Art collection can start with a simple "like". But in addition to liking, there is still a difference between true and false. This is the reason why some works of art are valuable and some are worthless. The key to judgment is whether there is eyesight or not. Don't think that you can buy good things with money alone, wealth and strength are important, but eyesight is more important. If you just take your ears to buy paintings, people will follow the clouds, without their own judgment, just like a blind man touching an elephant, it is easy to lose everything. There is a saying in the collecting world: "Eyesight is not fierce, collection is not true." The word "fierce" means "precise." Collectors often miss opportunities because their eyesight is not "fierce" enough, and they have lost their eyes.
A good collector should have several elements: knowledge, leisure, money, and courage, but first, it is better than eyesight. Eyesight is the survival capital of the connoisseur; it is the ability to identify and evaluate, as well as the judgment of market conditions; especially the ability to discover the unique value of works of art and the ability to buy treasures at low prices.
But eyesight is not innate, nor can it be practiced in a short period of time. Eyesight is experienced, and fierce eyesight is honed. The real eyesight lies in "pondering", from the "pondering" of each work. Art collection is a process of cultivation and cultivation, and only by continuous learning and observation can aesthetic taste be improved. Instead of investing money first, invest time and energy first. Only by becoming a hobbyist and then an expert can you have the opportunity to buy good things. So, it takes time to be fierce.
The way to have eyesight is to see more and ask more questions, accumulate more knowledge and experience, see more good things, communicate more with seniors, and so on. The method of improving eyesight can be classified as the "five major methods":
1. Accumulate cultural knowledge
Knowledge is the basic condition for the eyesight of collectors. The great collectors of modern times, such as Zheng Zhenduo, Zhang Boju, Deng Tuo and others, are all knowledgeable and insightful. When Shi Shuqing talks about cultural relics collection, he cannot do without talking about reading. In addition to cultural heritage and knowledge, the foundation of eyesight must be knowledge of art history, a basic understanding of art genres and styles, and proficiency in the use of art tools to know where to grasp the information of works and markets.
Second, look at more good things
Seeing more good things is the most effective way to develop eyesight. Participate in various exhibitions, previews, forums, lectures, salons and other activities to enhance the judgment of the art field, artists, and art majors. Usually, I am optimistic about works and exhibitions, which not only enhance my eyesight, but also have the opportunity to contact people from all walks of life in the art circle and get new information.
Third, accumulate failure experience
Most of those who play with collecting are fooled, starting from paying tuition. In the world of collecting, whether it is "picking up leaks" or "walking the eye", it is based on experience, and lessons are also accumulated. Even if you hit the eye, you must adjust your mentality, sum up experience from the lessons, make up for shortcomings, and keep your keen insight and judgment at all times, so that your "eyesight" is in an invincible position.
Fourth, follow the right connoisseur
The important thing for new entrants is to "find the right circle and the right person". The collection circle is a jianghu, the jianghu has its own circle, and the circle is intricate with circles. Beginners have to find real and knowledgeable experts in the circle. But most people hit by mistake, and only after their heads are broken and bleeding do they seriously look for the inner circle. In some high-end circles, the people involved have financial resources, eyesight and character. Therefore, it is necessary to find these circles of connoisseurs in order to learn the opportunity to exercise "eyesight".
Fifth, do not fight for the day
The practice of "eyesight" is not an overnight thing, and it has to go through many psychological tests. The improvement of vision is gradual. Collecting can not be in place in one step, many people began to collect garbage works, and then their eyes continued to improve, and then slowly abandoned the original purchase. The understanding of art and collecting has also gradually improved in practice. When the taste is getting higher and higher, the previous collection will slowly fail to catch up with their expectations, and it is time to get rid of it.
(Article from 2021 Market Weekly (Art Finance))