What Type of Novice Collector Are You?
Are you new to the art world and eager to start your collection but don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry! We’ve created a few profiles of novice collectors so you can identify yourself in one of them and find the perfect artwork—or artworks—that suit your taste!
Are you ready to start your art collection today?
The Curious Enthusiast and the Charm of Small-Format Works
The Curious Enthusiast has always had a passion for art but, until now, has experienced it only as a spectator. Museums, galleries, and art fairs deeply fascinate them, but they’ve never found the courage to take the big step and purchase a piece. Now, however, they feel the desire to start their collection and want to do it in a safe and thoughtful way.
For someone in the early stages of collecting, small-format artworks are the ideal choice. They offer the perfect balance between artistic quality and economic accessibility, allowing the collector to invest in authentic pieces without exceeding their budget. Additionally, their smaller size makes it easier to integrate the artwork into different home spaces, giving the collector the freedom to experiment and find the perfect spot.
BW030224 Painting by André Nadal
Enchanted Fish (1995) Sculpture by Volodymyr Mykytenko
Two Small Treasures for the Curious Enthusiast
The painting BW030224 by André Nadal is an invitation to contemplation and the discovery of hidden details. This monochromatic piece, crafted through a meticulous combination of brushing and polishing on both glossy and matte surfaces, creates an intricate play of light and shadow that draws the viewer's gaze and encourages deep reflection. The intertwining of fluid and dynamic lines generates a three-dimensional effect that stimulates the senses and conveys a sense of movement and complexity.
André Nadal, a French figure in contemporary optical art, has developed a distinctive style that plays with the balance between form and void, light and darkness. This artwork is perfect for the Curious Enthusiast because it offers endless possibilities for interpretation, sparking the creativity and imagination of its viewer. Its compact format makes it ideal as a first purchase—easily adaptable to various environments and suitable for both modern and classic spaces without being overwhelming. Additionally, the technical quality of the piece allows the collector to own an artwork of artistic value without exceeding their budget, blending aesthetics with mindful investment.
The sculpture “Enchanted Fish” by Volodymyr Mykytenko is a perfect example of how art can blend reality and fantasy. The Ukrainian artist masterfully combines natural forms from the marine world with human elements, creating imaginary creatures with a strong visual impact. The expertly patinated bronze surface gives depth and texture to the two fish, while the marble base adds solidity and a touch of elegance.
This sculpture is much more than a simple marine representation—it is an invitation to explore hidden worlds, reflect on the connection between humans and nature, and let the imagination run free. The Curious Enthusiast will find in this piece a perfect starting point for their collection: its small format makes it easy to display, while its symbolic richness and high craftsmanship offer undeniable artistic value. Moreover, the sculpture's surreal charm makes it a great conversation starter and a unique decorative element that will capture the attention of anyone who sees it.
The Cautious Investor: The Ideal Collector for Emerging Artists
The Cautious Investor approaches the art world with a clear strategy: they aim to make smart purchases that combine passion with the potential for economic appreciation, all while minimizing risks. They have heard that art can be a great investment, and even without the expertise of a seasoned collector, they understand that betting on emerging artists can be a winning choice.
Emerging artists represent fertile ground for those seeking authentic works, with styles that are already solid and recognizable, yet still accessible in terms of price. The Cautious Investor is drawn precisely to this balance—the opportunity to acquire high-quality pieces at a reasonable cost, with the potential for these artworks to gain greater prestige over time.
By choosing carefully and focusing on up-and-coming talents, the Cautious Investor builds a collection that not only reflects personal taste but also has room for future growth, turning art into both an emotional and strategic asset.
Plante d'eau (de mer) (2021) Photograph by Vivien Raynal
Tasselli (2024) Sculpture of Bordeaux Blue
Two Valuable Opportunities for the Cautious Investor
Vivien Raynal, a versatile emerging artist with a background in music and a passion for cinema and photography, explores the complexities of human existence through images that blend reality and symbolism. In Plante d'eau (de mer), Raynal skillfully plays with the tradition of still life, creating an ironic contrast between the classical composure of the composition and the peculiarity of the subject: a bouquet of mackerels arranged like a floral centerpiece.
