You may already be buying art. If so you have formulated some taste and buying habits. Your taste and habits are probably related to style, theme, color, or artist. I hope you are buying original contemporary art.

The reasons to buy original contemporary are many and varied. Original art at a good price is by the better value than reproductions, lithos, and posters. Limited edition sculpture reproductions have the same problem. They have almost the same cost as original works, but almost no chance whatsoever of appreciation in value.

Original works however can be bargained for to get good prices, and almost certainly go up in value over time. Appreciation in value of original works is by no means a given. Values may fluctuate, usually climb slowly, and sometimes fall. But original artwork values are still far superior to reproductions.

The best art buying practices take care of all your goals in each piece you have purchased. Each piece fits your decor, taste, collection parameters and investment abilities. One very good article to read for buying art that I will recommend is found at CAG - the Contemporary Art Gallery Magazine, titled,

"Buying Art From a Gallery or Dealer"

. There are two more very good articles listed in the two links below as well - "Investing In Contemporary Art" and "Artists Selling Art To Buyers & Collectors".

Pricing is of course an issue - but good original art is available from many artists at prices starting from $60 and major works are available by accomplished artists at $200 to $600. You must get some wisdom in shopping and bargaining to get these kinds of deals for work from recognized local and regional artists.

Ceramics and hand-pulled prints in artist limited editions are very reasonable buys as well as paintings and metal sculpture. Glass is very popular amongst artists and buyers - and there are many excellent bargains available in glass.

Some other excellent values can be found in art jewelry - this doesn't mean designer production pieces - it means original unique handmade brooches, pendants, bracelets and necklaces.

Artist unique and original "constructions" are also a very affordable and decorative investment. Constructions are made from wood, found objects, tile, cement, boxes, parts of machines, books, furniture, household items - almost any solid and stable object - usually in combinations to form a rather sculptural "construction".

As you visit more art fairs, artist studios, and art websites you will get better information on art and prices. "How To Buy Art - Advanced Level - Part 3" will be published soon.