The Art Collecting Guide Series: Works on Paper

Drawings, preparatory sketches and other works on paper make up a thriving art collecting category. They’re a great entry point for new buyers and a more affordable way for experienced collectors to own work by a leading artist. With lots of things to consider, we highlight the questions to be asking when collecting works on paper.

What are works on paper?

Works on paper include drawings in charcoal, graphite, ink, and other materials such as pastel, watercolor or mixed media. Ideal for collecting, they are best when seen up close. Collectors are drawn to their intimacy, experimentality, affordability or what appraisers call “documentary value” — giving a glimpse into an artist’s mind or providing evidence to authenticate another of their works.  


Do they cost less?

Prices are varied, but in general, works on paper are a more affordable collecting category.  For example, the average sale price for a Gustav Klimt work at major art fairs like Tefaf is above 100,000 Euro, yet this work on paper by the artist is estimated at $15,000 - $20,000, up for auction March 15th in the USA.  


^{Gustav Klimt - Work on paper, Gustav Klimt                              Naar Gustav Klimt - Girl}

What can I learn about the work’s history?

Works on paper can give a vast insight into the story behind the artwork and the time it was created. We see this particularly in Old Master drawings, which often reference the history of the country they were made in. Italian Old Master drawings were often preparatory sketches for expensive religious paintings, commissioned from the church. Religious paintings were rarely commissioned from the largely Protestant 17th-century Holland, however, meaning drawings were more likely to be finished works in their own right. Make sure to consider these things before purchasing a work on paper by reading relevant literature or consulting experts. If the artist you’ve chosen is represented by a gallery, they will normally list biographic information and the artist's CV and exhibition history. For a newer artist with less available information, try searching for press exposure, their social media accounts or request a studio visit to better understand their practice. 

^{Alessandro D'Anna(1746-1810) - Messina} 

Is the quality or subject of the drawing important?

 
In some cases, the subject is more important than the artist who created the work on paper — collectors might search for Old Master Dutch drawings of landscapes, but when it comes to Italian works of the same period,  figure drawings have a higher value. For contemporary art, a work on paper in dialogue with a finished work could have more value, such as David Hockney’s Paper Pools. The same goes for works on paper illustrating themes or emblems that are iconic to the artist, such as Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkin (1979).

What should the budget be for a first-time buyer?

Works on paper can be bought for a variety of budgets, so it’s important to buy within your means. While art can be a sound investment, it’s advised to buy your first piece on instinct. The art market will always hold an element of risk, so buy something you love to avoid regretting anything later. If you’re planning to build a collection, you might want to begin with a smaller budget that increases as you gain more insight.


^{Jean Dufy Painting, Bois Scene}

How can I ensure authenticity?

With sophisticated art forgery methods, it’s important to ensure the work is an original. When it comes to signatures, use the expertise of scholars and literature to look out for anything suspicious. It’s important to note that a lot of artist’s works on paper such as Cézanne’s, don’t feature signatures. The lack of signatures is particularly prevalent in the case of preparatory sketches that weren’t intended as finished pieces. Provenance and exhibition history can help to authenticate works without signatures, as well as distinctive markings, styles, and fingerprints. Most auction houses will have in-house experts and AI technology to ensure authenticity. Private collectors are encouraged to register with the Art Loss Register, the world’s largest database of stolen art.


^{Corneille - Sans titre}


Where can I see them for myself?

Due to location or time-frames, it’s not always possible to view the lot in the flesh before purchasing. But the immediacy and intimacy of works on paper are so much more powerful up close, so it’s recommended to analyze the work in person.  If you’re nearby, many auction houses encourage potential buyers to come in and view the lots on offer, and museums drawing departments are often open for the public to physically hold the works.

How should I display works on paper?

There’s no right or wrong when it comes to displaying your art, it’s entirely down to personal preference. But if you’re stuck for ideas, it’s always good to position your art in dialogue with other works on the wall. Certain fail-safe tricks include testing the frame space out with masking tape before hanging or placing small works above light switches or small pieces of furniture. Framing is arguably more important than the work’s location — art advisors and interior designers are available to help with this.  When it comes to the frame design, simple is best, allowing the artwork to dominate. If a mount is not already included, make sure it matches the paper color.


^{Francesco Paolo Michetti (1851- 1929) - Ritratto di donna           Francesco Paolo Michetti (1851- 1929) - Ritratto di giovane}

       
How do I store and maintain a work on paper?

The work’s value will drop drastically if in poor condition, so it’s vital to store it correctly. Invest in UV resistant glass, as sunlight exposure can cause discoloration and could result in ink seeping into the paper. To avoid silverfish, miniature insects that thrive on paper, make sure the work is away from dark, damp areas like basements, attics, kitchens or bathrooms. Humidity can also damage a work, so if the frame doesn’t protect against this, make sure to keep it in a dry space and away from radiators. 

^{Walter Piacesi - L'ATTESA DEL VETTORIALE}


Who are good names to collect?

Rembrandt is particularly known for his works on paper, and Edgar Degas’ works on paper are particularly significant, using pastel to capture forms that he couldn’t have done with the traditional oil on canvas method. For those on a modest budget, look out for works on paper by emerging artists. Look for artists appearing at auction for the first time, or visit graduate shows and keep an eye on their art world activity.

Where can I find works on paper?

Works on paper are widely featured in distinguished galleries, auction houses, and museums, which often also have a vast amount in their private collection. The majority of auctions will have works on paper available, often with live sales dedicated to the medium. Lot-Art portal includes information and direct links to upcoming lots for sale at auction worldwide, as works on paper from some of the most reputable auction houses, to easily browse through all auctions' catalogues from a single place.

Lot-Art Investment Advisory can assist new and established collectors in acquiring quality artworks which are also sound financial investments. See you soon on Lot-Art.com !

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