Soft, carefully designed lighting, attention to detail, and a touch of surrealism make this piece unique and intriguing. It is not just a photograph, but a reflection on the concept of beauty and the expectations imposed by academic art. With his blend of humor and conceptual depth, Raynal crafts a conversation starter that sparks curiosity and invites interpretation.
This work is an excellent example of how emerging art can offer high conceptual value at an accessible price. Vivien Raynal merges technical refinement with original thought—two qualities that enhance the potential for long-term appreciation. For the Cautious Investor, this is a strategic acquisition, combining artistic merit with future growth potential.
Blu Bordeaux, an emerging Italian artist based in Genoa, stands out for his deep research into materials and his ability to evoke emotion through his work. In Tasselli, Blu explores the concept of fragmentation and recomposition, playing with the relationship between matter and emotion. The sculpture presents itself as a three-dimensional mosaic where each element contributes to forming a harmonious and dynamic whole, inviting viewers to reflect on the balance between complexity and simplicity.
The choice of materials and meticulous craftsmanship reflect Blu's focus on technical innovation and emotional communication. Each fragment, though part of a larger structure, retains its own identity, creating a piece that speaks of connection, resilience, and transformation.
For the Cautious Investor, Tasselli represents a strategic purchase—an artwork that is currently accessible but holds all the characteristics needed to gain prestige and market value over time. The attention to detail, material exploration, and expressive power make this sculpture a thoughtful investment and a forward-thinking choice for those looking to start or enrich their collection with works by emerging artists poised to make an impact.
The Romantic Dreamer: Timeless Sensations and Landscapes
The Romantic Dreamer is the kind of collector who approaches the art world driven by emotion, not by market logic or investment strategies. For them, every artwork must tell a story, evoke a memory, or convey a deep feeling. They don’t see art as mere decoration but as a bridge between imagination and reality, between personal emotion and the outside world.
However, being new to art collecting, this type of buyer needs guidance toward choices that not only satisfy their emotional thirst but are also wise in terms of quality and artistic value. This is where landscapes come into play—a genre that has fascinated and emotionally engaged audiences for centuries, making it the perfect starting point for anyone looking to begin their collection with timeless pieces.
Landscapes offer the Romantic Dreamer the ability to connect deeply with the natural world or an imagined scene, allowing them to lose themselves in the details and let the artwork spark memories or dreams. Whether classic or abstract, a landscape can transform a simple room into a place of contemplation, making it an ideal first acquisition for a collector driven by emotion.
Water lily pond in summer (2024) Painting by Irina Laube
Colore nordico (2024) Painting by Andrei Iakovlev
Two Timeless Emotions for the Romantic Dreamer
Water Lily Pond in Summer by Irina Laube is an invitation to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at one of its most poetic moments: a summer pond dotted with water lilies, surrounded by shimmering reflections and soft light. The artist masterfully captures the delicacy of the natural landscape, creating an image that goes beyond mere representation to become a true sensory experience.
Her technique harmoniously blends vibrant colors and fluid brushstrokes, offering a sense of calm and depth. The artwork conveys a perfect balance between the spontaneity of nature and the harmonious order of artistic composition. It feels as though the painting has frozen an eternal moment, suspended between reality and dream.
The Romantic Dreamer, standing before this painting, can’t help but recall that moment when, wandering through a museum, they stood captivated in front of Monet’s iconic water lilies. Just like then, they will find themselves sighing, enchanted by the delicacy of Water Lily Pond in Summer, which echoes that same timeless harmony and lightness.
Colore Nordico by Andrei Yakovlev is a landscape that captures the essence of the northern lands—not through cold and distant tones, but through a refined play of chiaroscuro and chromatic contrasts. The composition is dominated by a striking element: a vivid red tree that stands tall at the center, reminiscent of the great masters of realism who transformed natural details into universal symbols.
