Art Collectors Series #1 - Adrian Cheng

Art goes international. So do the art collectors. One of our previous posts: 7 Simple Steps to Start your Fine Art Collection mentioned Bob Rennie, a Vancouver art collector pioneer, and the founder of Real Estate company Rennie Marketing System.

Today we jump out of North America and into Asia!  I wish to introduce to you Mr. Adrian Cheng 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_Cheng_Chi-Kong

Reading his bio here, he might seem to be a business only master. However, Cheng is indeed very active in many art involvements.

He founded K11 Art Malls in Hong Kong and Shanghai and other main cities in China, which claim to be the world`s first Art malls, and the K11 Art Foundation, a non profit organization whose Monet Masterpieces to be Exhibited in China was a  great success last year!

I witnessed in person the art displays in K11 Art Mall in Hong Kong last year, and I was intrigued. The ground floor of the mall was surrounded by artists' work and sculptures the foundation selected or sponsored. Plus, each piece has an inspirational story or a message to the public.

It`s amazing that Cheng has so much energy and passion for art. He was able to put on 50 shows a year attracting thousands of people each day!

Even more surprising... he says his art activities only happen after his office hours and on weekends. He surely has unlimited energy, all because he loves art so much.

To learn more about Adrian Cheng, please click here.

Adrian Cheng is probably one of the pioneers and young entrepreneurs in Asia who has a true vision for art.

Thank you Adrian for supporting our art world and cultivating people`s awareness on arts and culture,

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- learn more about what's going on in the art world
- learn how to boost your art selling
- learn how to collect great art with the highest Return On Investment
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Want Exposure? Join Belle Fusion's Fine Art Collectors Series

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Pablo Picasso's 'Les femmes d'Alger' recently sold for $179 Million  US!

Get on the list! We’re opening a ‘Fine Art Collectors’ series of emails featuring interviews with successful global fine art collectors.

Join our newsletter today to receive the most up-to-date tips, tricks and news in the Fine Art world!

Note: Many of these collectors are huge fans of buying from talented emerging artists!

Click here to subscribe. 

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Subscribe: Click to subscribe if you want to...
- learn more about what's going on in the art world
- learn how to boost your art selling
- learn how to collect great art with the highest Return On Investment
for free.

Follow us in Facebook and twitter #Belle_Fusion, This means a lot to us to continue providing great source of information to you.

7 Simple Steps to Starting Your Fine Art Collection

GIRL BEFORE A MIRROR

Pablo Picasso, 1932; Oil On Canvas

I was compiling a list of art collectors today. While reading their interviews I noticed many of them started off collecting by first just loving the art they bought, then finding the potential market value of the pieces they acquired.

One of the pioneers in art collecting is Vancouver Real Estate Entrepreneur, Bob Rennie, the Founder of Rennie Marketing.

His first collection was purchased when he was only 18 years old. Now his collection has enlarged to 1400 pieces and he is the owner of a beautiful private art gallery in China Town, Vancouver, BC Canada!  Says Rennie: "We can't pretend that art is not an asset.":

"Garden Party" painting by Kerry James Marshall is owned by collector Bob Rennie of Vancouver.
Source: Jack Shainman gallery via Bloomberg

FYI - Rennie purchased "Garden Party" for $450,000 in 1993, now it is worth more than $1 million!

Thinking about starting your own collection?  Start small to get big. 

Thinking about starting your own art collection? By following these 7 simple steps, you will find your art collecting journey both fun and rewarding!


1) Find your purpose. Are you collecting for decoration? Or for investment for flipping to make money? For love of  art and keeping it for a long time? They are many different ways to collect. Today's post is going to focus on buying art art as an investment.

The best part? You don't have to spend a fortune to start. Collecting is an evolutionary process.

Like any discipline,  you need to do your homework first and connect to the world you are entering.

So joining an art community is very important, going to art shows,  visiting artists' studios, listening and reading artist interviews, visiting different galleries, and reading art magazines and online art newsletters.

You must be prepared.

2) Pick Your Preference:

Original? Limited prints? Oil, acrylic, mixed media?

You may buy from emerging artists, as the price is relatively lower in comparison to well established or even old masters' paintings.


3) Find Verification:

Has the artist already passed away? Look for appraisal, authentication certificate, and provenance. These will increase your chances of buying an authentic piece of art.

Some art pieces have already been authenticated with certification. We are proud to showcase Picasso, Dali, and Matisse authenticated art on Feb 13, 2013. Click here to learn more about this exciting event.

4) Learn Drawing and Painting: 

You may think: "why should I paint" or "I'm not artistic enough". I can tell you that, in order to become a collector, you should at least learn the basics. This can train your taste buds and your visualization skills. Also you will understand whether the artist is skillful and creative, and be able to judge the quality of the materials the artist uses to create that piece of art.

Again, no need to be a pro like the artists doing their work. Just learn the basics.

