"The desire to surround ourselves with things that comfort, please, or excite our sensibilities is a common human trait. We're a collecting species. But we're also an aesthetic species. We respond to beauty, creativity, and originality. Put those sensibilities together and you have the makings of an art collector." --Paige West In The Art of Buying Art, contemporary art expert and self-described art addict Paige West breaks through the misconceptions about contemporary art and inspires readers to discover the joy of collecting original works. With its rich sampling of gorgeous, provocative full-color artworks from some of today's most talented artists, and practical advice on how to find, buy, and care for art as a collector, The Art of Buying Art reveals the contemporary art scene to be more exciting and accessible than ever. West urges readers to partake of this vibrant world of galleries, art fairs, studio visits, and auctions, offering guidance on which questions to ask, how to negotiate prices, and how best to display and maximize the value of original artwork in the home. Whether you've already taken the plunge with your first few purchases or have yet to part with those generic art posters left over from your college days, this book is the only primer that you'll ever need to whet your appetite and boost your confidence for acquiring amazing new contemporary art that will enrich your life--without breaking the bank.