New To Buying Art?

Buying art for investment or love can be both a life long pleasure and potentially financially rewarding. If you haven't embarked on this before and want to know where to start here are some pointers

	A recent article in The Times ahead of Frieze and Zoo in London and of course Buy Art Fair in Manchester
	Below are some tips from the Hong Kong International Art Fair.

These tips might help the intrepid new collector:

	Trust your eye: only buy something if you really love it, not because you think that it will make you money, there is no such thing as a guaranteed investment.
	Don't be afraid of asking for more information about the artist and their techniques. Ask for a copy of the artist’s CV, it is useful to see at what stage in their development they are, if they have had any solo shows etc.
	Ask to see other examples of the artist’s work. It is a good sign if you like their whole body of work; this is not essential but can indicate that the artist is consistent in their output.
	If you are buying for a specific space, measure up before you start looking, it is possible to make a small painting seem larger to fill a space but hanging a work in a space that is too small will never work.
	Many galleries will be happy for you to pay in installments – just ask.
	Two or three works can look as effective in a space as one large work.
	Ask the seller about how best to hang and light the work
	A good frame can enhance a picture hugely; a bad one can ruin it. If the work is unframed then ask about framing – the gallery may offer a framing service.
	If a painting you like is over your budget then ask if there are any other works by the same artist.
	If you're not sure about a piece ask if you can try it at home for a few days. Many galleries will be happy to oblige; they will probably ask you to pay up front, then give you a refund if it comes back undamaged within an agreed period.
	A coloured dot beside a picture usually means the picture had been sold; it may also mean that it is on reserve but has not yet been sold. If it has been sold it may be an edition and other pieces available. You could ask if the artist could do a commission.
	Make a note on the back when and where you bought the work and for how much - so when your grandchildren inherit it they know all about it!
	Only look at original work by established artists if buying for investment.
	Beware of reproduction prints, which are trumped up posters. They may be dubbed 'limited edition prints, signed and individually numbered by the artist'. These are very different from artist-made prints (etchings, screen prints etc.) which are great to buy (often being cheaper than paintings), are original and usually in editions of less than 75.
	The most important thing is to look, look, look – the more you see the more you'll know your taste and what you want to live with. Start on Thursday 24th September 2009 at the Buy Art Fair