Frequently asked questions

  • An art advisor is an expert acting as your advocate, guiding you through the acquisition process in a sometimes opaque art world. 

    When considering an artwork for purchase, collectors often have questions such as, whether the work is of high quality, whether it will hold value or increase in value over time, and whether the asking price is reasonable. An advisor can address all of these questions thanks to experience, a discriminating eye, and familiarity with the market. Some additional benefits include:

    • Access: A well-connected advisor can offer you works not available on the open market. This is especially important in the blue-chip category, where the number of available works may be limited.  

    • Resources: An advisor’s network of art-related professionals ensures a seamless acquisition process from beginning to end—from sourcing the best works, to safe, efficient transport and installations. 

    • Breadth of Selections: An advisor can bring artists to your attention who may not otherwise be on your radar, but who align well with your collecting goals.

    • Added value: Often, an advisory client spends less on advisory fees and artwork combined than a member of the general public would on the art alone.

    • Approachability: With a professional yet relaxed style, I enjoy making the art world more accessible to seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. A high-touch, low volume business model ensures I am available to you through every stage of your collecting journey.

    • Experience: Over two decades of experience in the art world have provided me with a critical eye, a deep network of trusted professionals, and the breadth of knowledge necessary to avoid the potential pitfalls of the art world. Balancing aesthetic appeal with market value, I help clients make informed decisions that stand the test of time. Sometimes my most valuable advice is on what not to buy. This approach has saved my clients hundreds of thousands of dollars.

    • Education: I believe the more you know, the richer your art collecting experience will be. I enjoy sharing knowledge and insights with my clients. The enthusiasm can be infectious!

      Please also see our Values.

  • I have a degree in art history and anthropology, and have studied the arts at the Sorbonne. I am a Certified Appraiser (the highest recognized level). I spent many years gaining experience in auction house and gallery settings before launching my advisory in 2010. Please visit our About page for more.

  • I specialize in the acquisition of top-tier or “blue-chip” works of art including paintings, works on paper, fine art prints, and sculptures by established artists. I work in a broad range of periods and styles, from old master still lifes to the ultra-contemporary.

  • Although I don’t advise choosing works of art solely for investment purposes, clients tell me that they like knowing the works in their collection will hold value and potentially increase in value over time. There are never any guarantees in the art market, but carefully selected works by blue-chip artists are likely to be sound investments. I often advise against “trendy” or “hot” artists whose markets are unpredictable.

    Over the years, I have found dealing with the blue-chip segment works to be especially interesting. I enjoy the in-depth research required to vet important works, learning the histories they hold, and knowing that I play a role in creating a relationship between important works of art and collectors.

  • We provide complete and thorough art services related to acquisitions and select divestments. This may include:

    • Sourcing  artworks of the highest quality

    • Market insight and analysis

    • Sale negotiations 

    • Condition assessment

    • Provenance and authenticity research 

    • Appraisals (donations, insurance, equitable distribution, etc.)

    • Collection management

    • Cataloging (physical and/or digital)

    • Framing assistance

    • Conservation and restoration guidance

    • Shipping coordination 

    • Supervised installations

    Read more on our Services Page

  • I have a robust network of trusted galleries, dealers, and auction house professionals, which affords me access to rare and coveted works sometimes not available to the public. These special relationships have been built over fifteen years, and the network is ever-expanding.

  • I work both on retainer and on commission bases. During a discovery call, we will discuss your short and long-term goals, which will determine the best model.

  • I work with clients across the US and abroad. I travel frequently and hold meetings and presentations both in person and virtually.

  • Yes! I am here to help educate the beginning collector as well as collaborate with seasoned collectors. I commonly have ongoing relationships with clients for many years, sometimes decades.

  • This varies greatly depending on the scarcity and specificity of the desired works.

  • Step 1: Discovery and Strategy: We believe the best collections are born from collaboration. During our initial meetings, we focus our time on understanding your tastes, goals, and lifestyle, ensuring every acquisition feels personal and meaningful.

    Step 2: Sourcing and Presentations: Drawing on a robust network of trusted galleries, auction houses, and private dealers, we present a selection of artwork of the highest quality for review during in-person or remote meetings.

    Step 3: Research and Market Analysis for Selected Pieces: We perform all of the essential research and vetting, ensuring every piece meets the highest standards of integrity. A Market analysis provides data-driven insights, guiding smart acquisitions.

    Step 4: Purchase and Logistics: Acting as an advocate for our clients, we negotiate purchase terms with integrity and transparency. We then facilitate shipping, insurance, framing, installation, and conservation for a seamless experience.

  • We accept wire transfers, bank checks, and credit cards. Credit card payments incur a processing fee.