Collector Resources

Collectors' magazines are one of the most popular means to learn more about the field. Attending conventions and collectibles shows is another way for a novice collector to familiarize him or herself with the possibilities. These shows will often include seminars on a variety of subjects such as artists, companies, decorating with collectibles or how to insure a collection. For example, Disney has several groups on the internet that chat,sell,exchange information about disney collectibles.
A novice collector may find and join a local club for people who collect plates or other limited edition items. Collector publications frequently list the location, date and time of club meetings as a service to new collectors. Collectors who have already narrowed their collecting horizons to the creations of a particular producer may want to join a club that focuses on this producer's work. A potential collector may wish to chat with collectors with similar interests in specialized forums via the Internet. Fellow collectors are usually very happy to share information with novice collectors; this includes information about where they have been successful in acquiring their collectibles, where they have struggled and what they are looking for. Collectors' forums allow for an open exchange of information, sometimes with experts available to answer questions and offer guidance.
Learning from retailers and direct marketers is considered a great way to gain an education in collecting. Collectors may establish a relationship with a retailer that specializes in limited editions. Those on direct mail literature mailing lists can learn a great deal from the support that many dealers supply.
The Antique Roadshow is a favorite public tv program of mine because it lets you see what other people have collected ,history of the items they have collected ,how the owners use them in their everyday lives and last but not least what the experts think about the items (this includes appraisals,history and quantities.etc).The experts will also give you some good information about collecting,art and other related topics.

Many collectors enjoy making a plan for their collections, combining education, stimulation and experimentation to develop a personal collecting style. And even those who reject the notion of "planned collecting" can refine their "selection skills" with some background information on the how-to's of collecting.

The most popular fields in collecting have specialized commercial dealers that trade in the items being collected, as well as related accessories. Many of these dealers started as collectors themselves, then turned their hobby into a profession. There are some limitations on collecting, however. Someone who has the financial means to collect stamps might not be able to collect sports-cars, for example.
I tend to visit local artist shops,yard sales,secondhand shops,,street vendors for my artwork.They seem to have a better and greater variety of subject matter.There is also the cost.They are much cheaper than art galleries.I tend to relate more to the local artists than faceless museums.I get to talk to some of the artists and see their new work as they become available.I have been to museums but the "unknown" artist appeals to me more.
When I go out of town whether on business or social visits the first thing I do when  I have time is visit the local art fairs,shops.street vendors..maybe a museum to look for art pieces I want.Discovering artists local to the region you are visiting can be a fun purpose when looking for that special reminder of your holiday travels. It seems as if any area you visit has its own style of art to offer.Often you can see features in paintings that are representative of the locale.I never know beforehand what the art piece might be that moves me ...I just know it when I see it.

The Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts offers an online newsletter that's searchable, with information and articles. Events are included, as well as several pages all about the purpose and structure of the NEA.

Arts Edge

The Kennedy Center created this compelling site, which features all aspects of the arts: music, dance, fine arts, and more. An awesome resource for students, teachers, parents, and art lovers.

Leonardo da Vinci

if you are into his stuff....you also need a large amt of money...
From the Museum of Science in Boston, this is an excellent Leonardo da Vinci site. See QuickTime movies of the Leonardo ("Scientist, Inventor, Artist") exhibit the museum hosted in the summer of 1997 and use multimedia presentations to learn about the Renaissance and this multi-talented genius.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

This art museum in New York has more than 2 million works of art, and you can view a number of them online. The site itself is also well laid out and clean; they make it easy to browse the different floors.

The Resource Library Magazine

American representational art is the focus of this continually published online magazine, presented free to Web users. Learn about and view 19th and 20th century American art through articles, exhibitions, associations, museums, events, much more.
Louvre Museum
The official site of the Louvre Museum (Paris, France) : Collection & Departments, Exhibitions, Guided Tours, Virtual Tours, Calendar, History of the Louvre ...

Artlex - Art dictionary site with over 3600 definition of art terms. Uses supporting images, pronunciation notes, quotes, and references for each term. Very useful..

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