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Art should be an investment made from the heart, yet objective knowledge is always optimal to ensure a sound result for your money. There are many considerations when investing in this market. You can approach your investment by genre, which is style of art, or from the perspective of appreciation, more likely in certain mediums or by measuring availability, trends, cultural value or antiquity.

There are brokers who are able to guide you through this labyrinth of possibilities. Christie's and Sotheby's, two reknown auction houses, have many resources and advisors, with catalogs and references available online. Both firms have branches worldwide, with appraisers who will travel to your location if needed. Also, many brokerage houses have educated their staff to handle corporate and private art collections. Smith-Barney is just one of these that comes to mind. Art is definitely a commodity!

Successful investors have been know to hire their own buyers, credentialed experts, as well as going it on their own. You can find information from libraries, museums, art institutions and colleges. Ask around, follow your interests, become an expert about what interests you. Then, the shopping begins.

This type of buying will vary tremendously, depending on what kind of art you are pursuing. Ethnic and folk art are best bought from the source, or find auctions of antiques in regions that relate to the source. Some wonderful buys are found by secondary sources, such as items brought back by missionaries, or inherited items. Look for ethnic neighborhoods, pawn shops and dealers. Antiques can be foud in the range from yard sales to upscale exclusive dealers. This is a huge field, with the hunt being part of the fun for many serious collectors. Fine arts are always best bought directly from the artists, saving you the commissions of galleries and dealers, often 40-60% of the price. There are many online sources and directories for this possibility. Attend shows and receptions, discover your local artists. Look for what you like, especially if you will be living with this item. Short of giving you Art Appreciation 101, let it be said that you can tell quality work by the overall impression of quality - surface; condition; aesthetically pleasing or meaningful image; durable materials such as good stretched canvas or linen and hardwood stretchers or classically proven methods of production; craftsmanship; etc. Paintings should be signed. Prints should be

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