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Too many people "think" they should draw a certain way in order to sell a picture. Whatever is popular somewhere causes a mad rush of copycat artists until it is extremely difficult to tell one from another. In fact, the Museu del Falso in Southern Italy actually has a museum which showcases perfect forgeries of many famous artists---high priced artists such as Andy Warhol and Mario Schifano. And the supplier of this famous work is the Carabinieri, Italy's military police who have actually collected over 60,000 fakes from the raids they have done over several years. For a very long time the public has been not only excited but fascinated about counterfeiters of art, with famous museums such as London's Victoria and Albert Museum actually developing an art gallery of such accomplished fakes, with each individual obtaining their shot at fame by having an art show of their own.

Ironically, this is nothing new as many new art museums have decided to given the counterfeiters art shows of their own. When buying a piece of art work, remember that most art dealers will provide a certificate of authenticity, or offer a written appraisals of the print being purchases, supporting their claim of authenticity. If the art dealers refuses to do this, do not buy from them as not all such buyers will physically back their claims. Many claimed "art appraisers" are unknowingly on the dealer's payroll and will say what they are told to say.

Also, pay no mind to what is called "high pressured sales tactics" as they are not in your best interests, with little promise backed for an investment return. It is extremely difficult if not impossible to tell and original from a forged art work piece, and there are many methods used. One of the most famous is to get a post card telling you that you have won a free original lithograph by some famous artist --- after this, the game is always the same once they get your name, address and phone number.

Reputable art galleries within normal communities are famous for selling fakes, hanging side by side with originals. Many times the dealer of the gallery will attempt to sell the fake as a favored investment opportunity, or they may do the opposite---downplay the investment opportunity while attempting to sell the fake as a valuable collectible. Either way, you lose. But the worst one is to purchase a print with a 30-day money back guarantee as there will not be money back on this one.

Those who purchase such scams, paying well over $1,000 for a $50 piece of work should contact Public Reference, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580 (202) 326-222, asking for a copy of Best Sellers. Also contact your state Attorney General to report the company which sold you the forgery, or even contact your Better Business Bureaus. One of the top notch companies is the National Fraud Information, (800) 876-7060 Eastern Standard Time until 5:30 pm who will forward the complaint to the Federal Trade Commission in Washington DC.

The safest way to purchase a good investment safely in art work is to get professional advice or consult a reputable expert. The less you know, you more careful you should be and the more you should research and consult. Make sure to ask as much as you can from the museum curator or the art appraiser, especially from well-known and famous artists. Check for edition size, the publication year, the printer or publisher, the print medium. This all helps in the evaluation process. Depending on which state you live in, this may be a requirement, as a certain number of states demand this information should be stated: Wisconsin, South Caroline, Oregon, Arkansas, California, Georgia, New York, Minnesota, Maryland, Illinois and Hawaii.