TRY IT YOURSELF

1 Go to art fairs, graduate shows and small galleries. Ask where the artist trained – it’s a good sign if it’s the Royal Academy Schools or the Royal College Of Art. Hit the fairs just before closing – the artist might be more open to haggling. 2 Prints are a smart way to get the work of a well-known artist for less. Stick to those with a print run of 100 or under. Those with AP on them are rare artist proofs – they’ve belonged to the artist, and art dealers go wild for them. 3 It’s perfectly acceptable to contact the artist privately – they might have a sketch or smaller piece that suits your budget. Ownart.org.uk also offers interest-free loans, so you can spread out the cost of the piece.