How to Identify Good Quality Artwork and Get Value for Money
Buying artwork can be very subjective. We all have different tastes and what ‘experts’ tell us to buy or say is on trend isn’t necessarily what we want to hang in our homes. Nevertheless, you want to know that what you are spending your money on is going to stand the test of time.
Materials
The quality of the materials an artist uses says is the beginning of them producing high quality work. Here are some key words and phrases to look out for:
gsm - Grams per metre. This usually refers to the quality of the paper used. The higher the number, the heavier weight the paper is and often this translates to a better, more durable quality.
Archival Quality - this can refer to all manner of materials. It means that they are durable and resistant to deterioration over time, e.g. colour fast.
Original - this piece was made by the artist. It is not a reproduction.
Limited Edition - a set number of them was made. This usually refers to prints (original and giclee/reproduction) or 3D casts.
Open Edition - the artist reserves the right to print more in response to demand. This can affect value in future but usually means a lower price.
Read the Description
Whether you’re buying online or in a gallery or shop, reading the description or artist biography can give you a feel for the passion that went into the work. It will often give you information about materials, size and how it will be packaged. Online sellers are now required to include information such as specific materials, sizing, who created it and when it was created to satisfy export law.
It is also important that you familiarise yourself with the seller’s terms and conditions as well as postal policy. The detail in these will also give you a feel for how professionally they operate.
Look Closely
I understand that people find it difficult to get an idea of scale and the quality of materials online - that’s why I give detailed descriptions and close ups of the surface of my work. Even with that, some clients prefer to see a piece up close before they buy. For those clients, I offer free studio visits (book one here). Get in the room with me and the work so that you can see exactly what you’re getting, ask all of your questions and see where the magic happens.
Cut the crap!
You are the customer so if you want to know something then ask. You deserve to have all the facts before you hand over your money.
If you have any questions for me, contact me here.
