Buying art on a budget

If you thought that art collecting was the preserve of the wealthy then think again. Anybody with a good eye can build up a veritable gallery of visual delights given a little know-how and some careful planning. Here's how to go about it.

1. Visit art fairs: You may not be able to afford the inflated prices charged by many art galleries, but open art fairs are a different matter. Art fairs exist to promote up and coming and local artists and they are often abound with bargains. Find out about fairs near you by browsing online or checking out the culture section of your local paper and drag an art-savvy friend along with you to give advice on what’s hot and what's not.

2. Back to school: When artists are established their work tends to become expensive, so the best way to get inexpensive art is to spot fresh young things before they make it big. Most art schools and many universities run regular exhibitions, and these are great places to pick up beautiful pieces on the cheap. Again, you’ll need a flair for spotting the next big thing but if your eye is in, then tracking down student talent can really pay dividends.

3. Treasure hunt: You won't just find great art in obvious places such as galleries and fairs, it is also a good idea to pay attention to estate sales, flea markets and even car boot sales where there are often bargains to be had. Smaller auction houses also provide a platform for buying and selling art; although, be aware that you will often be competing with professional dealers.

4. Look at prints: Let's face it, not many of us earn the kind of money that justifies the purchase of a Monet or a Rembrandt; and that's where prints come in. Limited edition prints often come signed and can be framed to give a similar effect to the original itself. Just think of it as an inexpensive way to own the painting of your dreams.

Of course, if you're desperate to purchase an expensive and original piece of art then there are other options open to you. Many art connoisseurs save for years to afford their dream pieces, while others choose to take out loans to bridge the gap between income and expectation. There are currently some good deals available on the high street with banks such as Santander, who offer personal loans with a typical APR of just 8.9% between £7,500 - £14,950 so that masterpiece really could be within your reach.