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How To Buy Art Online - A Guide
~~~ ABSTRACT ART ~~~...
The Internet has dramatically changed the way we buy art. I am not only an artist, but a collector too. I have sold over 1500 paintings online and have purchased more than 20 pieces for my own personal use. Along the way, I have learned a few things. I am sharing them with you here:
1. Ask Questions. Do they have a phone number where you can personally speak to them or the gallery? Get to know your artist. They should have a posted biography with information about their background and education. They should answer your emails/phone calls in an open friendly manner.
2. Look for professionalism and punctuality. Your emails/phone calls should be answered within 24 - 48 hours.
3. Look for feedback from others. Have they used another venue such as Ebay, Overstock or Amazon where you can read what previous patrons have to say about the artist and the quality of the work?
4. Do they have both corporate and personal references that can be reached by telephone? Email should not be your only option for contact and information.
5. Look for validation like membership to the Better Business Bureau or a Verified Business Account with organizations such as PayPal or Ebay (Verification shows that they are who they say they are and that their address has been matched to their credit card for security).
6. Do they have a physical location?
7. Your satisfaction should be guaranteed. Do they have a return policy? Is it clearly stated?
8. Know what you are buying. Does the artwork come stretched and ready to hang? Is it varnished? What is the medium used? Is it signed and dated by the artist? Is it an original or a print? (Some artists have started offering what they call limited edition paintings which are really prints with a few hand brushstrokes. Look for "Original" when you are searching for a painting. Anything with "Limited Edition" or "Giclee" in the title is a print.)
9. Can you really buy quality artwork for a few dollars from China or anywhere else for that matter? Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: For a 16x20 gallery wrapped canvas painting, on average, a reputable artist who buys quality paint and canvas will spend about 35 - 50 dollars on materials alone. Anything less than that for a painting that size may be questionable. The artist may be using sub-standard materials or they could simply be a hobbyist who makes no profit on their work. Remember to ask a lot of questions.
10. Lastly, I offer you this. If you have any doubts about the quality or reputation of an artist or your questions are not adequately answered, go with your gut instincts. They are often the most reliable resources.
***May your search end with beautiful artwork in harmony with your space and your soul.***
CLICK HERE TO SEE MY NEWEST AND AVAILABLE PAINTINGS:
http://www.yessy.com/terracegallery/offers.html
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