With the global art market valued at over $50 billion, investing in art and collectibles has become an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios. However, blue chip artworks from established artists like Picasso or Warhol can be prohibitively expensive. This presents an opportunity for savvy investors to find promising emerging or affordable artists to invest in. By identifying artists early in their careers or those working outside the upper echelons of the art world, it’s possible to acquire great artworks at accessible price points and support living artists directly. This allows art collectors and investors to take more risks and reap greater rewards down the line as the artist’s reputation grows. Factors like an artist’s skills, vision, persistence, promotion and luck play key roles in their potential for future success and value appreciation. With proper research and advice from art specialists, amateur investors can find affordable artists with strong trajectories to invest in.
Look for artists in the early stages of their careers
One of the best ways to find affordable artists to invest in is to identify talented artists who are just starting out and have not yet gained widespread recognition. Up-and-coming artists who have caught the attention of curators and critics but do not yet have an extensive exhibition history or auction track record tend to be more reasonably priced. Attending student art shows, small galleries, open studios and local art fairs can uncover artists with great potential before their prices start rising sharply. Getting works on paper, small paintings or editions by emerging artists allows you to support them early on and see significant returns if their career takes off down the line.
Focus on artists working outside the upper tier art world
The top levels of the art world dominated by a handful of elite galleries and auction houses cater mainly to ultra high net worth collectors. However, there are talented artists at all levels of the art ecosystem. Expand your search beyond blue chip galleries to find artists working with mid-level or smaller regional galleries and artist-run spaces. Their prices are usually more accessible than artists repped by major galleries like Gagosian or Zwirner. Many of these artists have strong artistic visions and skills but do not fit neatly into fashionable art trends, making them overlooked and undervalued. Seeking out affordable artists in your own region also helps support local arts communities.
Consider artists working in undervalued mediums & styles
The art market tends to reward some mediums and styles over others, creating pricing disparities. For example, painting and sculpture tend to be pricier than works on paper or ceramics. Within painting, representational work often sells for less than abstract. Certain subjects like landscapes and still lifes are also undervalued. By focusing on talented artists working in mediums or styles with lower average prices, it’s possible to find high quality artworks at relatively affordable price points. A skilled realist painter or excellent printmaker may sell for a fraction of what a mediocre abstractionist does simply due to current tastes.
Look for artists with proven skills & persistence
One of the key factors to identify in artists with breakout potential is undeniable skill in their chosen medium. Look for excellent draftsmanship, compelling use of materials, technical facility and a distinctive personal vision or style. Formal art training is a good sign but not essential. Passion, persistence and tireless work ethic also predict an artist’s ability to build a career over time. Search for artists who have kept developing their practice over many years despite lack of early success. Indicators like a lengthy CV, steady studio production and avenues for sharing their work signal an artist’s commitment and tenacity.
Research artists’ exhibition & collection history
An artist’s past exhibition and collection history provides important clues to their trajectory, even if their auction record is slim. Look for artists who have had multiple solo shows, been included in quality group exhibitions, won awards, attended residencies or had works acquired by museums or other collections. This demonstrates their ability to achieve key career milestones and have their work validated by art world gatekeepers. While past success is no guarantee of future fame, it helps separate artists with true potential from dabblers without long-term prospects.
Finding affordable artists with great investment potential requires going beyond hype and pricey hot names. By taking a chance on emerging or under-recognized artists with demonstrated skills and commitment, art collectors can acquire works at accessible price points and meaningfully support artists early in their careers. With wise selections guided by research, advisors and an eye for quality, it is possible to invest at affordable levels and still see significant financial gains down the line as that artist’s reputation blooms.