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When we aren’t sure of something, we tend to ask for the opinions of others to help us make up our minds. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with that unless we use it to second guess ourselves. After a lifetime in the art-world, I have noticed how quivery voices become when someone tries to explain their art preferences. Many people love art like Charlie Brown loved the little red-haired girl: from afar with uncertainty, fear and possibly regrets of lost opportunities. While they tell me like a certain type of painting, somewhere in the back of their minds they access any negative opinions they’ve heard about the genre, they think about my abstract collection and that I sell fine art for a living, they think about someone’s distaste for one of their favorite pieces and wonder if I might judge them for their preferences.

So, let’s just get this out of the way: Not only do I have work from Dave Davis (of course), portraits by Shang Ding, a landscape by Harold Bryant, abstract and realistic works by Jac Kephart, I also have a stash, no, make that a brazenly displayed collection of velvet paintings that are some of my favorite pieces! Now, I don’t just collect any old velvet paintings; I’m a connoisseur, if you will! Having painted on velvet myself, I understand the difference between an assembly line, tearful, Michael Jackson that for some reason is tinted green and a 60 year old Mighty Mouse that was painted with love, time and a vibrant palette. I don’t know why I love velvet painting. I just do. No matter how anyone looks at me when they find out, no matter what they are thinking, no matter what they say, I LOVE VELVET PAINTINGS and I probably always will. I empathize with your fears about what you like; after all, velvet painting is not exactly well respected at Sotheby’s or even on eBay.

Let’s say you like a particular genre of art. Do you prefer oils or watercolor? Pastels or photographs? Bright colors or subdued pastels? Not sure? Let’s look at some images and find out. How much do you want to pay?

Here we go again! Charlie Brown’s heart beats a little faster. Thoughts rush through his mind, “I don’t want her to think I’m cheap. My price range might indicate a lack of funds or taste…” Relax. I am asking you about your price range because that will help me find the perfect piece for you. I want you to love the way you feel when you look at your art and never resent the price you paid. Moreover, I would hate to see you fall in love with work that costs more than you want to pay. Do you think I’m not disappointed when at auction I see the most handsome velvet matador, bravely facing a fierce and well-proportioned bull, only to find out that the price is $75 and my limit is $45 including shipping? I have known unrequited love. I have no intention of putting you through the suffering! Just like any company offering a service or product, I want to meet your particular needs so that you leave satisfied. I understand that buying art can make people feel sensitive. Unlike your choice in pea-traps or sprinkler heads, the art you like reflects your personality and emotions. In order to help clients collect art that they love, I need to know what they love, why they love it and how much you want to pay.

The last thing you need when you buy a piece of art is to unconsciously have negative feelings about your buying experience or tastes every time you see it in the hall on your way to the bathroom. Art will make your home or office truly yours, a haven for relaxation, creative thoughts and inspiration no matter what is going on in your life. My pieces are my friends (I should apologize to them for having to keep them in the closet sometimes) and I never think about how much they cost or what anyone else thinks of them. In fact, people who buy a piece of art as an investment are often disappointed. What if it doesn’t retain its value? You are stuck with a piece you for which you have no affinity. Your relationship with art should be a love affair, rather than an exchange of goods. Few people know (including dealers) that it is actually illegal to represent art as an investment since it is not traded in a regulated market. Sure, certain works of art by certain artists often retain their value. You can look at the track record of the artist or the piece and see if the appraisal value increases over time. However, if you buy a piece of work because you love it, its ability to retain monetary value will just feel like an added bonus. Build your art collection with love and call me with any questions you have along the way!

Byline: For more information, call Keesha at 241-0465 for a free consultation on any of your art needs. Go to www.resonancefineart.com and don’t forget to complete a Fine Arts Preferences Survey for a free CD of selected artists.