The tips and list of names in this article are addressed to novice collectors and investors who are at a crossroads. But not to immediately rush to buy on the list — no. This is information for reflection, a set of ideas, a range of possibilities, a private view of the ArtSale.info auction specialists. The meaning of the recommendations listed below is to protect novice collectors and investors from completely spontaneous haphazard purchases, and obviously illiquid things. So that later, when you have already decided on your own direction of collecting, the excess could be sold. And ideally without a big loss.
But back to the budget of 500,000 rubles. That is approximately $ 6,450 in November 2020. The number is more for memory, not for recalculations. It is not accepted to count in dollars in this price segment yet.
What good can you collect with this money?
The general approach that we recommend is not to spread out, but to buy something as expensive and high-class as possible. There is no need to chase after quantity, it is better to take quality. One expensive high-end investment item is better than ten simpler works. Which is better: 20 drawings or one painting? Our answer: it is definitely better to buy one strong painting for 500,000 rubles. Or, conventionally, one painting for 450,000 rubles, and the remaining 50,000 rubles to put on the graphics.
Here are some of the options to start with:
- Paintings and graphics by Anatoly Zverev. Small paintings by Zverev (for example, oil on cardboard 50x60) of the 1970s — early 1980s today at public auction are worth around 400,000–450,000 rubles. In particularly successful cases — 300,000. Yes, one such purchase will eat up the lion's share of the 500,000th budget. But it's worth it. Zverev's works at a reasonable price find new buyers quite easily. There are many collectors. The demand is good. When considering options, the availability of Valery Silaev's expertise is of paramount importance. We do not recommend buying anything without it, especially for beginners. The artist is often faked. Zverev's graphics are much more accessible and also liquid. Thus, large female portraits on average today cost around 200,000 rubles. Landscapes and plot items can be more expensive, but not much. For a circle, 500,000 may be enough for two large and a few more small drawings. Quite a working investment option: liquid, and in a collectible sense, a pleasure.
- Paintings by Vladimir Nemukhin. Nemukhin's canvases of the late 1990s — 2000s, about 70 × 50 in size, today can be bought in the region of 350,000 rubles (if you are lucky and add a little, it will be enough for two paintings). Meter-size Nemukhins cost from 500 000. Just for us. We are talking about works that are original author's interpretations of Vladimir Nikolaevich's favorite plots — his jacks (Chagalls, Meyerholds, Kandinskies, Mayakovskies, etc.), card tables, compositions with cards. Now is a good moment, these works are on the market, you can choose and bargain. But it won't always be that way. And those who are now buying Nemukhin's paintings for this money certainly use the situation correctly. A sculpture by Vladimir Nikolaevich can be added to the list of investment options under consideration. Signed wooden objects are in the region of 150,000–350,000, and bronze castings — from 400,000. An important point: when buying Nemukhin's works, it is also worth stocking up on an expert opinion — recently the problem of counterfeiting the works of this author has become noticeably aggravated.
- Picturesque reliefs by Andrey Grositsky. High-quality works of the “poet of things” can still be found on the market today in the range of 200,000–350,000 rubles. We are talking about a size less than a meter — then the prices are noticeably higher. Such investments are supported by the steady demand and growing interest in the work of the metaphysician of the objective world.
- Paintings by Boris Sveshnikov. The market range for his medium and slightly above average sized oils is 400,000–600,000. Additionally, it depends on the plot and the degree of elaboration (experts know that Sveshnikov has several technical depths of divisionism). But in any case, the budget allows it.
- Painterly abstractions by Igor Vulokh. With that kind of money, there is plenty of room to turn around. At least it was. The best picturesque landscapes of Vulokh of the 1960s — 1970s in the beginning and middle of the year could be purchased in the range of 150,000–250,000 rubles. Masterpieces for 300,000. Yes, seizing the right moment, with an opportunity. This moment is rapidly disappearing. And those who were more decisive are sure to win.
- Large gouaches by Vladimir Yakovlev with detailed examinations. A truly folk artist, appreciated, in demand, loved by many collectors. And, alas, phenomenally often counterfeited. His 1990s are not easy to understand even for specialists. Therefore, we advise you to buy only with Silaev's expertise. Yakovlev's gouaches are now in the region of 240,000–300,000 rubles. At least for flowers and other common subjects. Portraits are cheaper. And the most expensive works are complex and intense exotic plots. It's easy to go over budget with them, so we don't even consider them.
- Paintings by Nikolai Vechtomov. The price range for his surreal landscapes of about 70x50 is 350,000–450,000. Suitable. Most often at the auction we come across paintings in red tones, striking beauty and energy. At the same time, once we came across a blue surreal landscape. The work sold out quickly and still does not fade from memory. Incredible beauty. If you see something like this, buy without hesitation. Just check the expertise. Vechtomov, like all the top nonconformists, is faked.
- Painting and graphics by Petr Belenok. Today we are seeing a noticeable surge of interest in the work of the “panicky realist” from collectors and investors. Probably, today his plots about the approaching catastrophe, threats, anomalies and fears of the little man again became strikingly consonant with the spirit of the new time. Although they were made at the dawn of stagnation and at the beginning of perestroika. Prices are around 400,000 for painting and 150,000 for graphics. The offer is now good, there is plenty to choose from.
- Drawings by the 1960s artists. There is a category of graphics that stands out against the general background in two ways: an unusually high price and an increased demand. What can be safely recommended to collectors and investors? Drawings by Oscar Rabin (140,000–160,000 rubles), color graphics by Boris Sveshnikov (70,000–80,000 rubles), drawings by Vladimir Yankilevsky (50,000–100,000 rubles). The prices are attractive and quite investment-oriented. However, when considering options, you should not lose focus. Graphics are a good addition to painting. That is, first you need to decide on the central “heavyweight” picture. And then make a decision about what drawings to surround it with.
Well. For the first time, the information is probably enough. Of course, these ideas can be combined. It is not necessary to “stick” to just one author. For example, a painting by Zverev will perfectly coexist with drawings by Yakovlev or Sveshnikov. And from Vechtomov's oil it is easy to throw a bridge to Rabin's graphics. There are tons of options. Buy on an occasion, do not forget about expertise, catch options. Everything will work out. As one of our customers says: “My picture will still wait for me”. And, in principle, he speaks correctly.
Vladimir Bogdanov, specialist of the auction house ArtSale.info
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