Art collecting often becomes a lifelong journey once you discover the great joy and satisfaction art brings to your life and surroundings.

With collecting, there’s no timeline or pressure. People often become stressed as they feel insecure about what they “do and don’t know” about art. The number one criterion in collecting is "liking the art" you are considering buying.

A painting or sculpture should evoke an emotion that is pleasing or calming, fulfilling or satisfying. If an art piece forces a smile, some tears or just stops you in your tracks for a moment, you may have discovered something—the beginnings of your art collection.

Spend time learning about the artist and the art that interests you.

Become familiar with the artist’s style and read their biography including published articles. Discover the galleries, museums and art organizations that represent their work. If the artist is new on the scene or emerging, study their style for consistency and look for creative growth in their work.

As you start collecting, select art based on what you like, not whether it is a sound investment. As your knowledge grows, you will become well-versed in the art of collecting and building an art portfolio.

Oftentimes purchasing an art print is a good way to start collecting. Prints are available at many different price points giving the collector many options that will accommodate their budget.

You may want to become familiar with the varying types or prints so that you can understand the differences between a digital print, a lithograph, a screen print, an engraving, a monotype or an etching.  Each of these processes produces a distinct effect and depending upon the complexity of the process and the materials, a variation in price.

Another factor that affects the value of a print, is the size of the “Edition,” in other words, the total number of art prints that will be produced from an original.

Artist and publishers can choose to limit the number of prints produced. This refers to producing a “Limited Edition.” On the other hand, with an “Open Edition,” there is no limit to the number printed. Limited Edition prints have a higher value and even more so when the “Limited Edition” is hand signed and numbered by the artist.

Prints are available for purchase online as well as in galleries and museums. There are many resources offering a broad selection of posters and prints, in a wide-range of art styles and price points.

Many major museums like the Whitney Museum of American Art and The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)  and other art marketplaces and galleries such as saachiart.com offer online art buying.

The online art gallery artformfineart.com features Victor Mirabelli’s collection of art prints, a Limited Edition of 200, hand-signed and numbered by the artist. This Collection is printed by Highland Studio in Cold Spring, New York, the Hudson Valley's premier fine art digital printer since 1997, known for using the finest equipment, inks and papers for longevity and image quality.

For more information on Victor Mirabelli, click here.

Art collecting offers endless joy and satisfaction as it surrounds our spirit and space with meaning and beauty. Enjoy collecting!