Myth #3: I Don't Know Enough About Art to Buy

There is some truth to this myth, but the good news is that it is easily remedied.

I suggest starting small and locally. Most towns have a gallery and or a museum. Check them out. And do it in little "bites". I suggest an hour for a real beginner as a maximum. Later you can build up to longer periods.

Do not treat this like a college course where you have to memorize tons of information--unless you enjoy doing that. Just go for a stroll through the place. Stop and look at the pieces and ask yourself a few basic questions: do I like it? why or why not? The answer to the last question might be "I don't know" and that is okay for now.

Starting to notice what you like and do not like is the first step because I believe people should buy art they like.

Some galleries and museums have tours available where you can learn a lot and ask questions. I especially like the staff who are natural teachers, who love sharing the information with you and helping you learn more about their artists and art in general. I find that most places are great if you have questions, so please ask. If you are some place and they are not open to your questions it could be they are very busy, they don't know themselves, they are only wanting to talk to serious buyers, or maybe they are just having a bad day!

Return to the same places when they have new exhibitions. And even go back to exhibitions, especially if they are large, you will be surprised at some of the things you didn't see the first time.

Branch out, too. If you have many galleries in your town, try to see one or two each week. You will soon get a sense of the ones that you like best. Don't discount a gallery just because you don't like the art on first look. Sometimes art is like broccoli, an acquired taste!

Consider this the information gathering phase...look at lots of different styles and media. Go to museums. You can even gather postcards and things there of styles you like to create a reference book for yourself if you want. Have fun, ask questions, and do not buy art, not yet!

When you find something that you really, really, really love and you want to buy it, get some information about it and take that home. Go back another time and see it again. I usually suggest you look at a piece at least 3 times before buying. If the exhibition is closing, find out if it is going elsewhere. Keep in mind the gallery will want you to buy through them so they get the commission. If the art is staying locally and you can see it again (it might be back with the artist, or in a storage facility, or on loan) great. If not, see if you can take photos and ask if you can buy it after the exhibition closes if you decide you still want it.

In a nutshell, start small, take frequent little bites and savor them. You have a lifetime to feast.