When buying art, look for pieces that express your personal style or interests.

Do you find yourself intrigued by the idea of starting a fine art collection, but don't know how to get started?

Joel Hochberg of Santa Monica, Calif., has been an avid art collector for more than 35 years. He shares his personal tips on how to make your first foray into the exciting world of buying art.

• How much can you spend? Before you begin looking for your first piece of artwork to buy, make sure you have a realistic budget in mind.

• Shop around, gain perspective. Don't be hasty. Take some time to roam around various galleries, souvenir shops, and museums. Get some perspective, and get a sense of what you really like before you start thinking about buying.

• Same artist, less expensive work. If you've fallen in love with a piece but find that it's way out of your price range, you might try looking for other, less expensive pieces by the same artist.

• Art should reflect your interests. Collecting art isn't about randomly hunting for pieces, but about finding works that speak to an interest you already have. For instance, if you're a fan of film noir, it might lead you to collect black and white photographs.

When you're shopping for the piece to start your collection, think with your heart, and wait until you find artwork that really stands out and demands to be bought. This isn't just the key to buying your first piece of art; it applies to any piece of art.

For more information on buying and collecting art, check out the following organizations and websites:

Art Dealers Association of America, Inc.
575 Madison Ave, New York NY 10022
212-940-8590
www.artdealers.org/home.html

Art-Support
300 Queen Anne Avenue North #425
Seattle, WA 98109
art-collecting.com

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