It is always hard to make the first plunge into collecting art. These are a few tips for beginning collectors as well as for experienced collectors.

• Buy art because you love it and because it moves you, and because it enhances your life.
• Visit as many art galleries as you can. Gallery staff can be helpful guides in developing your art knowledge. By visiting galleries you will be able to form a better concept of what kind of art you like, what genre, medium, etc.
• Get on gallery mailing lists so you’ll be invited to openings and special events. These events are a great way to network with art collectors, artists and curators. Keep in mind that all parties are subjective.
• Visit and join your local art museums and non-profit art centers. Try to attend the lectures and workshops. Curators sometimes give lectures on collecting art.
• Attend National and International Art Fairs and Art Expos. Art Fairs and Expos are kind of like a one-stop shop to really get you acquainted with a large spectrum of art. Take a few days to walk around the fair stopping at the booths that really interest you.
• If you know art collectors, talk to them and find out what they know and what they have learned about collecting art. Ask them how old they were when they started, what was their first purchase and why? Usually these stories are very heartfelt; the reason for the purchase was their love for the art.
• Read books about collecting art and art history. In addition, visit art websites such as: www.artinfo.com, www.artnet.com and www.artprice.com, for contemporary Chinese art: www.artzinechina.com and www.yishujournal.com.
• Subscribe to a few art magazines, such as, the more traditional: Art & Auction, Artnews, The Art Newspaper, Yishu Journal, and Art Asia Pacific. For more avant-guard I suggest Juxtapoz, Fructose, Artillery.
• Working with a professional art consultant is a good way to learn about art collecting and the art market. An art consultant will listen to your opinions and suggest artists that fit your price range and interests. Feel free to contact ML Art Source if you have any questions.
• Once you have educated yourself about art and have fallen in love with a particular work of art, make sure that art work makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand whenever you see it or think about it. If you have the resources to purchase it, make the plunge and buy it! You will never regret it.