Choosing a work of art is a pleasant and enjoyable experience. This year’s South East Open Studios provides an excellent opportunity for you to buy art direct from local artists. Open Studios events are where artists open their studios to the public to show and talk about their work. It is also an opportunity for you to tour a selection of artists studios and broaden your knowledge of art and local artists.

Now is probably the time to start collecting art as worldwide the value of the art market has doubled in the last five years. More and more people are buying art with contemporary prints providing a good growth market. It has even been reported that people are fleeing from falling stock prices and putting money into art.

Whether deciding whether to buy a piece of work it is worth considering whether it makes you feel good, is aesthetically pleasing and remember the best reason to buy a piece of art is because you love it.

Buying a limited edition is a good way to start your collection, as prices are usually less than an original work of art. Some artists only make one off unique pieces of art. However, many types of work are produced in editions. Each work in this case is usually numbered and signed by the artist.

Some examples of limited editions are prints which are also called artists or original prints to distinguish them from mechanical reproductions. These include: etchings, lithographs, screen prints and engravings. Photographs are sometimes also produced in editions.

Original prints are usually signed with the edition number on the front. Paintings may also be signed on the reverse and ceramics and glass are often marked with the makers signature or mark on the underside.

South East Open Studios runs from 6-22 June with 264 artists taking part throughout Kent and East Sussex. Full details of artist taking part can be found at: www.seos-art.org or from your local library.

Photographs: Christine Dumont; Liz Garnett