Now is the time for resolutions, and I can't imagine one easier to make and keep than to start a collection of art.

With the downward spiral and continuing uncertainty in the stock market, collecting art has become an increasingly attractive as an investment alternative for many. However, collecting art for art's sake is what we are addressing here.

Building an art collection offers at least two important benefits apart from the investment aspect. The first is the thrill of the pursuit and the second is the enjoyment of ownership.

Collecting of any sort is always in vogue and there are no age restrictions. Even small children get into the act. In fact, from time to time this craze or that has turned many a five-year-old into a much more savvy collector and trader than most would imagine possible. These children learn quickly that collecting is not a haphazard pastime. Planning, learning, dedication and, perhaps, more than a little cunning are essential for fruitful results. Whether you want to collect old master oils or Beanie Babies, the following five basic rules apply:


Take the first step

You have to begin somewhere and likely already have a particular area of interest in art. Now is the time to fine tune that interest, see where your passions lie and focus on an area of specialization. To do this, become more familiar with the world of art around you. Frequent the galleries, read art books and magazines and search the Internet for the many excellent art-related web sites. Here you can access the finest museums of the world, locate artwork for sale through dealers and auctions and uncover untold information about your particular art interests.


Narrow the field

After becoming familiar with the many and varied art forms, you will find that some disciplines are of more interest than others. Do you relate more to abstraction, than impressionism, expressionism or realism? What medium strikes a chord? There are many choices including oils, acrylics, pastels, pen & ink, pencil, charcoal and watercolors for paintings and works on paper and a host of materials for sculpture.

What subject matter is most appealing? Here is where some collectors really narrow the field. One woman I know collects paintings that contain the American flag, another those that contain clothes hanging on the line to dry. For many collectors the subject they like most parallels other interests in life, such as sport, religion, vocation or a special location.

You may also limit your area of focus to artists in a given region, from a particular school or to a specific time period.


Become an expert

Once you have narrowed the field, dig in and learn all that you can about your specialty area. Knowledge is a powerful tool to guide you in the intelligent selection of works for your collection.


Start small and plan to accumulate

Begin with a small investment and live with it for a while to make sure that it is really in the area you want to pursue. Once satisfied you are on the right course, put together a systematic plan for future acquisitions. One method that works well is to purchase a piece of art to celebrate each birthday or anniversary. As the years go by, you will be building a wonderful collection of art with fond memories attached.


It pays to advertise

Let others know what you collect and the items on your current 'wish list'. Many of us are often at a loss when it comes to gift giving and would be only too pleased to have this inside information. Include family and friends, as well as art dealers, who may be helpful in locating works for you. Good dealers will notify you when works meeting your criteria become available, and they may also extend special courtesies, such as exhibit previews and special payment plans.


With these five basic rules, you are off to a good start for what will most likely become a lifetime of pursuit and enjoyment.

For further information on collecting, contact Mildred Huie Wilcox at the Left Bank Art Gallery on St. Simons at (912) 638-3017 or 1-800-336-9469.