Eleven years ago, I knew virtually nothing about art. Sure, I had been to a few museums, but I didn’t know anything about any artists beyond the classics, and the thought of collecting fine art never entered my mind.

I was on a cruise through the Baltic, and signed up for a tour of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, one of the finest collections in the world. One of the other members of my tour group was the Park West auctioneer from the ship.

I’d always seen the signs for free champagne and art auctions on board every cruise I’d taken, but had never thought to check them out. After all, I wasn’t going to buy anything. But talking to the auctioneer in the Hermitage, I was impressed with his knowledge. I found myself asking questions, and eagerly volunteered to attend his art lecture on the next sea day. I did, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Park West Gallery is the largest purveyor of fine art in the world. Mostly on cruise ships (over 100 of them), they also have VIP events on land, and I was lucky enough to attend one of those recently. It was a five-star job all the way around, from accommodations at the Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey to incredible meals to the opportunity to meet some truly wonderful artists and collect their work.

The Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey

You see, Park West, with its incredible volume of sales, is able to represent some of the most amazing artists on the planet, and sell their works to you at relatively affordable prices. Few things make me happier than learning about an artist and his/her impact on society, and then having the opportunity to collect a work by that artist. Visionaries like Peter Max, Yaakov Agam (founder of kinetic art), and Fanch Ledan have all become part of my collection over the years, at prices that haven’t broken the bank.

Collecting fine art isn’t cheap, but I have found it to be worthwhile. Art evokes emotion, and I will experience that emotion each time I look at a given piece. Some calm me; others give me energy. And all that I’ve collected with Park West remind me of a cruise vacation!

During this weekend, Park West brought three different amazing artists to speak to our group, show off their works, and give a personal experience to the collecting. After all, what can be better than a photo of you, a painting, and the artist who painted it? Here is me with Slava Ilyayev, one of my favorites!

In addition, we met Chris DeRubeis and Michael Romero. Both will be household names in the art world soon!

This Romero painting from afar and up close. His style is described as Jackson Pollack meets Claude Monet, and I can see why! The cover photo is a DeRubeis.

If you enjoy art, or even just want to learn more, Park West is a great company to get involved with. Just hop on a cruise, take them up on free champagne, and learn all about some of the best artists in the world!

Note: I am in no way affiliated with Park West except as a customer. I was not compensated for this post, nor will I ever be. I will instead continue to learn and purchase artwork as time and money allow.