While the scene remains faithful to reality, it is infused with poetry. Colors alternate between soft shades and intense accents, as light dances across the canvas, creating depth and atmosphere. Yakovlev skillfully uses chiaroscuro to guide the viewer’s eye toward the red tree, a symbol of life and resilience within the northern landscape.
For the Romantic Dreamer, Colore Nordico is a tribute to the grand landscapes of traditional painting, yet it speaks with a modern and personal voice. The red tree becomes the emotional core of the artwork—a detail that lingers in memory, evoking silent stories and distant recollections. This painting speaks of nature, resilience, and timeless beauty—elements that capture the heart of the sensitive, dreaming collector, eager to lose themselves in the depths of their own imagination.
The Bold Trendsetter: The One Who Sets the Rules of Style
The Bold Trendsetter is the kind of novice collector who, even while taking their first steps into the art world, already has a clear and defined vision of what they want. They don’t merely follow trends—they anticipate them and, more often than not, create them. Confident, curious, and always on top of the latest movements, the Bold Trendsetter loves to stand out and selects pieces that not only enhance their space but also serve as powerful statements of style.
For this collector, art is not just a means of creative expression; it is also a tool for communication and identity. Every piece in their collection reflects their refined taste and their keen ability to pick up on emerging signals in the art scene. However, despite their openness to experimentation and novelty, the Bold Trendsetter recognizes the timeless value of certain art movements that have withstood the test of time.
If there’s one genre the Bold Trendsetter cannot overlook, it’s abstract art. With its versatility, its ability to transform spaces, and its evocative power, abstraction remains an evergreen staple in art collecting. The Trendsetter knows well that, despite shifting market trends, abstract art holds a perpetual appeal, effortlessly adapting to every era and every style.
Cascata de Flores Roxas (2006) Painting by Ana Rolaça Costa
Traffic pink Square (2025) Painting by Ronald Hunter
Two Colorful Choices for the Bold Art Trendsetter
With Traffic Pink Square, Ronald Hunter elevates abstract art to a new level, blending graphic design, typography, and painting into a distinctive visual language. The piece results from meticulous layering of acrylic paints, creating depth and texture that transform the surface into an intricate mosaic of shapes and hues. Inspired by the layered street posters that populate urban landscapes, Hunter transforms these ephemeral and chaotic elements into harmonious and balanced compositions, maintaining a continuous dialogue between randomness and control.
The bold and vibrant use of pink as the dominant color breaks away from traditional chromatic conventions, giving the artwork a magnetic visual force. The square format, seemingly simple at first glance, is enriched by the layering of textures and colors that reveal new details and nuances with each look.
The Bold Trendsetter doesn’t seek figurative or straightforward pieces—they desire canvases that challenge conventions and invite personal interpretation. Cascata de Flores Roxas is exactly that: an example of how abstract art can convey energy, grace, and movement without relying on recognizable imagery.
In Traffic Pink Square, however, Ronald Hunter explores the power of pure abstraction through the layering of colors and textures. Built across multiple levels of acrylic paint, the artwork offers depth and complexity within an apparent balance of forms and chromatic contrasts. The pink hue, chosen as a leading element in the composition, breaks all traditional color norms, infusing the piece with bold vitality.
What makes this creation particularly appealing to our collector is Hunter’s skill in merging elements of urban culture and graphic design, offering a unique abstract language that plays with balance and tension. The artwork echoes the aesthetic of weathered street posters, transforming urban chaos into a visual mosaic of lines, shades, and empty spaces.
For the Bold Art Trendsetter, both Cascata de Flores Roxas and Traffic Pink Square represent opportunities to make powerful statements. These works not only add vibrant energy to any space but also reflect the collector’s keen eye for pieces that break the mold and push the boundaries of contemporary art.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli