Purchasing Abstract Paintings: A Guide

"Exploring the Thrilling World of Abstract Art Collecting: From Hidden Gems to Perfect Fits and Valuable Discoveries"

Abstract art collecting can be an intense hobby. I really enjoy abstract art and use gouache as my primary medium. I recently bought a sculpture from Oscar Bluemner that had spent more than 20 years in storage. It makes me happy to have it, and I intend to display it in my office.

I came across a 1947 abstract oil work by Louis Bassi Siegriest while looking through art. I liked the way the painting was put together; it was very relaxing. Even though the cost seemed a bit high to me, I couldn't help myself and chose to buy it. It's interesting to note that the artist signed the painting's back.

During a visit to Connecticut, I acquired a massive abstract painting called "Trade Winds" directly from the artist Joanne Riddle. Due to its size, I had to arrange for it to be shipped by freight to my home. The painting featured strikingly vivid shades of blue, and the overall composition was truly inspired.

I bought my sister-in-law an abstract painting by Leonardo Nierman last year. I decided to buy the oil painting unframed because it was made in that medium. I later went with my sister-in-law to a framing store so she could choose the ideal frame for the item.

I attempted to purchase a modernist abstract painting from our town's mayor. The piece featured a colorful figure using red, white, and blue hues, and I had hoped to acquire it as a gift for my stepmother. Despite offering two thousand dollars, the mayor was unwilling to part with the painting. My stepmother would have truly appreciated it, but unfortunately, it was not meant to be.

Lou Monti is one of my mother's favorite artists, and she has always liked his work. She also loves the Santa Fe style of interior design. Knowing this, I bought her a sizable abstract painting by Monti. It was delightful to observe the joy on her face when she discovered the picture hanging on the wall of her living room—a lovely addition to her home's Santa Fe-inspired furnishings.

I once dated a man who prominently exhibited an autographed abstract artwork by Robert Gilberg on his wall. Every time I looked at the artwork, I discovered something fresh and interesting about its design. This specific picture always remained a fixture in his home, despite the fact that he was an ardent collector and constantly switched out his abstract paintings. It was obvious that we were both enthralled by its special and mysterious allure.

Unfortunately, the abstract painting I purchased for my older brother didn't quite work in his apartment as I had hoped. I had mistakenly bought a painting that was a little too large for the space it was intended for, and the colors didn't quite complement the room. Despite my efforts to make it work, it was clear that the painting simply wasn't the right fit for his apartment.

In the end, I decided to sell the Richard Diebenkorn abstract painting that wasn't working in my brother's apartment on eBay, the same site I had bought it. To my surprise, I actually ended up gaining money on the sale. This is probably because I did more research on the painter and the artwork than the prior seller, which enabled me to include more specific information in my auction listing. It just goes to demonstrate that putting just a little extra work may significantly raise an abstract painting's value.

An abstract picture is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it, as I long ago discovered. I have friends that simply can't accept this obvious truth. According to me, an abstract painting is worthless if no one wants it.

With the money he made from selling the unwanted abstract painting, my brother was able to find another piece that was more to his liking - an abstract collage from the late 1930s. When I saw the painting, I immediately appreciated its beauty and the way it worked perfectly in his office. Sometimes, it takes a little trial and error to find the perfect abstract painting that speaks to you and complements your space just right.