Art Collecting for Everyone!

People often wonder how to purchase their first work of art. Truly the options can be overwhelming and in a world that informs us our choices must be wrong and that cruel laughter will meet us as a result, most people stick with mass produced posters despite a deeply hidden desire to bask in the beauty of original art. Fear of wrong choices is often accompanied by the erroneous idea that all good art is outrageously expensive. These two things conspire to leave people bereft of culture and keep living artists starving.
Fortunately none of it is true! There is a vast amount of well executed, relevant, and moving original art available to almost everyone thanks in large part to the internet. A lot of work by emerging artists is very reasonably priced and can help start a solid collection that may in time bloom into a wise investment.
The best way to start a fledgling collection is to choose pieces that you like. If a work of art moves you to some emotion or thought, you need not be able to explain why in art lingo to justify the purchase. The beautiful thing about taste is that it's subjective. No one has to like it but you.

Once you've become secure in the knowledge that your taste won't cause the apocalypse, you're ready to venture forth from your artless cave and seek out the first purchases for your collection. Checking your local listings paper for art openings in the area is a great way to begin. Typically they will happen on weekend evenings at a variety of locations including galleries, boutiques, parks, libraries and restaurants. Small, local openings are sure to feature the work of emerging artists who truly need the support of emerging collectors! Gleefully attend an opening, indulge yourself in cheap wine and tasty cheese and soak up all the local talent you had no idea existed in your very own burg. If you see something you like, ask the gallery or store manager about purchasing it. You'll be making a living artist happier than you know.
If the idea of attending an opening and making your first purchase in public sends you to your "unhappy place" the internet is replete with legitimate online art galleries populated by artists from every corner of the globe. The links below will guide you to amazing work by artists near and far!

Now that you have the tools, you're ready to start amassing your art and building your empire. Remember to buy what you like and seek out local artists for the karmic and aesthetic benefits.
As you build your collection caring for and insuring your art should be a priority. Always get a bill of sale and a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist when making your purchases. This will help ensure the value of the work you buy when the time to write a policy comes.
Make certain to keep the work you purchase safe from moisture, dust and direct sunlight. Stand back and enjoy your powerful decision making abilities and your cultural competence. Bask in the admiration of friends and family for having such a sophisticated eye and of course...enjoy the art!