/UCWE/ -  More original art is being sold in the UK than ever before, with offices and workspaces especially keen to buy. Hanging original art shows you care about your employees, and provides a relaxing and stimulating atmosphere in the office. But choosing art isn't always straightforward. Office art expert Gordon Smith from artgallery.co.uk explains how to buy.

Employers can show they really care about staff by improving their working environment. The easiest way to do this is through art. Art has been shown to increase morale, boost productivity, and even stimulate brainpower! Choosing art is a fun, interactive and rewarding perk of your job. But you'll probably be looking at that painting for quite some time, so it pays to think about what you want before you take the plunge. Here are the key considerations.

Style. What style of artwork are you looking for? Buying an artwork is an intensely personal decision but remember you are buying for your whole team, not just yourself. What are your company's values? Do you stand for tradition, stability, and longevity? If so consider an artist such as Judi Morton (http://www.artgallery.co.uk/artist/635/Judi_Morton.aspx). Her exquisite oil paintings depict traditional English landscapes.

Perhaps you're a young, new and dynamic company? If so consider contemporary abstract artists such as Claire Goodman (http://www.artgallery.co.uk/artist/1010/Claire_Goodman.aspx). Her funky contemporary artworks have a hint of retro about them and will show you are a discerning collector.

If your company stresses the caring, ethical and enviromental side of business, consider the natural look and feel of artists such as Howard Moses (http://www.artgallery.co.uk/artist/734/Howard_Moses.aspx).

Price. Price is a key consideration, and art can be difficult to value. Generally the price of original art reflects the reputation of the artist and their collectability. But don't let that fool you - some artists are on the verge of becoming highly collectable, but their prices are still low. Price is also affected by the amount of time that goes into producing a piece. Larger canvasses will naturally be more expensive due to the cost of materials and shipping.

Size. You'll want to ensure that you purchase paintings that are an appropriate size for your office. Make sure you get your tape measure out and measure up your office space before purchasing. Artworks of around 40 inches wide and above will be highly visible and can dominate a room. Smaller and more delicate works can be combined together on the wall. Consider making a collection by the same artist - purchase one large painting and two or three smaller ones.

Colour scheme. If you want to buy original art that will really last, you must ensure the colours of the paintings are sympathetic to your office decor. The great thing about original abstract art is that colour is a major feature, and artists often paint with the environment in which the artwork will live firmly in mind. In fact, many artists use a palette of colours that forms a part of their style and you may just find an artist who's vision suits your decor perfectly.

Finally, remember that buying art will be one of the most enjoyable experiences you're likely to have at work! Enjoy the process. There are many fantastic web sites online such as www.artgallery.co.uk where you can browse at leisure, and get really detailed information on the artworks before you buy. Buying original art has never been so easy or so much fun.