Steps To Know Before Buying Artwork From A Gallery

By Author: Damien Alcock
Total Articles: 143
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Imagine you are strolling through a gallery, basking in the breathtaking beauty of the exceptional works of art displayed all around you. However, if you are new to the field of art buying, this exciting adventure can seem a bit daunting.


 This seemingly pleasant task can turn out to be a challenge, and you will find yourself more confused than surprised. In addition, the many products on display make it more difficult to distinguish between quality and mediocrity.


 Buying artwork from an art gallery requires you to be there, and this article shares some expert tips to help you. With these tips, the process should be easy for you. 


Art Buying Guide
Buying artwork is considered a big investment, so it's only natural that you take it very seriously. Also, you must have a working knowledge of art before venturing into buying artwork to avoid buying mediocre work that you will regret.


 Here is a brief guide to help you buy quality artwork.


Train ...
... your eyes: Art is for the eyes, just like music is for the ears. It is the eye that determines good art, but your eyes can only do this if they are well-trained. The first step to buying quality artwork is to train your eyes to recognize it. You can achieve this by occasionally researching different works of art and attending art workshops.


Trust your instincts: in buying artwork, the eyes see, but the heart decides. This is why art lovers have different tastes; After all, the heart wants what it wants. Once you've trained your eyes to identify good art, trust your instincts and follow your heart.


Check Artwork Carefully: One thing to know before venturing into buying artwork is that there are real and fake works of art. These parts are also very similar and spotting the difference often requires a keen eye. Before buying any artwork you like, check it out from various angles to make sure it's original.


Think harmoniously: Unless you're a collector, you can buy artwork to display in your home, office, or other space. If so, you need to consider how well the art blends with the color and design of the space. It's called harmony, and it's an essential consideration when purchasing artwork. 


Have a budget and consider the price: As an art lover, you already know how addictive artwork can be. Without control, you may buy more than you need, which may not be good for your finances. It's always best to have a budget to avoid overspending. Additionally, you may want to be price-smart so as not to buy an overpriced item.


 Ask for advice: Sometimes your critical reasoning can be clouded by your bias toward a work of art, making it difficult to spot the obvious. So it may be better to seek advice from an expert to see things from a different perspective. 


Advice after purchase
Once you've discovered artwork you like, the next step is usually to pay for it and make a formal purchase. But it certainly doesn't stop there, as there's still a lot to consider.


 Here are some essential tips to consider after purchasing art from a gallery.


Additional Costs: Like all high-value works, your artwork can incur additional costs and this is something you need to be aware of. The additional costs can become quite significant between Value Added Tax (VAT), customs duties, and other related fees. To avoid this unpleasant surprise, you may need to prepare yourself in advance. It's a good idea to find out about these additional costs before you start making a purchase so you know what to expect.


 Invoice: Again, you'll need accurate documentation for a high-value purchase, such as a work of art. The invoice is arguably the most important as it provides proof of your ownership and a lasting record of purchases. It usually contains your name, artist name, artist name, gallery name, price, and any necessary signatures.


 Shipping Details: Most of the time when you buy a piece of art from a gallery, you may not be allowed to get it right away. Indeed, completing documentation and providing all required paperwork can often take longer. But you usually don't need to worry because your artwork will still be delivered to you. However, you will have to pay the shipping cost and details. It usually includes shipping costs, insurance, method of delivery, and estimated time of arrival.


Contemporary artists that you should know if you are an art lover
You will find it interesting to choose art that often requires you to know at least a little about the artist. This way you connect better with him and also understand the story behind the art a little better.


 If you're new to buying artwork, there are a few names you should know, including:


David Hockney: It's a name that needs little to no introduction in the art world and beyond, and it will do more than ring a bell for any art lover. British painter has made his mark in the industry and it is fair to say that he is one of the most important figures of contemporary art. He is also the most expensive living artist in the world and his work speaks for itself.


 Takashi Murakami: Talks about influential figures in the international art scene, and Takashi is one of the leading contenders. The Japanese artist is credited with revolutionizing contemporary art with his outstanding paintings, and he is also considered by many to be the successor to Andy Warhol. While you can't put his unique work in just one category, Takashi is undoubtedly one of the best.


 Jenny Saville: Jenny is an English painter who is internationally recognized for her outstanding brushwork. She is a master of body expression, her visual representation of nudity and eroticism is unmatched. Jenny also recently became the most expensive female artist with her painting 'Propelled', which sold for $12.4 million at Sotheby's. Hundreds of other world-famous artists can fascinate the art lover in you. You can also do extensive research on these artists to find your favorite work.


Conclusion
Buying art is great fun, especially if you're a big fan. But it is often not a simple process for amateurs. This article explained the art buying process and highlighted some tips to help you buy artwork from a gallery. 


Anthea Polson Art Gallery is located in Main Beach on the Gold Coast Australia. Specialising in contemporary art and sculpture.