5) Be Open-minded: 

Look at LOTS of art: any kind of art and all art periods (from Renaissance to Contemporary). Do not oppose any style because it will block your learning mind.


After viewing different kinds of art, you will have a higher ability to judge the authenticity of the art.

6) Find a Trustworthy Art Consultant:

An art dealer is an art consultant who can and will work with you and learn your preferences and help you slowly build up your significant collections.  Paul Becker of erik beckerart is one Belle Fusion recommends and consults with.

Want to know more? Check out his next lecture on Feb 13, 2016 to learn  about authentic art collecting. This exclusive Event will be hosted by Belle Fusion Art facilitation group and Heal Our Lives non profit organization:

7) Check the price:

What price has it been selling for at past shows or auctions? What is the price for a similar piece of art? If you are investing in current artists, how much did they sell for 5 or 10 years ago? Also what are the hidden costs such as framing, restoration and insurance to acquire this piece of art?


(Bonus time!) Last but not least...

Be Prepared to ask many questions! 

If you made your first move, congrats!! Keep in mind that maintenance and protection are equally important.

Here I wish you best of luck and ending by quoting Mr Paul Becker's cardinal rules of collecting:

• Rule No. 1 - LOVE YOUR COLLECTION 

• Rule No. 2 - EVOLVE YOUR COLLECTION

Want more inspiration? Check out the 6 habits of highly successful art collectors!
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See you at the show on Feb 13, 2016

Allure + Prestige: Celebrate Your Valentine's Passion the Latin Way



It's gonna be an alluring & prestigious Valentine's experience you will get! Come to our Allure + Prestige event and enjoy the passionate LATIN fusion activities and a fun LIVE ART AUCTION at the beautiful Terminal City Club in our beautiful downtown Vancouver!

Proudly showcasing our lovely artists very soon! Special thanks to all the participating artists and our strategic partner Chali-Rosso Gallery! On Feb 13, you will see the Original art from our local artists and authentic pieces from Picasso, Dali, and Chagall!! And of course enjoy your Valentine's experience the LATIN WAY~

** Yes, the LATIN WAY with full of PASSION! **

PLUS

- CHARITY ART AUCTION by Paul Becker 

* Charity art auction proceeds benefit Heal Our Lives non profit Society healing through art, music, and comedy therapy.

Date: Saturday, Feb 13, 2016
Location: Terminal City Club, 837 W Hastings St
Size of the venue: 3000+ sqft with dance floor and mingle area + art display room


Proudly showcasing our famous Vancouver Artists:

++ Donna Giraud
++ Mike Soltis
++ Gina Sarro
++ Bill Higginson
++ Olga Rybalko
++ Farahnaz Samari
++ Jace Kim
++ Claire Sower
++ Aurélia Bizouard
++ Thomas Anfield
++ Marion Webber
++ Jim Park
++ Annie Frind
++ Vladimir Kostka
++ Michael Soloman

 
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Why it's important to go 'All In' when it comes to pursuing your Passion

Last time we talked about "7 qualities artists and entrepreneurs have in common", we've touched base on getting accredited to be professional status.

Today I wish to talk more about the #2 quality: "Passion".

"Passion (from the Greek verb πασχω meaning to suffer) is a very strong feeling about a person or thing. Passion is an intense emotion, a compelling enthusiasm or desire for something.  ~ Wikipedia

"Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you're passionate about something, then you're more willing to take risks. ~ Yo-Yo Ma

So, "passion" ties into "risks"

I recently read a book called "All In" by Arlene Dickinson - co-star of Dragons' Den.

In this book, she mentioned "get used to being misunderstood".  You may be stereotyped as a "risk taking" person such as quitting your full time giving up financial security. It is because "entrepreneurs care deeply - so deeply that we're willing to take risks others wouldn't take in order to build a better future ..." it takes great passion, dedication, devotion, and courage to do so.

"...To pursue a dream with everything you have and all that you are. There are no half-measures. You have to be all in."

She shared that she had risked money, relationships, possessions, reputation, even health and occasionally lost all of these things at various points in her career, and perpetually tied up in everything: failure. 

So, somehow, "risk" may tie up to "failure".

It's fear of failure that will limit your capacity and block your destiny towards success.

Actually, this reminds me of this quote:

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. ~ Thomas A. Edison

He then developed many devices that greatly influenced our life including the motion picture camera, and a long-lasting, practical electric light bulb

So now "failure" leads to "success".

She continues, "...and when our calculated risks pay off, the rewards extend far beyond simply making us richer."

In the book, she gives a great example of the story of Charles Chang, who began his entrepreneur life at age of 7. When he was old enough to be able to ride the bus alone, he was creative enough to go to  the Vancouver coast to catch fish on Saturday using his net and bucket, then sell the fish to 3 city aquariums for $5 dollars a piece. It was his passion to sell and create mutual benefits.

