ClaudetteBriscoe781
How To Buy Art - Beginners Level
Many people buy art. The reason why they buy are varied. Many people only buy what they desire to decorate a house or office. These folks may go through that the framed poster or perhaps a decorative paper calendar is art.
Cheap decoration has a place, but the individuals who buy cheap decor are less likely to become buyers of original art. Frame shops have tried to push posters, "art print" lithographs, and giclee' editions as art. Interestingly the typical frame shop today can charge $100 - $250 for an "archival" matted lithograph inside a frame under glass or plastic.
These same frame shops may charge $400 - $1200 for a giclee' (a litho on canvas with a textured acrylic coating) inside a simple frame. Whereas a buyer could purchase a promising small to large original work with $80 - $600.
Although there could be no guarantee that the original work increases in value over the years, it is certain the poster or litho or giclee' will decrease in value as soon as it leaves the shop.
Ceramics and sculpture suffer the same market problems that flat work suffers. Mass manufacture of "art" ceramics and sculpture editions is everywhere. It is often overpriced - these pieces can range from $40 to $600.
Production art from factories in under developed countries is in glut at import stores, discount stores plus some furniture stores selling decor items. And it has little chance of holding any value beyond it's second sale in a thrift shop or garage sale.
What else can a buyer find? After some shopping around a buyer can find artists within the region selling original art. Some small art galleries and frame shops have original works, but heading to the artist usually gets you the best pieces for your money.
Art fairs, annual community art shows and auctions are fantastic ways to see the works of many artists at one time. You can meet artists, exchange cards or telephone numbers, even negotiate better prices.
Surfing the net is another strategy for finding numerous artists selling original works in each and every genre, medium, size, and color. Be careful of artists selling overpriced posters and giclee's of their own works - bargain for originals.
If you can visit an artist's studio you might get to see a larger spectrum of their work. In the process of having to understand the artist negotiations may be better, particularly if you want several piece or bring enthusiastic friends who will buy as well. Bartering is indeed a possibility for some artists too, depending on what you have to offer.
