Think Local, Buy Local

This is an especially excellent strategy when you are just starting to buy art or are under a tight budget. No matter WHERE you live, there is an artist toiling away, doing decent work you CAN afford. In addition to local galleries, search out open studio events, university student shows, community art shows.
I love buying art at auctions that benefit local arts programs--it forces fast decisions, no dithering allowed.
Think of nearby foundries, quarries, even junkyards have artists striving to make their vision tangible. Our local trash company has an artist-in-residence program--how fabulous is that:
http://www.recologysf.com/index.php/about-air

detail of Deer III by Jeremy Mayer