I'd really like to start buying some paintings for my home, but I don't really know where to start looking. I'd only have up at maybe £1,000 to spend on something right now and would like something really nice for that. How's the best way to spot talent - or do I have to keep going with trial and error?
2006-10-14 21:11:35 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Painting
There are various ways.
You could attend the end-of-course shows of the major Art Colleges like the Royal College and buy something that you think is really good and which means something to you, visually.
Or you could make yourself known to several reputable art galleries, tell them your budget and let them advise you on what they think is a good buy.
It will not be an original oil or watercolour at that price, but perhaps a signed lithograph or a signed print. Only buy what you truly love, since you will be looking at it for a long time.
If your heart is set on a good investment as well as a painting you love, you might find a tiny watercolour or sketch by a good artist for that price.
It always helps to buy someone who is already in a major art collection like the Tate Modern, or even that dreaded man Saatchi, as they usually keep their value, but not always.
You can also view, for free, auctions of "Contemporary Art" at auction-houses like Christie's and Sotheby's, where items are often in your price-range. This is probably the best bet. Decide the price you wish to pay (there will be an estimation in the catalogue) and bid up to (but not over) that price, allowing for commission and tax.
2006-10-14 21:36:10 · answer #1 · answered by simon2blues 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT BUY FROM EBAY, IKEA, KMART OR WALMART or similar store. They do not sell investment art. And, you can buy great original artwork on your budget. Avoid prints!
Decide what kind of work you'd like, realism, abstraction, watercolor, ceramics, etc. For that kind of money you won't find investment grade art so accept that what you buy will be purchased because you enjoy it first and foremost. If a painting, decide on the size requirement by measuring the spaces you have. What size artwork will fit into them? Then go visit an art gallery that features the kind of art that interests you and tell the owner your story. If he cannot show something you like, or you are not sure, go to another, until you have some candidate artwork. Ask if you can take it home, with proper deposit, to try it out. Hang it in the space and live with it a day or two, then decide. When you buy the work, talk to the shop owner about how to critique a piece of work...what to look for in judging an artist's competentcy. Read about art and why some art works and some does not. Eventually you will build up a vocabulary to be able to see and evaluate pieces on your own. Good luck.
2006-10-15 05:25:32 · answer #2 · answered by Victor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am an art curator - I run a gallery and the only way you can judge if you should buy a painting is if you like it and sometimes if you as the buyer are interested in investment than you would have to look at the artists portfolio and vision. But alot of the work that will obviously increase in value will sell for more than your current budget. So rather invest in something you like. Check out the following site and maybe e-mail Syvia. Maybe she can recomend something in your country...
2006-10-15 04:22:59 · answer #3 · answered by felicitydarkcloudsa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is to buy prints (lithographs, etchings etc). Even the prints of famous artists such as Chagall or Picasso will be within your range as they were made in quite large editions often.
You do not say where you live but if you are in London try visiting the MAll Galleries near to the ICA, otherwise work your way round local print dealers.
But dont hurry and make yourself aware of the different techniques.
2006-10-15 18:16:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mom was recently decorating the living room. She found several paintings at a swap meet (flea market for you midwesters/east coasters) that she absolutely loved for about $20 each. As the old saying goes "I may not know art, but I know what I like." If you like it, buy it regardless of its fame or technique or artist or whatever.
2006-10-15 04:20:52 · answer #5 · answered by Takfam 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi Sus
Were you looking for original paintings?
I acquired some lovely pieces from hepplestone fine art gallery.
absolutely beautiful and very reasonable on prices too
2014-01-06 09:23:08 · answer #6 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Art fairs, art school sales, Saturday markets, festivals. NOT from galleries! They'll just try to convince you that what they have is THE thing to have (the present fad) Buy what you enjoy, not what some so-called know-it-all tells you.
OR....you could always buy some of my art work! hahaha
2006-10-15 04:21:48 · answer #7 · answered by cwriter2003 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to a local college campus and find where the art classes are. there's tons of college kids who are really good at art.
2006-10-15 04:13:48 · answer #8 · answered by Howdy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look on EBay, ive seen some nice painting's. Or IKEA!
2006-10-15 04:20:39 · answer #9 · answered by vickicraig86@btinternet.com 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
talent doesnt mean a thing. my PARENTS think i have talent. that doesnt mean i do. buy something that you like. dont care if your friends come over, look at it, and hate it! tell them to get out! i would....
2006-10-15 04:14:04 · answer #10 · answered by need 2 get a grip 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