The earliest art forms are cave art from the Paleolithic era, dating back to the Old Stone Age roughly 40,000 years ago. European Upper Paleolithic art includes jewelry, drawings, carvings, engravings, and sculptures made in bone and clay.
Pictographs were created on rocks using a mixture of minerals applied with a hand, sticks, or fingers. Petroglyphs, on the other hand, were carved by pecking and engraving a cave's ceiling and walls using a stone chisel and hammerstone. Cave paintings remain some of the best-known examples of prehistoric art, and most depict animals.
Today, art hangs in our homes and offices in countless mediums — even lighting can be considered a form of art. This piece focuses on art for the wall.
A Financial Perspective
Prints, lithographs, and etchings in signed limited editions are the most affordable entry point into the art market. When considering a print, check for a hand-signed signature and note the size of the edition. Some prints also carry a seal. The notation "xxx/xxx" denotes the piece number within the edition — for example, 10/1000 means the print is number 10 out of a 1,000-piece run. If you're purchasing with investment in mind, research the artist's larger editions; it's often assumed that larger editions are more valuable, but that isn't always true.
Keep in mind that a small number of artist's proofs exist for each edition and aren't included in the total print count. These are signed "A/P" along with the artist's signature. An artist's proof was originally a working or trial impression, though today it's usually identical to the signed, numbered edition. Some artist's proofs carry greater value when the artist used them for hand-coloring or added other unique elements.
Buy What You Love
Art is deeply personal — it can be emotionally or spiritually stimulating. A piece worth millions doesn't mean you have to like it, and displaying art in your home can feel overwhelming at first. When buying, choose pieces that speak to you. Don't worry if the art matches your décor or if anyone else likes it — surround yourself with what makes you feel good.
A few guiding principles:
- Set a budget.
- Visit art galleries, outdoor fairs, and auctions.
- Don't follow trends — follow what you genuinely like.
- Consider investing in an emerging artist whose work resonates with you.
- Explore different media — photography, sculpture, limited-edition prints, original paintings — and diversify your collection.
- Learn about the artist and their technique.
- Factor shipping costs into your budget, as art can be expensive to ship.
- Always keep your receipt along with information about the artist.
Advice for Collectors
Buying art you love is essential, but buying art that holds its value can also be a factor worth considering. Look into the artist's career, their prolificity, their age, and whether their work has appreciated over time.
The art world can feel intimidating — don't hesitate to have conversations with galleries and artists directly, or do your own research on pieces that interest you.
- Collect from the heart.
- Collect from emerging artists.
- Collect blue-chip art from the secondary market for investment purposes. These pieces are typically sold at higher prices through art galleries and auction houses — galleries in particular tend to be more personable and often look for genuine collectors rather than resellers.
- Remember: there are no guarantees when buying art, but buying pieces you love and want to live with is what matters most.
Art at Dave's Discovery Den
Our mission at Dave's Discovery Den is to showcase the diversity of art forms, offering information and exclusive pieces for our members. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an expert collector, there's curated art for every budget.
Our interactive livestreams and direct contact options give members the chance to ask questions straight from the source.
Topics planned for livestreams through 2027:
American art glass, European art glass, marbles (handblown and collectible), glass clowns (Murano and others), art glass from around the world, American art pottery (the Arts and Crafts movement), American and European art tiles (Arts and Crafts), stained glass windows, metal sculpture, ceramic/clay sculpture, wood sculpture, marble sculpture, original paintings, fine prints (signed and numbered), movie and art gallery posters, movie cells, paintings on enamel and bone, Chinese silk embroidery, and paper cutouts.