More people than ever seem to be interested in buying original art rather than purchasing prints or posters. I am getting a lot of email asking for advice about collecting unique art for both home and office.

Unfortunately collecting original art can be an expensive hobby. If you spend your money in the local art galleries or art auctions or look for work by famous and established artists you are going to need hundreds and possibly thousands of pounds. Fortunately there are other ways that you can establish your own collection of original art.

If you are not sure what types of art you would like in your home why not try renting. Local libraries often rent out paintings. There are also a number of agencies that rent out art to business and to home owners. Look in Google for these agencies. One advantage of hiring art is that you can change it for new pieces whenever you want to.

Every summer every art college in the country has a showing of work by final year students. These exhibitions are usually in June and July lasting for about three or four weeks. Here you will be able to purchase art by emerging young artists for a lot less than buying from established artists. A lot of this student art is at the cutting edge of art and if you are fortunate you may buy from someone who will later make it big in the art world, and your investment will appreciate enormously in value. Saatchi bought a lot of his art in this manner. You may find one or two artists that you like enormously and purchase from them frequently over the years, getting to know them and taking an interest in their careers.

Other places that you may find original art that interests you include boot sales, antique shops, markets and your local art clubs. Always be on the lookout for a piece that interests you – there are lots of bargains out there. Don’t think that because a piece of art work is expensive it will be good. Art, like most other things, has its fashions. Artists that are popular now may not be in a few years time, and the reverse goes. Unpopular artists may be considered masters in later life. Art appreciation can be very subjective and open to individual interpretation. Only you can decide if a piece of art is worth your hard earned money, but my advice is if you like it and can afford it, buy it.

One way of helping financially with your art purchase is to contact Arts Council England. They offer interest free loans that make it easier to buy original art. There are a number of participating galleries throughout the country where you can buy almost any kind of art or craft work from £100 to £2000, and pay, interest free, over 10 months. For more info. visit:
www.artscouncil.org.uk or phone 08453006200

Collecting art can start off as an occasional hobby and end up as a great passion. Go for it, and enjoy yourself.