01. UNIQUENESS OF OWNERSHIP
A desire to make a personal statement about the importance of the uncommon.

A truly unique, fine-art watercolor simply cannot, nor should it, be mass produced. Think about it. There is a finite number of watercolor paintings any artist can create in a given lifetime. By most standards a totally original, one-of-a-kind artwork is an extremely limited commodity.

There is also the immeasurable satisfaction and pleasure of owning and showing an original watercolor that is like no other. Original one-of-a-kind art is unique and therefore is not mainstream.

Buying original art encourages the production of more original art. Buying original art vs "multiple" or "limited edition" art seems a double edged sword. Arguments can be made for both sides. Collecting reproductions, multiples, limited editions or "original" prints of any kind would seem to reduce the demand for original, one-of-a-kind art.

The good news comes in the form of "supply and demand." Multiples of any kind increase the "supply" which tends to lessen "demand" and in turn decreases the value of a "multiple" or "limited edition." It would seem reasonable then to assume that the purchase of "multiples" tends to initially reduce the demand of one-of-a-kind art . With less demand for original art, the supply also tends to lessen. When the supply lessens, the demand and value begin to increase.

Multiples or true one-of-a-kind works of art? Some collectors find it difficult to decide which approach is best. Different people will provide different answers. Common sense though seems to indicate reasonably priced original, one-of-a-kind art is generally preferred over and more valued than "multiple" or "limited edition" art.

02. EMOTIONAL VALUE & PLEASURE OF OWNERSHIP
You like the painting for no other reason than the painting itself.

For whatever reason, you like the painting. A simple concept but perhaps one of the best reasons to buy a painting. The painting expresses some special meaning or inspiration to the viewer. Ownership brings some form of strong emotional pleasure, passion, or satisfaction. It makes you "feel good." It's not uncommon to hear collectors say something like, "It [art] makes you smile."

Then too, there is that old saying "I don't know much about art, but I know what I like." That may be a cliche, but like all cliches there is some basis of truth to the statement.

03. HOME BEUTIFICATION, EMBELLISHMENT & DECORATION
A home often seems less welcoming without the embellishment of artwork.

Many collectors feel a home without art on the walls often seems empty, mute, less warm and less welcoming than one with artwork. Some use art to "show off" or provoke. Still others enjoy the thrill of the visceral pleasure a watercolor brings, or the passion created by surrounding a family with artwork. Some collectors use artwork as a personal form of expression.

This writer has personally witnessed a young couple so involved in art that the bride was willing to forgo her wedding dress to purchase an Original watercolor painting This same couple, in the early years of their marriage furnished their living room with wooden fruit boxes. They willingly elected to spend their money on collecting original art instead of furniture. Their rationalization? They realized furniture quickly wears out, while art lasts a lifetime and beyond.