled with art that you enjoy and love to live with. It should remind you of emotional connections between people and places that are important to you. The prints should give you joy when you walk into a room. You shouldn’t feel any pressure to invest in high-profile or expensive pieces unless the emotional connection is so strong you feel you must have it. The financial value shouldn’t be the driving force behind your decision to buy. Let your passion guide you towards artworks that genuinely move you. Starting small allows room for growth, enabling you to build an eclectic and diverse collection that reflects your own evolving tastes.

Step 6: Care for Your Collection

Caring for your prints is essential to preserving their longevity. Your prints should be protected from direct sunlight and hung in a place where it is easy to maintain consistent humidity levels. An unheated conservatory for example would be a definite no-no - boiling hot in summer, freezing cold and damp in winter will eventually damage the paper and inks. Proper framing is crucial, so use accredited skilled framers who utilise acid-free materials to prevent deterioration. By maintaining their condition, you ensure your prints will stand the test of time.

Step 7: Document and Catalogue

If you get into serious print collecting, as your collection expands, meticulous documentation will become of valuable part of record keeping. Record essential details such as the artist's name, title, date, medium, and acquisition information. This documentation not only streamlines collection management but also serves as a valuable resource for future generations.

Step 8: Above All, Enjoy the Journey!

Remember, the heart of collecting is the journey itself. Embrace the process of finding new artists and their work, educating yourself on how they make their work and how it evolves over time, and aesthetic journey of discovering what you like and how it might change over the years. Your collection will change as your knowledge deepens and your tastes change, culminating in your own personal story that mirrors your passion for art.

Conclusion

Initiating your original print collection is a harmonious blend of creativity, education, and personal expression. The collection you curate will not only bring you joy. It could also contribute to the tapestry of artistic history. Regardless of your collection's size or value, the true essence of art lies in the connections and stories behind each print. Embrace the journey. Let your passion for art guide you.

If you are new to print collecting you can start your print collection here with my mini art print originals and my small originals. If you’re a bit further on in your journey you will find a good selection of contemporary landscapes, seascapes and wildlife subject matter in my Print Shop. I’m currently looking into the possibility of offering staged payments to make some of my larger work more accessible. If this is something that would interest you, let me know. If you want to join my mailing list you can sign up here.