How to Buy Art

Tips for buying art

1. Pick reputable art dealers. It is always a good idea to ask a friend who owns artwork where he bought it and what he thinks of the dealer who sold it to him. You can even check with organizations like the Better Business Bureau to make sure the dealer has not had complaints lodged against it.
2. Next, have a look at what the dealer you chose offer. Taste in art is a very personal quality. You may find something interesting that few other people like, or you may like the same kind of art that many of your friends enjoy. The important factor when you are looking to purchase art is to keep an open mind. You will see a lot of different types of artworks in many different styles. Something may catch your imagination that you otherwise never would have thought of considering before.
3. When you do narrow down the choices to a handful that you want to consider, make sure that the dealer can account for the origin of each and every piece. In other words, does the dealer have written documentation that a piece is an original creation by the artist whose signature is on it?
4. If you are buying art as an investment, ask the dealer what the likelihood is that the piece you are interested in will increase in value? Is the artist a rising art star? Are the artist's works increasing in popularity? Once you have the dealer's answer, do a little research of your own by searching on the Internet for information about the artist and the current selling prices of his or her work. Match your research to the dealer's answer to form an idea of the kind of investment the artwork will be.

Caution

The dealer should always be able to provide you with written certification regarding the artwork. After all, should you decide to sell the piece later, smart potential buyers are going to ask you for the same paperwork.

Where to buy art

Buying art is simpler than most people think. You can even make purchases online. Try one of these online art dealers for some great deals on fine art pieces.

Find some big names in art at Art Cellar Exchange. View each available piece and email your bid if you are interested in purchasing one.

ArtFetch offers all sorts of posters and prints for art collectors. Browse the collection by artist or theme, such as Asian art, photography or romantic creations.

UCanBuyArt.com brings together several reputable galleries that sell paintings, prints, sculpture and photography. Search by type of art, artist or gallery.