Eight affordable ways to start your art collection

Styling a large room with art. (Courtesy)

Owning beautiful works of art is every art lover’s dream. With a gallery wall of paintings here and ceramic bowls on a bookshelf there, many enthusiasts want to go home with the pieces they spend hours looking at in exhibitions. While a work of art can cost a fortune, you can still build your collection within your budget.

Start by collecting smaller creations. Miniature paintings usually cost a little less than large ones. Some artists will agree to be paid in instalments, or you can just go for the huge works. Street vendors sell good paintings at affordable prices. Here are other ways to start your art-collecting adventure.

Attend art market events

The prices of artworks are quite low at art fairs. You can find pieces under Sh5,000 at the Books and Artisanal Market to be hosted by the Kenya Museum Society at the National Museums of Kenya on a date to be announced.

There will be woodcuts by Symon Kalweo and watercolours by Kanyi Ohawa, among others. You can also head to Kuona Artists Collective for their art pop-up on the first Saturday of every month.

Make your own art

Get in touch with your creative side by taking part in workshops, art classes and sip and paint events organised by art galleries, The Art Club and Nairobi Art Centre, as well as artists such as Mary Muringi.

You can also buy your art supplies and create from the comfort of your own home by following online tutorials.

Commission an artist

The best way to bring your ideas to life is with the help of an artist. Hire an artist whose work already appeals to you and, depending on your budget, you can both agree on the type of art you want to see on your walls.

Buying from an artist’s studio

The artist’s studio is where the magic happens. Many artists sell their work from their studios at reasonable prices. Open studio events also create opportunities for art collectors and artists to build a relationships. Buying directly from an artist is pocket-friendly as there are no agency fees to influence the price of the artwork.

Build relationships with artists

Cultivate relationships with artists by attending their events, visiting their studios and being involved in some way with their careers. Following their social media pages is a great way to find out when they have sales. If you know an artist personally and show a genuine interest in their work, you may get a discount or an artistic gift.

You can also trade goods or services with the artist you know.

Buy from emerging artists

Emerging artists sell their quality art at reasonable prices. And as their craft grows, so do the prices of their work.

Affordable Art Show

Every May and October, head to the National Museums of Kenya for the Kenya Museum Society’s Affordable Art Show. Spoilt for choice with over 400 pieces on display, you are sure to be introduced to new artists and different styles of art, including landscape and wildlife paintings, abstract works, mixed media and so on. As you discover what kind of art you are drawn to, you may find yourself owning your first piece within your budget.

Limited edition prints

Every other day, artists produce a few copies of a piece of art to make it easier for more people to buy art. Limited edition prints are personalised with the artist’s signature or commentary and are never reproduced again for commercial use.