Today I’ll make the case for why I believe watercolor art in particular is a great form of art investment, and why it has serious monetary appreciation potential.
As a watercolor painter I am, of course, absolutely biased… 😉 BUT – I could start painting in other media, and I’m STILL using watercolor exclusively, and for a good reason I’ll detail in the near future…
The art investment world is quite complex, and there are a lot of distractions from the truth.
What is the truth?
Here it is… the 3 reasons why watercolor art is a great, UNDERRATED investment opportunity, now more than ever.
- The LEGACY view of watercolor
- The INTERNET
- Difficulty of mastery
Let’s break it down.
1. The Legacy View of Watercolor
Historically, watercolor has often been seen as an inferior medium, appreciated more for its use in sketches or studies, rather than as a complete masterpiece in its own right.
This has led to a long history of watercolor being… how to say it plainly? Cheaper.
Watercolor pieces by HIGHLY skilled artists are still accessible at a fraction of the cost of works in other media.
For collectors who invest in art with an eye toward future value…
And especially those who enjoy being a little contrarian…
This is an excellent time to acquire quality watercolor works while they remain underrated in the market.
2. The Internet
Over the past decade-and-a-half, the internet has completely changed our lives.
Younger generations, exposed to watercolor through tutorials, art communities and popular creators, are discovering and experimenting with the medium.
And viewers (especially younger demographics) don’t really care about other media being considered more prestigious. They are viewing ALL art videos equally, and are judging the media on its inherent, visible merit.
In many countries including China, Korea and Taiwan, watercolors have been gaining a significantly higher status and prestige.
The internet changed everything, and now watercolor is set up to take a much higher position on the ladder in the upcoming decades.
3. Difficulty of Mastery
Watercolor is notorious for being a challenging media to master.
It’s about more than your vision as an artist – watercolor demands precision, foresight, and exceptional skill.
On top of that, watercolor greatly rewards the ability to LET GO when the painting calls for it. This adds an interesting zen layer to the art making process.
For collectors, this difficulty creates a natural filter: the quality of a watercolor painting is undeniable, and reflects the artist’s expertise and mastery of the craft.
This makes it easier to discern investible artists—those whose work demonstrates not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of the medium’s nuances.
Investing in the work of a skilled watercolor artist isn’t just a financial decision; it’s a statement of appreciation of the dedication and mastery that the medium requires.
Personal Taste is King
Of course, as with any form of art investment, personal taste plays a big role. The true value of any piece lies in its very personal connection to YOU…
It’s in how it speaks to you, complements your space, brings happiness to your life and perhaps creates interesting conversations with your guests.
Art has the power to end up as one of the most exciting investments you’ve made.
