Paintings have long been viewed as an investment class and according to the gallery managers mostly, generally provide stable growth over the long haul. As an investment, you own the actual asset immediately and when you want to sell it, you don't need to transfer legal title and incur additional costs, notes Joy Loh, Director and Curator at Eagle's Eye Art Gallery in Stamford House. Established in 1993, Eagle's Eye specializes in Singaporean and other Southeast Asian art, and undertakes art restoration and consultancy services for governments, diplomats and corporations as well.
A regular speaker at art lectures and exhibitions, Loh reckons, a good quality painting can appreciate about five percent per annum while any depreciation would not exceed 15 percent. In novice investors, she advises, first and foremost, to find out all you can about the artist. Look for "a distinctive style, the history of the artist's work, what is his historical sales record, and whether regularly featured in galleries and museum," she says. That will give you a gauge of whether the artist is popular and productive. In addition, she notes, an artist usually reaches his productive peak at 65, thereafter his vision might deteriorate.
Also look out for the artist's consistency in painting and sales, as well as whether there are any notable collectors of the artist you are eyeing. To gain more insight, look out for Loh's art lectures like the recent History of the Human Spirit in October 2008.
A regular speaker at art lectures and exhibitions, Loh reckons, a good quality painting can appreciate about five percent per annum while any depreciation would not exceed 15 percent. In novice investors, she advises, first and foremost, to find out all you can about the artist. Look for "a distinctive style, the history of the artist's work, what is his historical sales record, and whether regularly featured in galleries and museum," she says. That will give you a gauge of whether the artist is popular and productive. In addition, she notes, an artist usually reaches his productive peak at 65, thereafter his vision might deteriorate.
Also look out for the artist's consistency in painting and sales, as well as whether there are any notable collectors of the artist you are eyeing. To gain more insight, look out for Loh's art lectures like the recent History of the Human Spirit in October 2008.