Our feelings of Asia are built around the people we meet, the colours and sounds we experience and the memories we capture from places visited. Buying Asian art is an excellent way of holding and nurturing these fond feelings for a life time. But is that a good enough reason to fill your living space with artwork from the region? And if so, how do you go about doing it?

Preference for traditional versus contemporary art is purely a personal persuasion. Stylistic differences, however, demonstrate Asia's tremendous artistic diversity and this is where your choices really start. To become acquainted with these idiosyncrasies spend time browsing the galleries and their websites. Galleries often specialize by country of origin of their artists so ask the gallery owners for their insights into that country's art and their artist's inspirational sources. This will help explain the art and nurture a stronger bond to artist's work.

If it isn't already, Asian travel will soon become a part of your life and buying art on the way round is common and often a good idea. The artwork is cheaper, the physical bond with the painting is strong as you'll remember meeting the artist and visiting his rustic studio for ever. However, always remember to buy artwork you like, do not buy on impulse alone! If in any doubt, return home, measure the space, check the framing costs and if you still love the work ask the artist or gallery to mail it to your home.

Meanwhile, on your doorstep are sixty-plus galleries hosting regular exhibition openings and Artist's Talks which provide an excellent way to see and understand Asian art. Sadly, Government promotion of Hong Kong artists is limited although a trip to the artist's village in Fo Tan will provide some insight. And if you can wait, the HK Art Museum showcases local talent biennially.

While exhibition openings provide a taster of choice, a return visit to a gallery you liked will usually offer a tour of their stock room. Don't be intimidated by a gallery's sometimes 'artistic' aloofness... ask questions even if they seem naive and allow yourself plenty of time and space to view a variety of pieces that fit your requirements.

Galleries are continually approached by artists from around the region and have the luxury of choosing and showing only the best. In addition, gallery owners travel Asia in search of new and exciting artists to introduce to their portfolios and will often have catalogues of artist's work in the gallery through which you can browse for ideas. Galleries will also be able to advise which artists would be open to commissioned pieces if you are struggling to find the perfect piece for your living space.

Buying through the internet is becoming increasingly popular, however, keep in mind that an image of a painting is rarely the same as seeing the real thing. To understand a painting's true colours and textures, ask the artist or gallery for detailed pictures of the piece you are interested in. Online buying also enables you to buy second-hand from others who are moving or changing their artwork. The quality of this artwork varies greatly so ensure you ask for a certificate of authentication from the artist or gallery where it was originally purchased.

If, after all your leg work, you are still feeling unconfident about your decision, ask the gallery owner to come to your home (or send photos via email) for some insightful advice on your choices and hanging arrangements. Most galleries will allow you to live with the work for a day or two giving you ample time to ensure you have made the right choice.

Many buyers worry about humidity levels affecting artwork in Hong Kong. The best advice will come from your gallery or the artist directly as they will know what works best for a particular medium. However, a general rule is that watercolours need to be framed behind glass while acrylic or oil will be well maintained in a regularly air conditioned flat.

Wherever you choose to buy your art from, ensure you have a certificate of authentication from the gallery owner or the artist. This will ensure the piece you buy is not a copy, was painted by the artist themselves and may well increase the painting's resale value.

Living in Asia is often a memorable time and the art you buy from Asia it should reinforce those positive feelings. So remember that buying art simply to fit a space or as an investment alone is all very well. However, temporarily put price to one side and ask yourself "do I love it?". Remember you have to live with it so it's best to be able to answer with an unconditional "YES... I do!"