How to begin your very own art collection.

1. Trust your own instincts and your style, buy what you love, buy with your heart.

2. Avoid art trends, such as: paintings on velvet, while they can be interesting it is not a foundation for a collection.

3. Mixing periods and styles of art is ok, its done in museums everyday.

4. Frames, keep them simple. Some frames can end up costing you more than the art.

5. Ask for documentation on the art piece, certificates of authenticity etc.

6. Develop an art buying budget, and attempt to stick to it (sometimes you just can't if you find something great).

7. Know what you're buying. Whether it's an original or a limited edition print (signed?, numbered?).

8. Try not to overspend on art that is perceived as purely decoration art (prints are not considered as valuable as an original).

9. Do not be pressured into purchasing a piece of art too quickly. If you feel that beginning to happen simply walk away, even if you love the piece. That gets the point across that you won�t be pushed into a sale. You can later return an decide if you really want the piece or not.

10. Don't be intimidated by galleries or the people that haunt them.