by Susan Hibberd

Created on: October 27, 2007

There is only one thing you should look for when buying art, and that thing overshadows and supercedes all others.

You might consider the cost of an item. Firstly, whether you can afford it, and whether you think it is worth it. Secondly, you will probably wonder if it is a good investment, and if its value will appreciate over time.

You might consider the kudos value associated with owning the artwork. Will your friends, family and colleagues see it - and what will they think? Will you go up in their estimation for choosing it, or down? Will then envy you?

You might consider the fact that it will fill a gap in your collection. Maybe you are collecting examples of a group of artist, or of one artist in particular. Maybe you are collecting works on a particular theme.

You might consider where the painting will hang, or where the sculpture will stand. Will it fit in with your current decor? Will you have to buy extra lighting for it? A plinth? Will you have to move other pieces around to accommodate it?

But above all these is the main question: DO YOU LIKE IT? If you don't like it, then don't buy it! It seems to me that the answer is as simple as that. The purpose of a piece of artwork is to speak to you - to give a message. If the piece speaks to you and you love it, then it is special to you and you should buy it.

A good piece of art gives you a thrill every time you look at it. You get a frisson of excitement when you look at a particular line or color, or think about the inspiration for it. It should, in turn, inspire you. Not necessarily to create art yourself, but to be a better person. If the piece you are looking at makes you feel suddenly sad, happy or emotional, then buy it - it's working!

So, if you like it and can afford it, then buy it - damn the rest of them!

Learn more about this author, Susan Hibberd.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.