Why buy from an emerging artist?
First, what exactly IS an "emerging artist?" Well, there are four categories.
Student,
Emerging,
Established and
Master.
Student; I feel that all artists are constantly learning but the definition of "student" is someone taking classes and has never sold their
artwork, earned awards for it, or entered and been accepted at an art show. Student artists can range from gifted to those still learning which
end of the brush to hold. Student works are therefore not worth much money. In fact, a student would be lucky to get what the materials cost
should they actually sell a piece.
An Emerging artist; is defined as someone who got into a few competitions, may have won awards, perhaps sold a piece or two but is not
widely known.
I certainly fit that category. I have won awards and been accepted in several local jurried shows but I am not widely known
so... the price for an emerging artist piece is still very affordable. That doesn't mean the artwork is in any way substandard, it just means that the artist
name isn't one worth investing in. (yet!)
That being said, buy artwork because you like it and not for it's investment value. On the other hand,
I may well become "established" in time and your piece could very well become valuable.
An Established artist; is an artist who now has a clientele. Perhaps has gallery support and is somewhat in demand.
Now the price for the
artwork goes up by leaps and bounds. Buying from an established artist can also be considered an investment since as the artist grows in
popularity the value of the art goes up as well.
Master; is an artist who IS widely known. Picasso would be a good example of a master. Needless to say, even while Picasso was still alive,
his works were extremely expensive to actually buy and since his death they are almost priceless.
