If you've ever pondered buying art for your home, you're not alone. Research has shown that almost six million adults in the UK aspire to own an original, but haven't plucked up the nerve to turn dream into reality.
The good news is that almost five million people have done just that. Whether you want to add the finishing touch to your gracious drawing room or cheer up the downstairs loo, doing your homework means that finding and purchasing that oil on canvas needn't have you feeling like you've wandered into a Dali painting.
To set you on the right track, we've racked the brains of the Scottish Arts Council to bring you a foolproof guide to unearthing that family heirloom.
Before you buy
* Visit art galleries and talk to staff. For a list of galleries in your region visit www.artscouncil.org.uk
* Attend art schools' annual degree shows (most happen in May or June)
* Read art magazines to get a feel for what's 'now'. Art Review, Galleries and Tate are good magazines to look at.
Search the internet for dealers and browse online catalogues
* Research the kind of piece you're interested in to get an idea of price. Don't rule out artists' or original prints, so-called to differentiate them from mechanically produced poster prints
* Decide a budget. It's worth spending as much as you can, rather than skimp on something you could regret
Buying
* It's you who has to look at it, so buy something you like
* Keep an open mind. Art doesn't have to hang in a frame. Consider photography, limited edition prints, sculpture, ceramics, glass and even furniture
* Don't be afraid to ask questions, however silly you fear they might sound
* Find out what's included in the price. Framing, transportation, VAT and insurance might be extra
* A half red dot next to a painting means it's under offer (a full dot signifies it has been sold), but if you're interested ask to be kept updated
* Think about the space you have in mind for the piece. Check dimensions and lighting requirements
* Ask questions about the artist. You might be able to see a CV, reviews, or even information on previous buyers
* Find out as much about the piece as you can. How was it made? What conditions does it need to be kept in? Most works come with an 'artist's statement' which usually includes information on understanding the work and the artist's philosophy
Afterwards
* If you need a framer or other expert ask the gallery for a recommendation
* Keep all paperwork (receipts, information on artist) in a safe place
* Take a snap of the work and keep it with other documentation for insurance purposes
* Enjoy!
Images, clockwise from top: Detail from Gerard Tunney-Scherazade's Mirror, detail from Yvonne Gilbert's Naughty Nurse, detail from David John Robinson's Ribbon. Please note that Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites.
