The motivations driving art collectors today vary widely. Some buy art for their homes as a form of décor, bringing life and soul to their interiors, while others acquire art as a gift, as it’s guaranteed to last a lifetime. What informs the purchase decision? Personal taste is ranked highest, followed by the artist’s CV, art critics, publications, auction results, and online marketplaces. For complete joy and reward, the love of art must be the dominant motivation. Art dealers, including those with galleries, may not have a direct relationship with the artist, but they can be very knowledgeable about the work, contributing to the solidity of their market.
Buying prints and drawings is fun – nobody’s judging – but you should save up for a piece of one-of-a-kind art. A painting mirrors the time and culture in which it is created, exposing you to a story, a person, or nothing but emotion. No one else will have this piece. You won’t see it in stores or at your friend’s house. Unlike bulky pieces of furniture, a painting can fit into any room of the home, making it a smarter investment if you move frequently. It will take you to a quieter, ethereal place. The question now is: Would you like that feeling?
Read on, and you’ll discover the basics of finding and buying art. Begin the hunt for that masterpiece.
There Isn’t Much You Can’t Find Online
Auction houses and established galleries and dealers have traditionally managed fine art sales. Nevertheless, the internet has democratized and changed the nature of transactions and collections by making available a global platform for viewing paintings for sale and confidently buying contemporary works of art. It doesn’t match the experience of discovering an artwork in person, but it supplements the experience of admiring art in a museum, gallery, or fair. What you collect must be driven by your interests and what moves you, whether it’s drama, magic, or whimsy.
There are two options to consider when buying a painting: the primary and secondary art markets. The primary art market refers to the sale of a painting for the first time, either through a gallery or the artist’s studio, based on the rules of connoisseurship, individual expertise, and trust. The secondary art market touches upon the resale of artworks, so it’s governed by the principle of supply and demand. It matters because this is where the value of pieces can increase dramatically. It’s not recommended to buy art at night because your psychological defenses are down, meaning you’re inclined to make impulsive purchases. It’s serious business.
Research The Provenance Of The Work
Due diligence is required when it comes to high-priced works of art. The history of a painting contributes to your decision to acquire it because it provides context, recording the journey from its origin through one or more owners to the present. Fakes and forgeries exist and can pass off as originals, so make sure a painting has a strong pedigree before placing an order. The object’s complete documented history demonstrates ownership, assigns the work to an artist, and establishes authenticity, which is extremely important if you want to resell at a later time.
What information should you look for when conducting research? An established online art retailer should be able to provide documented provenance information such as:
- owners’ name
- dates of ownership
- methods of transference
- locations where the painting was kept
Attention must be paid to the fact that sellers seldom acknowledge the entire provenance of an artwork, but some records of ownership are more thorough than others. Many archives have suffered destruction or dispersal, while the records of smaller galleries haven’t always been preserved. Equally, if a painting was commissioned or purchased directly from the artist, research becomes even more complicated.
Understand The Terms And Conditions Of The Sale
Once you click to make a purchase, you’re legally bound to honor whatever devils are in the details, so read the terms and conditions to know what you’re getting yourself into. Transparency and clarity are of the essence. The online platform should disclose from whom you’re purchasing the painting and the terms of sale (price, commissions, and payment terms), answering your most pressing questions. If you’re buying artwork that comes from a different country to your delivery country, there may be additional customs fees to pay, which depend on destination, value, and the carrier that transports the art.
Equally, if the painting isn’t what you hoped it would be, you don’t want to miss the return deadline. Online galleries, art fairs, and retail sites make allowances because you can’t view or examine the painting in person before buying, while others grant this right due to applicable law. In the European Union, there’s a cooling-off period to cancel a contract of sale without reason, so all you have to do is notify the Web-based seller you no longer want the painting and desire a refund. It’s unlikely your artwork arrives damaged or gets lost in transit. Still, if it happens, a replacement will generally be shipped immediately.
The Takeaway
The lifetime appreciation of a painting that you love can never be a failure, so find a piece that resonates with you and brings you joy – it’s the perfect fit for your collection. If you’re emotionally invested in the art, the financial expenditure becomes easier to accept, but remember that a relationship with a piece of art doesn’t always start with love at first sight. Try not to get swayed by what others say is trendy since you’re the one who’ll have to live with it day after day.
As artists grow and continue to push the boundaries and attain the global recognition they deserve, it’s our duty to offer them moral support, maturing together. If you’re buying your first painting, no question is too silly, so it’s useful to demand information about the process, the tools and materials used, and how it’s framed. Online sellers are experts in their field, quite enthusiastic and knowledgeable in their subject matter.
