[FireGilbert]

I've had two memorable experiences purchasing art.

The first was after being given a few hundred dollars to spend on art as a moving present. I didn't know what I wanted but did find myself wandering around Sydney one Saturday afternoon and stumbled into the Charles Billich gallery. Based on my sweat stained attire and hungover state I didn't belong here but was politely greeted by a petite woman who offered to show me around. This art, manly paintings of cityscapes and dancing women, was intense, full of detail and very contemporary. The prices for originals were intense too, mainly in the 5 figures. I asked to see their cheapest prints. Ended up going home with gorgeous 401/500 print of Sydney harbour that now has a prominent position in my home.

The 2nd time I bought an original. It was on my honeymoon when my new wife and I stumbled into an art gallery, this time in a modest building in a tiny one street village. There a small water colour of a kookaburra caught my eye and when I saw the very reasonable price had to have it. Things got confusing though when I went to buy the painting the seller asked if there was any way I could leave it there. I was starting to get upset and having a shut up and take my money moment but eventually I understood the request. The gallery had just opened that week and they a big opening event planned for the next day. They wanted to have all the paintings available to show. We were going back that way so I agreed and ended up getting to meet the artist the next day. I asked her if the kookaburra posed for the painting and she giggled and said she painted from memory. I couldn't think of much else to ask her but could tell she was excited being the first person to sell a painting. I bet the other artists were jealous.