I started collecting fine art around 2015, which turned into an addiction. My wife and I had a little more discretionary income, a brand-new house, and didn’t want to fill our walls with generic art. Months later, we got our first taste of cruise ship art auctions and bought a lot. From that point on, our collection grew and our tastes became increasingly eclectic.
One misconception I see among artists is that collectors are all rich, elusive people who fit into one category. In reality, there are different types: the first-time buyer purchasing an affordable print or original, the decorative buyer filling a space, the passionate collector actively seeking art, the serious collector considering an artist’s career and long-term value, and the investment collector operating at the upper end of the market.
Cliff with artist, gallery owner, and curator Sergio Gomez.
Many collectors I know, including myself, fall somewhere between the passionate art lover and serious collector. We enjoy exhibitions and connecting with artists, galleries, and curators. Over time, our eye and taste develop much like an artist refines their style. I can usually tell when an artist is creating something they’re passionate about versus what they think people will buy. Regardless of style or medium, art has an energy to it.
Collectors like me may watch an artist for a while before engaging. We start liking, following, or commenting on posts, but want to know who we’re collecting from. The artist is part of the art’s story. If I constantly see negativity or complaining, it becomes associated with the work. When a piece is brought into my home, I want the experience of collecting it to be a positive part of that memory.
At the passionate collector level, buying art is often an impulse purchase. That may sound strange considering the price of some artwork, but I usually know immediately when I need to have it. The story is there, along with the right balance of composition, color, and content, but it’s difficult to explain the “it” factor. It’s more of a feeling, an energy or subtle vibration, like having too much caffeine mixed with an emotional connection. Many times, I have no idea where I’m going to put it. I just know I need it. There are also artists I’ve followed for years whose work I love, but I’m still waiting for that “it” piece.
Cliff and Wendy with David LeBatard (Lebo), RIP.
I find most artists through Instagram, galleries, and group exhibitions. I’m primarily drawn to surrealism, pop-surrealism, and fantasy, although our collection is eclectic. We collect at price points from hundreds into the low and mid-five figures. Lately, I’ve been collecting smaller works because I can usually find wall space for them.
Despite recent negativity toward galleries, I believe good galleries provide value. Many artists I’ve discovered came through galleries I follow. They also provide confidence when purchasing higher-priced work, particularly from an unfamiliar or international artist. I buy directly from artists too but will never circumvent a gallery when that relationship exists.
Cliff Powell with collectors Ashleigh and Chad Walters.
What turns me off is constant complaining about the economy, algorithms, galleries, or artists saying, "Buy Art!" I understand because I’m an artist too. But as a collector, constantly hearing why art isn’t selling takes something away from the work itself. There are always people looking for art, and sometimes all it takes is the right person to see a piece and connect with it.
Art collecting ultimately led me back to creating art and gave me a creative escape from the stresses of Corporate America. Today, I create paintings that sit at the crossroads of surrealism and fantasy. You can see my work and available paintings at www.cliffpowellart.com.
About Cliff Powell: Cliff Powell is a contemporary surrealist painter and art collector based in South Florida. His path to the arts includes a background in architecture, construction, and real estate development, along with several years as a touring musician and recording artist. As both an artist and collector, he brings a perspective shaped by creating art, collecting it, and connecting with the artists and galleries behind the work.
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