After property, Art is considered the most profitable avenue of investment by the "big boys", that's to say the fund managers and guardians of pensions! At this level, money is in plentiful supply and as long as it turns a profit all is well. Therefore, these people go to the top auctions houses like Sotheby's and Christie's and bid for paintings by artists of considerable reputation and stature. Something by one if the impressionists such as Cezanne or Van Gogh is going to set you back several million. The bank or investment fund will buy the painting, providing their bid is sufficient and then keep it in the boardroom or perhaps even send it out to exhibitions as this provides an advertising opportunity. After a few years have elapsed and the value of the work is felt to have increased it will then be sold on, yielding the owner a substantial profit.

Regrettably, as individuals we ware not in that league Money will not be so plentiful and thus certainty in making a profit by investing in works of art becomes a much more risky affair, because, it is important to grasp, art has not real intrinsic value. It fetches the price that a buyer is prepared to pay, that's all! So for the most part the private investor is going to have to speculate within the ranks of lesser known artists. Unless you have done your homework, thoroughly, the picture you like so much at the Gallery around the corner by the unknown artist who happens to be the owner's boyfriend, will fetch less than you paid five years down the road. So what to do?

None of this means you should not buy art. For a start, buy what gives you pleasure which in the end will far outweigh any financial loss you are likely to make.

However, if you want to invest, you will need to research the art world quite thoroughly. Chose an artist whose work lies within your means. Watch auctions and notice whether or not examples of his or her paintings or drawings are increasing in price. This will take a little time. However, thanks to the internet we are all able to access considerable amounts of information relatively quickly. Once you have done that, follow the auctions. Attend a few, and when you feel confident make a bid. You may or may not be successful, but it's a start.
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