Tips for collectors

Collectors generally agree on one thing - only collect art that you generally love. To judge and collect art on any other basis makes collecting artworks completely unviable due to the costs involved and to the sheer choice that exists out there. Further, to follow fashion or to predict a perceived stylistic trend will get one nowhere in a world every conceivable style will find its supporters and detractors at any one time. For this reason there are no golden rules to collecting. However, the following guidelines can be useful.

• Collect the works of living artists. You will be assured of buying an authentic piece of work and will have the great satisfaction of supporting a favorite artist.

• Purchase the paintings directly from the artist. It is common to purchase art through a gallery but this can be very expensive.

• Visit as many art galleries as you can, gallery staff can be helpful guides in your art education.

• Get on gallery mailing lists so you will be invited to openings and special events.

• Visit and join your local art museums and non profit art centers. Curators sometimes give lectures on collecting art.

• Attend National and International Art Fairs and Art Expos whenever possible.

• If you know art collectors, talk to them and find out what they know and what thjey have learned about collecting art.

• Read books on art history and books about collecting art.

• Suscribe to a few art magazines.

• Read reviews by local and national art critics, keeping in mind that reviews usually reflects one persons opinion.

• Finally if you have fallen in love with a work of art, buy it, take it home and enjoy it .