While you’re in the gallery take your time to look at and appreciate a painting before making a decision to purchase, for a painting is something you will live with for a long time, It is not a decision to rush: a work of art has a unique meaning for each individual. If you have web access, you can download the piece to your desktop and spend some time getting familiar with it. Or take an image of the work from a gallery, fair or artist’s studio home with you. Take your time considering how it will look on the wall and which location may be most suitable for it. Observe how it makes you feel, what it makes you think and the overall effect on you and your environment. A great painting is a delicious place to go when you need a break.

Collect in depth and for the long haul. Collectors are now going for pieces that have more to do with aesthetic and personal meaning than only for resale value. The interesting thing is that the more aesthetic value, meaning and technical expertise a work of art has, the more valuable it becomes.

The enthusiastic and competitive nature of the art world can be exciting and rewarding in of itself. Museums have collector’s groups and forums where one can meet others with similar interests and tastes.