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Wall Space Wanted

· By Adrienne Lewis (Exploring Books) · From pages 16, 17 of the print edition

One of the most common comments I hear from collectors is that they are running out of wall space and don't have room for any new art. If you find yourself in that position and want to know what options you have, the answer is quite a few. Walls are not the only places that can be used to display paintings. You can place paintings on bookshelves or in bookcases; or you can purchase small stands and place small paintings on tables. For larger paintings you can purchase easels which provide the flexibility to move the painting to different locations in your home. Using easels can create dramatic effects and easels themselves can be beautiful pieces of furniture or art.

Other ideas include rotating the art you own, which I do all the time. This provides your home with a new appearance each time you rotate your art. Another possibility is sharing art with friends and swapping it on a limited basis. Many collectors who are running out of wall space should also consider sculpture. While most people think of filling their walls they neglect their floor and shelf space. Sculpture is a wonderful art form to begin collecting, and the offerings are many including glass, bronze, marble, steel, stone, etc. Like paintings sculpture comes in a wide range of styles and price ranges and can be functional or ornamental.

When selecting a work of sculpture you need to establish some parameters: Do you have any specific requirements? Think about dimensions of the work, the space/function of the work, materials to be used etc. Do you have any particular styles, colors, materials in mind?

Once you have decided what you want to buy, you should also consider the following:

Installation - does it have any special requirements?
Delivery - is there an extra charge for this? Who will arrange delivery?
Size - will it fit the space in my home or office?

If you'd like to buy sculpture buy aren't sure how to get started, here are some tips to finding the right piece for you.

Educate yourself. Don't just buy sculpture for the sake of owning art. Learn about the history of sculpture and the mediums, movements, styles, and artists before you start looking.

Start small. Find a style or a few artists that you like and then decide how much space you have to display sculptural pieces and how much money you'd like to invest. Consider starting out with something that can comfortably rest on a table or consider a larger outdoor piece that can stand alone.

Go to galleries and art shows to begin shopping for your first piece. It is always an advantage to view the work in advance of purchase as it may appear different from an image presented online.

Whether buying paintings or sculpture the same rules apply – buy what you love, buy from a reputable source and above all make that act of purchasing a pleasurable experience.