Primary, Secondary, and Auction Markets

My advice to collectors is to explore the Primary Market, Secondary Market and Auction Houses when considering artwork for purchase or sale. The Primary Market is comprised of galleries that represent artists or an artist's estate.  The Secondary Market is comprised of collectors, institutions and other third parties who own artwork.  Auction Houses, such as Sotheby's and Christie's, are another good barometer of sales velocity and value for specific artists, artwork and the art market in general.  

David Bates, Magnolia in a Vase I, 2009 was purchased just last week at the Dallas Auction Gallery.  I attended the live auction with a client who was the winning bidder for the above artwork.  The client was thrilled to acquire the artwork, and enjoyed the "instant gratification" of being able to view, purchase, deliver and install the artwork among the other work in the client's collection.

The triptych by James Nares (pictured above and displayed as part of an installation at the new showroom of Laura Lee Clark) is a great example of artwork available in both Primary and Secondary markets.  Because the artwork is part of an edition of 40, you can purchase the artwork directly from Durham Press (Primary Market) or of course from Lisa Brown Consulting (Secondary Market).  Both are great options depending on your location, timing, and desired installation within your existing collection. 

This beautiful commission by Paul Villanski was purchased through the Primary Market at  Morgan Lehman (an art gallery in New York) who represents the artist.  Specific artwork commissions are typically handled through an artist's primary gallery mainly because of the time and detail it requires of the artist to complete the artwork.  Commissions typically take time (weeks, months, and sometimes years), but the process, and final artwork once installed provides the collector with a unique artwork that is definitely worth the wait! 

I couldn't resist ending this post with a picture of two great art dealers showing their spirit during the Dallas Art Fair's field trip to the Cowboys Stadium.  Above are Betty Moody of the Moody Gallery - Houston (pictured on the left), and Nancy Hoffman of the Nancy Hoffman Gallery - New York (pictured on the right).  Both are ready to help you with your Primary, Secondary, and Art Auction needs!