COLLECTING ORIGINAL ART

An introduction to art collecting for the person of average means offers encouragement and information in equal measure. Mr. Loria, with the inevitable price-tag in mind, devotes most of his attention to graphics which are within the reach of the average collector's purse. This is collecting for pleasure, not for business-- for proud possessors without ulterior motives. ""Any one who sees and feels a given work is an accomplished statement should feel free to buy that work, regardless of trends or popular taste,"" Mr. Loria says. He also gives basic information on media and techniques from oil paintings to etchings, on authentication (library study is advised), on where to buy, whether at gallery, auction or antique shop, on framing and hanging, on value (the signature should not affect it), price and trends. An extensive bibliography provides the wherewithal for further research. A good primer for the beginning buyer.