The Art Of Buying Art

Purchasing art can be a difficult process for some people. They don't how reputable an artist is, if the artwork is worth the price, or what medium the artist uses. This causes some consumers to get confused or frustrated and shy away from purchasing fine art. At the other end of the spectrum, some people purchase art on a regular basis and have even started collecting artwork as an investment. Those who collected original art from Warhol, Pollock, Dali, Picasso, etc., have benefited extremely well compared to their original investment. When someone is contemplating starting an art collection or purchasing art for the home or office, what should they be looking for? T he following information has been provided to assist you on your art journey.

When you're contemplating an art purchase, do you really like the artwork and what it communicates? You're going to see it a lot, so this is the most important point. Buy what YOU like - not what your mom or best friend likes.

Does the artist use archival materials/mediums that will hold up over time? When you purchase an original painting or giclee print, you are truly making an investment, so make sure that the artist you're purchasing from uses good materials. If they do not provide the information up front, don't be afraid to ask. As a consumer, you deserve to know what you're buying, regardless of what it is.

Does the artist offer proper documentation at the time of sale? This is crucial; if you can't prove who did the work with a receipt or certificate of authenticity, in addition to the artist signing the actual artwork, your ability to profit above your initial investment can decrease.

Does the artist have proper image documentation? Artists who have their work photographed and available to the public are able to show viewers/patrons how their style has developed through the years and their potential for future creative works.

Does the artist provide details about how a work of art was created? What were the materials? Why were those materials used? When artists share a bit of themselves, their working methods and offer educational information, it boosts consumer confidence.

Does the artist offer any documented explanation about their artwork? This not only helps the patron understand the artist's motive and perspective, but it also connects them with the artist and assists in developing a very unique business relationship.