WHEN it comes to buying art, many of us find ourselves instantly drawn to a particular piece. And while the cliched advice is to 'buy what you like', Ian Whyte of Whyte Irish Auctioneers and Valuers counsels against making a rushed decision. Sometimes the attraction of a work with that first real wow factor can pall.

Take your time "You could be paying too much or buying a piece that may not last. Also, your first impression might change, " says Whyte. "Buying art takes time and there is no need to panic."

With SSIAs boosting spending power and younger people starting collections, it's a busy time in the art world. "The great thing is that almost everyone wants a piece of original art on their walls. No one is content with posters anymore. They want something else that is much more personal, " according to Josephine Kelleher, director of the Rubicon Gallery on St Stephen's Green.

"In the past there were people who collected art and people who didn't, " says Kelleher.

"Now everyone is interested in art to one degree or other."

Art Ireland's exhibitions have been part of a move in recent years towards accessible art. The Spring Collection takes place today at the RDS this weekend, from 11am to 7pm.

Access all areas

'Flix' at the Rubicon Gallery every Saturday, is one of a slew of initiatives aimed at opening up the art world.

Established three years ago, it invites people to browse through a separate section of cabinets by young artists not represented by fulltime galleries but who have portfolios of work and who have been selected for prestigious shows. Habitat's 'Democratic Art Wall' is another.

The barrier is being broken around the country, with restaurants such as The Kitchen and Foodhall in Portlaoise providing dedicated exhibition spaces. With over 10,000 visitors spending more than 2.5m at the most recent Art Ireland fair last November, it's an approach that has clearly struck a chord with the art-buying public.

Learn from college shows

Graduate shows are perfect places to pick up pieces by rising stars for a steal. The NCAD show, which runs from 9-17 June, is just one of the college exhibitions taking place around the country that will be open to the public.

Do your homework

Whether buying for investment or purely for pleasure, doing your homework is key to making the right decision.

"Wander around galleries and visit the auction houses and see what you like. You will soon form your own taste and opinion, " says Whyte.

Explore the Irish Museum of Modern Art at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the Hugh Lane gallery as well as exhibition outlets and art centres around the country.

Getting on galleries' mailing lists will expand your knowledge. Whyte's advice is to ask plenty of questions in galleries and at auction rooms. "If the artist you're interested in is unknown to you, find out as much as you can about them.

"Check their track record, where they trained, their history of exhibition and whether they have won prizes. There are a lot of amateur artists out there and generally speaking a lot of the work is never going to be very valuable.

There is no harm in buying it, provided you know what you're buying."

Reputable galleries will, says Cathy Boyle, director of the Blue Leaf Gallery in Fairview, provide information on artists, their past shows and planned exhibitions as well as giving advice on likely appreciation.

By the book

A Buyer's Guide to Irish Art, edited by Meg Walker and published by Ashville in association with Whyte's, is an informative guide, profiling 45 'hot' Irish artists, with a comprehensive index of Irish works sold at auction.

Building up a relationship with a gallery is beneficial as some, like the Blue Leaf, will allow work out on approval to ensure it's suitable for the setting. Many galleries and arts centres will also accept deposits and take payments over a few months.

While some opening nights have seen a frenzy of buying, getting in early to view the exhibition can help avoid a costly mistake.

Sussing out the stars

Artists tipped by Whyte as good investments include Martin Finnin, originally from Limerick but working in Cork who is "already doing well but will do better"; Ciaran Lennon who is hailed as an outstanding artist in the Ashville guide; Mick O'Dea who is listed as established by Ashville but who Whyte says has a long way still to go in value; Paul McKinley who was part of the Nissan art project; Sean McSweeney whose works are still good value; and Brian Bourke, another artist offering keenly priced work.

While Felim Egan is established, his work is still affordable. Donald Teskey's and John Shinnors' work has gone up in price but it still represents a good investment.

Art Ireland's Spring Collection will feature 100 galleries and independent artists from this country and abroad.

Gormley's art gallery will be showing works by the likes of John Behan, Elizabeth Cope, Charles Harper, Ross Wilson and Graham Knuttel.

The Red Gallery, Oxfordshire will exhibit works from British artists such as Tracey Emin and Robin Eckardt.

While eastern European exhibitors will be offering quality work at keen prices, according to Maria McMenamin, director of Art Ireland. Emerging Irish artists recommended by McMenamin include Debbie Chapman and Michael Morris.

Buying at auction

While buying at auction can be daunting, there's no need for it to be intimidating. Again, doing some research helps.

"Get the catalogue in advance from the auction room or view it online, " says Whyte. He suggests going to an auction without buying to get into the swing of things. Setting a limit on what you want to spend is also important, especialy if it's your first time.

Careful buyers can still achieve value at auction but in some cases you can be up against collectors intent on securing a piece, Whyte says.

"If you want something and can afford it, it may be worth paying a little bit more than the market price. Sometimes it's the collector that sets the market."

START YOUR OWN COLLECTION

Josephine Kelleher, director of The Rubicon Gallery shares her top tips

Give as much consideration to buying a piece of art as you would to any major purchase. "Shop around and talk to people. You will have to live with the art for quite a while."

Have a spirit of adventure. "Everyone is envious of the grandfather or grand uncle who bought a Yeats for 100. You need to imagine you're them and pick something avant-garde."

Look for artists with backing. "If an established gallery decides to stand behind an artist and put a lot of funding and their reputation behind them, that is a form of professional endorsement, " says Kelleher.

Seek the artist's CV rather than being swayed by the sales pitch. "A lot of things get said but if something is down in black and white, that is different. Look for reviews and other publications."

Don't fall into the trap of buying something that resembles a valuable work.

Don't buy to directly re-sell. "Art investment takes a minimum of "ve years, " says Kelleher. "If you want to see a return, wait five years and see how much the artist has established themselves."

USEFUL CONTACTS

Art Ireland, www. artireland. com. Spring Collection on show today at the Main Hall, RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Admission is 10 for adults; 5 concessions; free entry for under 12s.

Blue Leaf Gallery, 10 Marino Mart, Fairview, Dublin 3, 01-833 3456; www. blueleafgallery. com

Irish Museum of Modern Art, Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, 01-612 9900

The Rubicon Gallery, 10 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, 01-670 8055; www. rubicongallery. ie

Whyte's Irish Auctioneers, 38 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, 01-676 2888; www. whytes. ie