Jill Clark is the founder and principal agent of Magnet Management, a multi-national agency that represents over 100 artists worldwide. In addition, Ms. Clark is a professional art consultant for a number of wealthy collectors and art connoisseurs. Her impressive track record includes the placement of numerous masterworks valued over a million dollars. Through Magnet Management she has organized dozens of high-level international art exhibitions in conjunction with leading museums and private galleries. Her work regularly takes her abroad, where she represents artists from over 20 countries and regularly attends international art exhibitions at all levels. Now Ms. Clark lends her years of experience and knowledge to the Ooks.com readership, as we explore the significant process of "Choosing Your Art".

There are a number of steps everyone should take prior to purchasing their first piece of art. Unfortunately, people sometimes become dissatisfied with art they have purchased, often because they failed to ask themselves a few critical questions up front. Once you have decided that you are interested in purchasing art, ask yourself these questions:

Although it may seem ridiculous, many people purchase art, some many times over, without discovering what it is they truly like. Regardless of whether purchasing for investment, prestige or inspiration, art should represent the qualities you wish to see and be reminded of on a regular basis. There is a stark contrast between the beauty of impressionism, with its soft and pleasing colors reflecting idealized settings, and the often-brutal detail of surrealism. It is important to spend the time to understand, at least in general terms, the art movements of the past, so that you can view a modern artist's work in a historical context. Modern art has the widest spectrum of styles and emotional expressions. Therefore, it is important to be aware of those styles and emotions that you wish to capture in your own collection. What may be ugly or offensive to some may be the next central piece for another collector. Along this same theme, it is also important to consider different mediums, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Spend some quality time in either a museum or gallery exploring art. Only through an up-close examination will a piece or style truly stand out.