Many artists started encountering art when they were kids. The passion was already somehow developed in them.

Sometimes this passion continued.

Sometimes this passion was suppressed.

Sometimes this passion got ignited again 10, 30, or maybe even 50 years later.

But it doesn't matter, it's never too late to pursue your passion.

Taking "no" for answer.

Artists are their own salespeople. In sales, getting a "no" answer is not uncommon .

It is critical to adjust the mind that "no" means it is not "yes"... yet.

She gave this following example: Tony Lacavera in his childhood thinking outside the box by digging a trench underneath the fence after his mother banned him from climbing over the fence.

I'm not encouraging disobedience here, yet this kind of mentality he had - not taking "no" as ignoring the "no" - makes him successful.

I will be sharing more about sales techniques soon, stay tuned.

Stoking the fire in your belly.

"You will feel daunted by the challenge. but you will also feel energized" said Arlene. You will never wake up and have that "oh God it's Monday morning" feeling. There is no "yeah TGI Friday" neither, because you just love working.

The is the how great it is if you're able to commit to being "all in". 

Special thanks to Arlene Dickinson. This book is strongly recommended!

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Subscribe: Click to subscribe if you want to...

- learn more about what's going on in the art world

- learn how to boost your art selling

- learn how to collect great art with the highest Return On Investment

for free.

Follow us in Facebook and twitter #Belle_Fusion, This means a lot to us to continue providing great source of information to you.

It's fun to treat your Face as a Canvas!

One day I wore a red blouse and my co-worker said to me, "you look great in red, Sherri, you should get a red lipstick for this summer too!"  I was hesitant at the beginning but in art world we should be open to new ideas, right?

So thanking her suggestion, then I saw this video and totally thought of embracing this new bold lip colour so I decided go to Shoppers Drug Mart the next day and looked for this kind of red lipstick. There are so many choices, brandwise... after browsing around and applying 50 testers on the back of my hand, I finally bought......

- One sexy red lip stick;

- One stick of concealer;

- One lip liner to outline the shape;

- One lip liner brush to blend in the color;

- One clear lip liner to prevent lip colour from feathering;

And I learnt this trick from Michelle to exfoliate the lip before applying the lipstick.

After exfoliating my lip, then I "prime" the lip by brushing foundation on. 

While doing the "priming", I also wonder who was this brilliant person invented "make up for women"? (I knew some gentlemen apply some makeup too to be more photo- and video-genic)... 

Did the makeup inventor get inspired by visual artists? Or they inspire each other? I know an visual artist who loves soft brushes and he bought a few makeup brushes to paint his work! 

Artists prime the canvas using gesso (sometimes many layers) on the canvas to create a good adherence base like we ladies put cream, sunscreen, and foundation on our face to protect our face. 

Oh a side note about foundation, by the way, a new form of foundation called BB Cream, which was first formulated in Germany, was revolutionary By putting a thin layer it will show your glow instantly as it had all-in-one combination of lotion, sunscreen protection, foundation, tint... and etc, all blended in already.

After gessoing, the artist will start applying colors on the desired area on the canvas; we lady then apply hues on eyes, cheeks, lips, using different brushes.

Then do the highlight.

One thing that is different, our pumped up beauty only lasts for a day and will need to be removed before bedtime and redo all over again next time.

I'm shy to show my before and after picture of my new lip venture here... but I will definitely wear it in different occasions like our next art event on July 17. :)

I'm a big believer in that if you focus on good skin care, you really won't need a lot of makeup.

Demi Moore

I always adore natural beauty. And on daily basis, I still like doing simple curl to my eye lashes because eyes are the window of the soul, and thin layer of BB Cream, that's it.

Before & After - Model Demo

Anyways,  the above model is already a cute girl, after putting on the makeup, she looks stunning!!

It's always fun to do something different once in a while!

Look, how happy these kids are after getting painted on their face! Art and painting definitely spread out our happiness!

Some more face painting for performing arts... pretty cool!

If you are an artist, thank you for showing your inspiration with people and please keep letting us know of your new great work. 

If you are an art lover, follow us because we also love art! We share anything related to art, for only one purpose and belief: "Everyone enjoys a better life influenced by art!"

If you don't know anything about art, time to learn some as it will tremendously change you life. follow us and you will feel the energy of art flowing into your bloodstream. Picasso said, "Every kid is an artist (we were genuine artists when we were kids), the problem is how to remain an artist when we grow up (we have so many wires and burdens in our lives which suppressed our inner artists). There are many art shows in town, check them out and chat with the artists; or join a class of painting; or social with other people by joining a paint night at a pub. 

Artfully yours!

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Subscribe: Click to subscribe if you want to...

- learn more about what's going on in the art world

- learn how to boost your art selling

- learn how to collect great art with the highest Return On Investment

for free.

Follow us in Facebook and twitter #Belle_Fusion, This means a lot to us to continue providing great source of information to you.

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