1 Visit the galleries. You can’t discover new art if you aren’t looking for it.

2 Flag interesting advertisements and artists mentioned in art magazines and follow up with an Internet search.

3 Plan to pay up. Work by new artists ranges from $250 to $3,000, major works by mid-career artists can run $7,000 to $20,000. For senior artists or internationally known artists, it’s $10,000 and up.

4 If the artwork is cheap and you love it, snap it up. If it is expensive, don’t decide until after your second viewing.

5 A challenging piece of art will provide more rewards in the long term.

6 Most galleries will let you pay in installments.

7 Once you’ve earned their trust, good galleries will extend you the privilege of taking works home on a trial basis.

8 Read art books and take courses to educate yourself about the market.

9 Subscribing to several online art newsletters will keep you up-to-date on hip events and artists.

10 Art fairs are great places to comparison shop.

To start your gallery hopping, see Gallery Walk.