Building a Collection: Do’s and Don’ts

#artclub artadvisoryservices artcollecting artcollection artcourse artcurator frenchrivieraartguide frenchrivieraguide learnart monacotribune privatecollector thearttrotter Sep 22, 2025

Some exciting news to start with: I was recently interviewed in Monaco Tribune about The French Riviera Art Guide — a digital concept I first developed in Scandinavia and have now brought to the Mediterranean.

As an art entrepreneur, advisor, and educator, my purpose remains the same no matter the location: to make art more accessible, enriching, and meaningful, whether you’re exploring it for a single day or starting a deeper, lifelong connection.

Now let’s talk about collecting.

Over the years, I’ve met many collectors — some just beginning, others with decades of experience. And something always stands out:

Collecting is most rewarding when it’s done with clarity, knowledge, and purpose.

Have you ever walked through an exhibition and thought: Is this artist any good? How do I know where their work fits in the broader context? What if I choose wrong? Will I still appreciate this piece ten years from now? Is the price fair and is it worth the money at all? 🤔💭

These thoughts are more common than you might think. Many people feel an invisible wall between themselves and the art world — a language they were never taught to speak. This often leads to hesitation, mistakes, or missed opportunities.

Next to the David Hockney's A Bigger Book - a collectors' edition © David Hockney/BONO. Photo: Kiri Huhtanen

Uncertainty is what holds many back from collecting. Where to begin, what to look for, what is good art, and will it hold value over time? These are questions I hear regularly, even from people deeply drawn to art!

One of the most common mistakes I see is: relying entirely on multiple local galleries and local setting to decide what art to buy — without putting the art into a broader context.

Just last week, someone contacted me about an art collection that they had acquired together with a property. The records show the previous owners had spent thousands on artworks over the past few decades, but today, the collection's value leaves much to be desired.. Every time it really hurts to see this happen. 🫠

Unique sand prints by the Norwegian artist Else Hagen (1914-2010). © Else Hagen/BONO. Photo: The Art Trotter

Collecting isn’t always about getting it “right” — it’s about building identity. But that doesn’t mean going in blindly.

Here are some practical do’s and don’ts I recommend to anyone thinking about building or expanding their collection:

Do:

Define your focus. Whether it’s a theme, an artist, or a movement, clarity gives your collection identity.
Balance passion with research. Love the work — but also understand the artist’s career, exhibitions, and market context.
Think long-term. Value isn’t just financial; it’s cultural and emotional. Ask yourself: Will this matter to me in ten years?

Don't

Rely solely on local galleries. Their view is often limited and may not align with broader artistic or market value.
Buy impulsively without context. A piece that looks appealing today may not hold significance tomorrow.
Ignore provenance, condition, or authenticity. These details can make or break a collection’s future value.

It can take years — even decades — to develop the expertise that leads to confident, lasting decisions. Or, you can fast-track that journey with someone by your side.

If you’d like guidance and are ready to take your interest to the next level, my 1:1 art advisory program supports both new and seasoned collectors in navigating the art world with confidence and shaping collections that bring joy today while building a lasting legacy for the future.

Interested? Feel free to reach out by contacting us at [email protected] with a short introduction and what you are looking for – and we will take the conversation from there!

PS. Read my interview in Monaco Tribune here.

PPS. Download the French Riviera Art Guide here if you haven't done so yet.

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Building a Collection: Do’s and Don’ts

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