Discovering your $20 rummage sale purchase is an original Picasso is stretching the realm of reality. That framed picture under glass that got passed down from an aunt – the odds are pretty slim, at best, that it’s an authentic Charles Russell. The pin-in-the-sky approach to collecting art isn’t a very good one, kind of like picking a stock these days or wishing on a lottery ticket.

Buying art is a topic as big as Broadway and just as colorful and complex. First off, what does one consider art to be? Is it any surface that projects a recognizable image? Is it an object only found in a museum or art gallery? And why is art so revered by the wealthy? How much money does it take to collect art or even buy one piece?

Spending $300 or more for art becomes a serious matter. It’s enough money that you want to expect something, like longevity or adaptability to a living environment. Hardcore purists would tell you to only buy art for “arts sake” and not to make your goal that of complimenting the pastel tones in your sofa. I say bologna! Buying art to give to give you personal enjoyment in your environment is just fine. You’re investing in yourself. Take for example that $50 signed poster you bought in Santa Fe – so what if it cost you $400 to have it framed. But don’t think of these decorative gestures as legitimate art.

If you want to begin serious collecting, original fine art is the way to go, whether it is paintings, pottery, etchings or sculptures. Living in Kitsap County is a big advantage, and I’ll tell you why (not because I am an artist in Kitsap County). Most of your major art movements and recognized artists have come from congregations – arts districts so to speak. Soho and Greenwich Village saw the beginning of the abstract expressionist movement. DeKooning, Pollick, and Rivers I hear hung out in the same bars. A lot of the Impressionists like Van Gogh, Mattise, and Gaugin knew each other. Seattle’s Pioneer Square saw an emerging group of artists in the 60’s, like Alden Mason – whom I might add was in my gallery last year looking for live-in studio space since he was getting priced out of his Downtown Seattle space.

In the art museums you’ll notice that many of the exhibits will say “from the collection of,” or “donated by.” Many of these major collections were from people who supported or bought art within an up and coming movement or from unknown artists within arts districts.

Just like buying on the stock market, if you want to buy art that may be considered “investment” look at the track record of the artist and at the serious nature of the art community. The idea of having to leave the area to find legitimate collectable fine art is ridiculous. Kitsap County is a recognized art field.

Bainbridge Island and Bremerton have regular art walks, in which all kinds of art in every price range can be viewed and purchased. When you purchase art locally, you have invested in your community — and who knows, maybe you’re buying art from the next “Picasso.”.