Art 101: What We Can Learn from Famous Art Collectors (Even If We Don’t Have Their Budget)
Mary Katherine Fickel- a few seconds ago
- 4 min read
What do Beyoncé, David Bowie, and Steve Martin have in common?
They’re not just icons in their own industries, they’re also passionate, influential art collectors.
While it’s easy to think of collecting art as something reserved for billionaires or Bond villains with underground galleries, the truth is: art collecting is personal, powerful, and absolutely accessible.
Whether you’re just starting out or already curating your walls, there’s a lot to learn from the famous folks who collect with heart, vision, and serious style.
Let’s dive into the collectors, their obsessions, and what you can take away from their journeys.
🎩 1. Peggy Guggenheim: The Original Visionary
Known for: Building one of the most important collections of 20th-century art.
Famous works she collected: Pollock, Ernst, Duchamp, Kandinsky.
Where you can see it: The Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, Italy.
What to learn: Peggy collected not because the art was popular, but because she believed in the artists. She supported emerging talent, took bold chances, and created space for innovation.
👉 Takeaway for you: Don’t just buy art because it’s trending, support work that feels daring, personal, and future-forward.
🎸 2. David Bowie: The Eclectic Eye
Known for: Collecting contemporary and modern British artists like Frank Auerbach and Damien Hirst.
Fun fact: He once curated his own art exhibition and said collecting was as much a passion as music.
What to learn: Bowie’s collection reflected his taste, not investment trends. He used art as a way to stay inspired and evolve creatively.
👉 Takeaway for you: Let your collection reflect you. Your home is your gallery, and your walls should speak to your soul.
Explore David Bowie’s 2016 Sotheby’s collection auction to see his unique picks.
👑 3. Beyoncé & Jay-Z: Royalty Meets Renaissance
Known for: A deep love for contemporary Black artists like Kerry James Marshall, Derrick Adams, and Basquiat.
Iconic moment: That Tiffany & Co. campaign with the Basquiat painting in the background? That wasn’t an accident.
What to learn: They use their platform to elevate underrepresented voices and celebrate heritage and excellence through art.
👉 Takeaway for you: Collect art that connects with your identity, values, and cultural story. Representation matters, especially on your walls.
Check out Artsy’s profile on Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s collection.
🎭 4. Steve Martin: Collector of the Unexpected
Known for: Championing Canadian painter Lawren Harris and collecting works from the 19th and 20th century.
Fun fact: He doesn’t buy art for status; he buys it because he’s obsessed with beauty and surprise.
What to learn: Steve Martin once said, “You collect something because you want to live with it.” That’s the heart of collecting, not investment, but intimacy.
👉 Takeaway for you: If a piece makes you stop, breathe, and feel; trust that. That’s good collecting.
💼 5. Eli Broad: The Power Player
Known for: Amassing a $2 billion art collection including works by Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Koons.
Legacy: Built The Broad Museum in Los Angeles to give public access to his private collection.
What to learn: Eli saw collecting as civic duty. He used his wealth and eye to create public access to contemporary art.
👉 Takeaway for you: You don’t need a museum, but consider how your collection can start conversations, inspire guests, and connect you with your community.
🧠 What Do All Great Collectors Have in Common?
They follow their taste, not the trends.
They support living artists and buy early.
They learn as they go. They didn’t start out experts, they became experts through collecting.
And guess what? So can you.
📥 Ready to Build Your Own Collection?
Are you looking to start or grow your art collection but unsure where to begin?
Our Free Digital Guide to Collecting Art is your ultimate resource! Packed with expert insights, practical tips, and must-know strategies, this guide will help you navigate the art world with confidence whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector.
🖼️ Learn how to:
Choose artwork that aligns with your personal taste
Spot value and quality in original work
Build a collection that lasts generations
📩 Download your free guide now and start your journey as a collector today.
👋 Final Thoughts: Your Walls Are Your Story
You don’t need millions or an art history degree to be a meaningful collector. You just need curiosity, courage, and a desire to live with beauty.
Buy what you love. Learn as you go. And don’t be surprised if you inspire someone else to begin their own collecting journey.
Hi there! I’m MK, owner of The Good Art Company and The Good Artist Mentorship. Thank you for reading Art 101: What We Can Learn from Famous Art Collectors (Even If We Don’t Have Their Budget).
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