Berkshire Art
Art Articles

Buying paintings for the home
Better Homes & Gardens, Feb, 1994 by Gretchen Noyes

Save a personal copy of this article and quickly find it again with Furl.net. Get started now. (It's free.) Splash life into a cold or bare room with a work of art by a local artist. Here's how and where to find something you can love and afford.

Where to go. Get to know local galleries and their staffs, attend gallery openings, and ask to be put on the mailing list. In some cities, artists regularly open their studios to the public, usually in the spring and fall. You'll learn more about the artist and his or her work, plus you can purchase art at exceptional prices (because of no dealer markup). For other low-cost options, visit art fairs (where artists sell their own pieces) and student shows at schools and universities with fine-arts programs.

Price range. First, decide how much you can spend. Be sure to pick out works because you love them, not for investment, because artwork that costs less than $1,000 isn't likely to appreciate in value. Don't stick with a limited-edition print because it's "safest." Instead, check the number of the edition before you buy; anything over 300 can be considered a mass-produced object, far removed from the original. An edition under 100 is preferable. Pencilsigned posters priced from $300 to $400 also mislead shoppers: They aren't worth much more than unsigned versions. You'll find price ranges for established artists (whose works have been auctioned) published yearly in The Official Price Guide to Fine Art, by Susan Theran.

Style. The best advice is to venture beyond the criteria of size and color. Instead of looking for a piece with the same shade of blue as your upholstery, look forart that contrasts with your room scheme and stands out. Expand your options by considering less-obvious types of art. A traditional portrait or landscape puts a personal twist on a modern interior, just as a modern graphic livens up a traditional scheme. To stir up a country room, display ethnic textiles instead of the expected patchwork quilt. Most important, learn what you like by viewing as much art as possible.

Consider the techniques that appeal to you most. Some people love the simplicity of pen and ink drawings while others prefer the rough texture of paper collage. After choosing a medium, learn about the process to better judge the quality of a work. Attend lectures and seminars at a local museum to research art styles and processes, or look for basic art books in your library. The more homework you do, the better.

COPYRIGHT 1994 Meredith Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group