subject: Are You Looking For Original Artwork Or Paintings? [print this page] Do you give the walls in your home the same respect you gave your windows? Let's face it, walls without paintings are as dull as a windowless room. Maybe you have wanted to buy some original artwork to spruce up your living space, but are concerned that you can't afford art auction prices.
Do not worry; you can find fantastic art that matches any style you want at a cost that will not break the bank. For example, right now you can procure original paintings for less than $10.
The painting you will own will be unique, it won't be on anyone else's wall. When you buy an original piece of art, you are buying so much more than just some paint haphazardly strewn on a canvas.
When you purchase an original piece of art, you are also purchasing the moments in memory and time that went into the artist's creation of his or her work.
You'll see how owning an original painting that you adore will give you a special joy. What is on that canvas is the genuine time and effort of what the artist put into it.
The concept to purchasing art at a good price is having knowledge on how and where to go. Fist, you must educate yourself about art. Take a trip to your local museum every time they bring in new exhibits.
It through exposure to amazing artwork over time that you start to truly be able to process, analyze and evaluate art. You begin to see what truly denotes quality and you get to know yourself as well.
Art is about personal style and taste. Begin with the art that truly speaks to you. This way you can start to grow your own taste.
Never purchase art just because it has high value. The person who must live and breathe with the piece of art is you. Don't buy it thinking that it will grow on you, or that you can sell it later. When you purchase the art, you should still like it.
Next, you should visit galleries since they are of course the main original art supply and by visiting the most galleries that you can, you'll be able to find a quality bargain piece of original art.
Ask questions of the gallery employees. Learn about the styles carried by a particular dealer and which artists he most frequently exhibits and sells; ask whatever you'd like to know about an artist whose paintings you may be considering.
Meet the art dealer, if he or she is local, and examine the art carefully to see its condition and to make sure it is an original.
This is even more important since as a relatively naive art enthusiast, you want to ensure you're not buying a stolen, fraudulent, or even overpriced piece of art.
These precautions are more easily met with contemporary works of art rather than older ones, as are pieces of art that are in lower in price. Check out the gallery's standing in the community and find out if they have a good reputation; even if they do, you might want to do a little extra homework to make sure the art was obtained legally and is actually an original.
To ensure that you are working with a quality gallery, ask around. Your local art museums can perhaps steer you in the right direction.
Another common method of acquiring art is via an auction house. You will often not find as many contemporary works at auction. You may, however, be able to find an excellent older works such as paintings and sculptures at great prices.
However, if you're buying as an investment, proceed with precaution. The most common venue for fraudulent art are auction houses, especially the second and third tier ones. Although these auction houses inform the buyer of the art's authenticity, it is not always done so in an upfront manner and since they're not responsible for the art's authenticity, they don't worry about it too much.
Buyers should be aware that art purchased there may be fake or damaged and remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
My recommendations are the same whether you have just started or have been collecting for years. Window shop often.
Make yourself a fixture in the museums and galleries local to you. Learn as much as you can. Get to know people in the art community and be sure to pick their brains, particularly if you are considering a significant investment. Always make sure to avoid dubious work. Most importantly, if you don't love it, don't buy it.
