How to buy art if you are a collector, is a question we're often asked at bluethumb. The golden rule is always buy what you love. That way, even if your choice of painting doesn't prove to be a river of gold, you can still get years of viewing enjoyment. It's well known that art collectors find their best buys directly from the artist. The vast majority of artists sell their work cheaply, at least up until fame and success hit, which is exactly the reason why affordable art is often so good. Here are a few tips that may help. Buy the best artwork from the artist you select. It's usually better to buy a great painting from an unknown artist than an average painting from a great artist, as that painting will always be average.

Nevertheless, career artists with a history of winning prizes or being selected to exhibit in high profile galleries are more likely to have their work appreciated. The odds of earning millions from your purchase are very low, but compare that to winning the lottery? And of course, a painting on the wall looks far nicer than a crumpled x- lotto receipt, even if it is none other than Edvard Munch's haunting pastel, 'The Scream' which just sold for nigh on $120 million.