Top 5 Tips for Collecting Art
Jasper Johns’s “White Flag,” in the Beverly Hills home of Michael Ovitz and Tamara Mellon; Photo: Scott Frances.
As 2026 gets going, I wanted to offer some insight to help you bring more art into your life and maybe even start (or grow) your collection.
I was recently interviewed by Charlotte Trattner, Editor-in-Chief of Modern Luxury Interiors Magazine, about how to begin collecting art. My first piece of advice might surprise you: if you’ve never bought art before, my top tip is to start by looking and seeing as much as possible before you buy. Observation is where your eye and confidence develop.
You can read the full interview and explore more of my thoughts on collecting here.I’ve also pulled together a few timeless tips from seasoned collectors, adapted from Cultured Magazine:
Listen to your gut (and how you live). Notice what you actually want to live with; your instincts often reveal your real collecting voice.
Don’t be intimidated—ask questions. Gallerists and artists are usually happy to talk; use fairs and studio visits to learn directly from them.
Build relationships. Get to know the gallerists, curators, and artists whose work excites you—they’re your best guides to discovering meaningful art.
Define a focus. Choose a category or theme that genuinely interests you and commit to it.
Stay informed, then make your own rules. Keep up with the art market, but ultimately take risks and build a collection that reflects your unique passions and point of view.
Be sure to follow my Instagram to stay up to date with all the latest in the art world.