what do you consider not too expensive? and "some art work" is very broad. paintings, sculpture, etc?

off the top of my head-
a local painter that uses the influence of the ocean and water in her paintings: http://www.elenamadden.com/gallery.asp

it wouldnt hurt to go to some local galleries/exhibitions to get a taste or feel for what you want and maybe go from there. locally or by dealer or internet

what kind of work are you looking for?
what medium, style?
if you want to actively search out artists, try the senior BFA/MFA shows at art schools or look for new, up-and-coming art galleries.

i am interested in looking at all forms of art. i am more interested in checking out up and coming artists work whose prices arent too expensive yet.
i just moved to dallas so i am still trying to find up and coming galleries. if there are any. i am looking to spend a few hundered dollars maybe up to $600 if i think its worth it. i know its not much but you gotta start somewhere.
thanks for the help so far.

buy it from a gallery. unless you are a accomplished collector and can get a good deal under the table from a well known artist. make friends with gallery owners and their artists. even if you are going to spend max. $600, it is still something and sometimes you can find a lesser known work of a better known artist. i have been collecting art for many years and besides the passion and enjoyment for an artwork, it is also very stimulating to play the market as well. as a beginner always follow your passion. as you want to advance in the wonderfuly convoluded world of art collecting, you will develop a sense of deal as well.
good thing about a gallery is that, they are pushing for the artists they represent and value can go up because of this. think big. intelligent collectors are well respected and artists always like to sell to a good collector.

i bought a couple of mr. jago paintings for 200 each. they have a nice urban sketch esthetic.

Check out deep ellum for local artist in Dallas. Also there is a great abstract sculptor that has a studio behind the Orange Hispanic cultural center just East of 75 near Live Oak Street. Check out his stuff.

Are you working at a firm there in Dallas?

Do some research and find out what the gallery scene is like in your area, and go check them out...but you will be better served to dig a little deeper and find out where the artists work, and find out if any studio buildings have an open house planned.

Most city's have some type of "Artwalk" or gallery walk, where the local galleries all open on the same night, usually a first Thursday, with new work and such. If there are artists studios nearby, local artists tend to take advantage by opening their doors as well...

Also check your local newspaper for art opening listings, and see if there are any local arts organizations...They are more likely to put you in touch with up and coming artists.

$600.00 isn't much, and of that, half or more is going to end up going the gallery...

make friends with artists...show interest in their work. visit their studios.
my mom is a painter, and she and her friends have a tendency to sell artwork for much cheaper out of their studios and to people who seem to have a real interest in their work.
your $600 will go much further.