ART COLLECTING TIPS
THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN STARTING TO COLLECT ART!
 
Buy art because you like it and because it moves you, and because it will enhance your life.
      
SPECIALIZE. Establish a focus for your collection. Concentrate on collecting the works of a specific artist or art from a certain period. What can be really fun is collecting fine art with a specific subject matter or theme! Confine yourself to a definable category of art and you will quickly gain sufficient knowledge to make informed decisions.

Determine your art collection budget. Collecting art can be an expensive hobby, so it is necessary to have a clear expenditure goal. THE GOOD STUFF COSTS MORE. On the other hand, the good stuff traditionally increases quite nicely in value as time goes by.
      
KNOW THE ARTIST. Any artist, living or dead, whose work you acquire should have solid credentials. Credentials are based on name recognition, art education, awards, exhibitions, honors and/or inclusion in some collections. 

VALUE / PRICE can be based on:
(a) Rarity. Is the artwork unique or greatly limited?*
(b) What is the reputation of the artist?
(c) Is the aesthetic value high? Is the image pleasing to look at?
(d) What is the condition of the work?
(e) What is the market environment like?

TAKE YOUR TIME BUILDING A COLLECTION. Collecting can provide hours and hours, if not a lifetime of fun, relaxation and reward for you and your family.

Visit and join your local art museums and non profit art centers. Attend National and International Art Fairs and Art Expos whenever possible.
      
Read books on art and subscribe to a few art magazines.
      
Once you've educated yourself and have fallen in love with a work of art, buy it, take it home and enjoy it.