Research before you buy art

Exploring the art world is essential in order to understand how it functions and define your taste. To become familiar with a wide range of venues and artwork, you should visit a variety of galleries, artist studios, art fairs and museum exhibitions. In addition, stay informed of the major developments in the international art world through art magazines, catalogues, books and online resources. Although researching takes time, it is instrumental in making informed decisions about what, when and where to buy art.

Keep the following in mind as you research and start to create your personal collecting strategy:

• Quality, authenticity, condition, provenance and value of the artwork
• Exhibition, press and sale history of the artists
• Credentials and history of the galleries and auction houses
• Historic perspective of the artwork
• Overall budget and art that is available within your price range
• Scope and time-line for building your collection

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