Above: Miniature still lifes
on the kitchen backsplash.
Below: An abstract oil painting
hides a television screen.

Tips for Buying Art

Listen. Pay attention to how you feel when you look at a painting. "I think the most important thing is to find a subject matter that has meaning to you," Robin advises.

Don't purchase a piece of artwork because it matches or because someone says it's an "important" piece of art. Instead, buy a great piece that you love and build the room around it. If you listen to your own internal and external reactions, you'll know when you find the right piece.

Ask. As you visit various venues, talk to the gallery owners -- most are happy to offer advice and information to help you become more informed. Chat with the artists at special gallery showings and at art festivals. Ask questions about the artist's chosen subject, inspiration, and technique. If you buy the piece, you'll appreciate it even more.

Wait. One note about prices: This isn't a flea market -- you're paying for an artist's expertise and labor. Don't try to bargain with a gallery owner or an artist or you risk insulting them. An artist may eventually discount older works to make room for new ones, but it's best to wait for the artist or owner to present this offer.

Study. Read books on art and join art clubs in mediums that interest you -- whether it is sculpture, textiles, paintings, or prints. You'll soon discover what you are most drawn to in paintings, for example. Is it landscapes? Still lifes? People? Do you love realism, surrealism, or abstract art? Over time, you'll recognize your favorites.

Speak. Know common terms used in the art world to help you in your treasure hunts. The medium, for example, is the material the artist uses to produce the work, such as clay, fabric, or oil, watercolor, or acrylic paints. Paintings may be done on canvas, wood, or paper in a single type of paint or a combination.