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Author:
Corinne Cain

Identify what kind of art you like. The following techniques can help you determine what that is:

1. Visit 3 to 6 museums displaying different types of art. Finish your visit by purchasing postcards in the gift shop that reflect artworks that are attractive to you. Toss these cards in a bowl, and don't look at them again until you have visited all the museums on your list. Once you have done so, review all the cards and look for similarities among them in terms of mediums chosen, time period of the artists, or the style of the artworks.

2. Visit your local library and find an art history book that spans at least four centuries of art from many different countries. Use sticky notes to mark your favorite pieces. Again, look for common elements to determine what you like the best.

* Match what you like with what you can afford and what is currently available to buy. Consult with knowledgeable art dealers or art appraisers about costs and availability of what you have selected. Determine your annual budget and the number of pieces you want to be able to purchase with that amount.

* Gather information about the quality of what you like, what you can afford, and what is currently available. Consult with museum personnel and knowledgeable art consultants about what they consider to be quality work.

* Join ancillary museum groups that offer lectures and exposure to valuable information.

* Subscribe to magazines that focus on the type of art you want to collect.

* Don't rush to acquire art. For many, it's a lifelong pursuit.

Starting a Contemporary Art Collection

Contact museum curators or art professionals in your area who do not sell.

1. Build a relationship with these professionals by attending lectures where they assemble. 2. Discuss your interest in collecting contemporary art and ask for their recommendations. 3. Listen for names being repeatedly identified as quality artists.

* Attend exhibitions at contemporary art galleries in your area. Ask for information about any work that interests you. This will help you understand what the artist intended for his or her work "to say."

* Go to national and international art fairs to gain additional exposure to contemporary art. Ask for information on work that interests you at these events as well.

* Contact prominent local contemporary artists working in a medium you like and ask them to identify their "hot picks."

* Supplement your efforts by reading art publications such as Art in America, Art Forum, and Art News, as well as magazines directed toward just one kind of medium, for example, Fiberarts or types of art for example, Latinarte, Native Peoples and American Indian Art magazines.

* Join ancillary museum groups focused on contemporary art. These events allow you to experience what experienced collectors of contemporary art have chosen. Travel to other cities with these groups to gain an even greater understanding of contemporary art.

* Do MOST of the steps described above before purchasing for your collection.

About the author:

Corinne Cain is the principal of Corinne Cain, Ltd, a nationally recognized firm affording expert appraisal and consulting services on Fine Art and Native American Art. Her background includes an MFA and MBA from Southern Methodist University. Ms. Cain is also the proprietor of http://Savvycollector.com, a nationally known secondary art market dealer.

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A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Art... Smart Art Investments - Knowing the Investment Potential of an Artist's Work An artist’s background is important and definitely impacts on the value of their artworks. Most of us understand that an artwork by an established or accomplished artist is worth more than that of an lesser known artist. An investment quality contemporary artwork is usually made by an artist who has specific art education, who has successfully exhibited his or her works and has some gallery placements. Like all material investments, artworks represent both intrinsic value and expected return. In term of education, mastering art technical skills and knowledge is currently a desirable educational stepping stone for successful artists. Many aspiring artists acquire an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) degree. In earning an advanced degree, students make artwork under the tutelage of working artists who teach both skills and ideas. Formal education in art exposes aspiring artists to peer criticisms and guidance, helps them build connections and relationships that assist them to have their work exhibited as well as having other advantages both for the practical act of making art and in having the skills and forming the relationships to promote that art. Artists build their careers over time. For any artist to become successful it is necessary for them to promote their artwork and this is generally done through exhibits. An artist who may be a worthy investment has a mixture of solo or two artist exhibitions roughly every two years in notable galleries. Most favourable artists will also have their art hung in museum exhibitions. A placement of an artwork with a museum is considered a significant achievement. In most cases, particularly with emerging artists – if their education and exhibition history indications are favourable and the artwork is aesthetically pleasing to...