Top 10 tips for buying art

Our top 10 tips for buying affordable art online and in store. 

• Get to know the artist. Do your research on the artist that you're interested in, look at their blog/ website/ social media/ online portfolios to get to know their studio practice, their influences and their career. Is the art work you're interested in typical of their practice?

• Ask the art dealer to provide artist information. Can they in fact arrange for you to meet the artist? Investing in art is investing in the artist. A good dealer will be more than willing to answer questions and offer knowledge.

• In turn, a good dealer will be willing to arrange a viewing of the artwork so that you can spend time deciding whether it really is for you, does it arrest your attention and imagination?

• Is the work sold with a frame? Is the price of the frame included in the overall sale price? Ask these questions as it will differ from artist and gallery- there is no art world rule on this one.

• If it is a print you're enquiring about, check the limited edition number. Which number are you buying? How many editions is there in one run? Is this likely to change? You ideally want the print to be one of a definite number and for the edition number to be on the print itself or certificate of authenticity.

• Don't forget to look for a signature on the piece. If the piece isn't signed, don't worry the artist may wish to keep the image clean, however they will need to provide a certificate of authenticity upon selling. This will have the details of the artwork and the artist signature for you to keep.

• Do ask about installing your new purchase. The dealer will advise on how best to hang the art work according to the frame/ possible wall hangings and where you wish to install the piece. Your dealer may even be able to offer a service to install your art work. Well worth asking.

• Will you be collecting your purchase from the gallery or can they deliver the art work at an extra cost? It's important to ask this, although the dealer should ask you.

• As I'm sure will all do, do retain the receipt as proof of purchase if you wish to insure the art work at a later date.

• Lastly, do not be afraid to ask questions. You need to enjoy the art work, so ask as many questions as you need to.

P.S

The most important tip anyone could give you regarding buying art is this; do you love the art work? 

Stay Curious- Sinéad x