Zatista The premier source for original art online

Canoes at Sunriver Oregon by Photographer Michael Axel on Zatista

In most peoples’ minds, the words “art” and “collection” are synonymous with “cash” and “money.” For this reason, many people often put off starting their own art collection because they are afraid it will somehow become more of an expensive hobby than they originally intended. Now, I’m not going to lie to you and say that collecting art is a hobby with a budget similar to that of kite flying (though some of those professional kites can cost more than you think). But starting an art collection is possible for those of us operating under somewhat tighter budgets. In fact, the time to start an art collection is now, as the value of what you purchase can and will appreciate over time. An undiscovered painting purchased today could be part of a famous artist’s body of work tomorrow.

Ready to get started? Here’s how:

Know thyself, know thy art. If you haven’t done this already, get yourself to some local art galleries and figure out what turns you on and what leaves you hitting the snooze button. Are you attracted to the brilliant colors of larger-than-life photographs or are you enraptured by the textures of mixed media? Take notes, keeping track of colors, styles, and sizes that stop you cold and leaving you thinking. Try this several times at various galleries and on Zatista before making your first purchases.

Be clear about your intentions. Are you looking to make some cash on the side or to fill up some blank wall space? Know why you want to plunk down your dollars before you commit your time and money.

Know where you plan to store your new treasures. It’s one thing to fall in love with a massive art installation. It’s quite another to try and fit it into a studio apartment in Brooklyn. If you don’t have a great deal of space to work with, start small. As your collection grows, you may decide to purchase gallery space alone or with a friend.

Decide what you can afford. There’s nothing fun about falling in love with a piece of art that you can’t afford. If you set some budgetary boundaries, you’re always end up playing on a fair field. That’s why on Zatista, we have the option to search by price, whether it be under one hundred dollars or over one thousand dollars.

Don’t pressure yourself. Just because you’ve decided to start an art collection doesn’t mean that you have to start buying right away. Galleries can be high pressure environments that often leave you feeling like you just went to bed with a used car salesman. If you like a specific piece, ask for information and then sleep on your decision. Unless your coveted piece is a one time offer (“only $9.99 plus shipping and handling if you call NOW!”), you’ll feel much better knowing that you’ve given the decision time to marinate. Of course, if you shop online, you can take your time deciding without having to worry about talking to any pesky gallery owners. Brilliant!

Complexity is a good thing. While complexity is a headache when it comes to tax returns, it’s a slam dunk in the world of art. When deciding on whether to purchase a piece of art for your new collection, make sure to consider complexity. A valuable piece of art is tireless, always offering a new viewpoint every time you come around the corner.

Take risks. One of the benefits of purchasing art from emerging stars is simple: you get the good stuff for a reasonable price before your artist rises to the top. If you see a piece you love but don’t recognize the artist yet, go with your gut. You may be the first to discover the next Sylvia Plimack.

Get inspired. Still don’t believe you have the financial chops to create a collection worth remembering? Check out the movie Herb & Dorothy if you need some inspiration. The film documents the true story of postal clerk Herb Vogel and his wife, librarian Dorothy Vogel, who together established one of the world’s best personal art collections without the help of a six figure budget. As mentioned above, the couple took risks, buying pieces from artists who had yet to establish themselves.

What caused you to start your art collection? What criteria do you use to determine what pieces will be added to your collection?

Painting by Sharis DeJaynes- Zatisa Artist

It’s no secret that many (maybe even most) couples live together before they tie the knot. This means that the acquisition of flatware, plates, and vases is often set aside in favor of more creative wedding bounty, ranging from honeymoon registries to cash donations.  Whether you’re trying to decide what to ask for on your wedding registry or scratching your head about what to get your Cousin Al as a wedding present, original art could be the answer.

Recently married, I was more than pleased when several of my friends opted to give us beautifully framed photographs and original wall art for our new apartment. Over the mantle hangs a gorgeous shot of our hometown landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge. Next to my desk, a black and white architectural shot is displayed, a gift from my sister-in-law. Just outside of the kitchen, an original painting of the Napa Valley (courtesy of Aunt June) welcomes all who dare to cook in our oh-so-small galley. Every time I look around our apartment, I see hints of the beautiful friendships that my husband and I have been blessed with over the past several years.

If you want to buy art for a newly married friend or family member, it doesn’t have to be an ordeal. As you browse through the original paintings and contemporary wall art on Zatista, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do your friends prefer original paintings, art prints, or photographs? If you’re not sure, take notice of what your friends currently choose to hang in their homes and offices.

• Is there a particular color or tone that the couple enjoys? Use the couple’s wedding colors as a jumpstart to get you brainstorming.

• Does the couple enjoy a specific theme? For example, my husband and I like original photographs that have a California feel. If you’re unsure of what your friends might want, feel free to ask the couple what subjects they’d prefer.

If you’d like your friends and family members to consider giving you original art as a wedding gift, make sure to let potential gift givers know what mediums you prefer. Create a Zatista profile that highlights your favorite pieces so that your friends and family members can get a better idea of what you’re interested in owning.

Photograph: Adam Regan - Zatista Artist

Are you the girl who matches her earrings, bag, and shoes just to go to the grocery store? Perhaps you’re the guy who hangs your business shirts by cut and color. People might tease you and call you OCD, but in the end, your matchy matchy tendencies can be a great asset when it comes to choosing wall art for your home.

Here’s why:

Matchy matchy art creates a sense of flow. By coordinating the shapes, colors, or themes of your wall art, you will invoke a feeling of serenity and calm as you walk into each room.

Matchy matchy art jumpstarts conversations. Finding a series of complimentary paintings and photographs that tell a story ensures that your pieces will become instant conversation starters.

Matchy matchy art equals future possibilities. When you choose pieces of art that share something in common (colors, themes, shapes) you open the door to utilizing your pieces for years to come. A series of prints in the kitchen can easily become guest room wall art when you move into a new space.

Matchy matchy art is easier to sell. Tired of the three painting series you bought five years ago? You may find that selling off the paintings as a set may put money in your pocket faster, as you’ll be providing a full wall solution to someone with white space anxiety.

Misty Nile (1995)

Not sure how to begin creating a unified look for one of the rooms in your home? Follow these easy steps.

1. Start your search by clicking here .
2. Decide which color you’d like to be the primary focus of your palette.
3. If you are interested in a certain theme (ie: ocean, floral, countryside), enter your keyword in the keyword box.

It happened when I least expected it. I was sipping a martini at Proof on Main in Louisville, Kentucky when I saw them- the most beautiful series of fine art photographs I had ever encountered. Each race horse was photographed alone in a black box studio wearing just a mask. Seeing the horses stripped down without the fanfare, the media, or the persistent whipping of hyperactive jockeys left me feeling raw and exposed. The whole experience was incredibly moving, especially when you consider that I had never had an interest in horses prior to that moment.

I combed the restaurant until I found someone who would share the name of the photographer. Given that I was traveling at the time, I knew I couldn’t drop a few thousand dollars on art and then turn around and stuff it into a suitcase. Vowing to bring home at least one of the shots once I was back home, I jotted down the name of the photographer, Elena Dorfman. Two months later and having just moved into a brand new, white-walled apartment, I’m dreaming of horses once again.

Like falling in love with your next great love affair, you’ll know it when you’ve met the newest addition to your growing art collection. A great piece of art stirs your soul, opens your heart, and speaks to you every time you catch a glimpse.

Not sure how you’ll know it when you see it? Here are a few other clues that you’ve found “the one”:

You won’t be able to forget it. When you experience a piece of art that truly speaks to you, you’ll find it impossible to get the image out of your mind.

You won’t feel the need to justify your purchase. With the right piece of art, you won’t waste time giving your friends the financial play by play of why you decided to make the purchase. Instead, you’ll be sharing the story about how you felt when you first saw the piece.

You know exactly where it will live. We often connect with art that fills an emotional or physical void in our home or workspace. If you see a piece that resonates with you and you have a reasonable idea of where it will go once you’ve purchased it, you’re on the right track.

It’s not just “wall decor”, it’s a show piece. If you’ve really fallen in love with a piece, you’ll find yourself wanting to introduce it to everyone you encounter.