So what are all the considerations an art shopper should contemplate?

Original art is unique, like you and your home are unique.  Original art is the first, the only, and the best – not one of thousands of copies.  Do you want to purchase a beautiful painting for your living room, and then also see if at your friend’s house, a neighbor’s house, your office, or at the shopping mall?  The difference between giving and receiving a gift of original art, versus receiving an art copy, is dramatic.  Real art is thoughtful, personal, and unique like the person you are giving it to.

Original art is real – almost alive.  An original art painting was created by an artist using real brushes, and real paint being applied in unique fashion onto a real cotton canvas. Art copies are usually manufactured using a printing press by the thousands - often times using inks and not paints at all.  The colors in an original are by definition accurate, because they are as the artist intended them to look, and exactly as he/she personally laid them down on the canvas.  With original art you can feel the richness and mood of the setting in the lighting and the landscape.  You can see and actually feel (if you wish) the texture of the brush marks and paint, faintly smell the real paint, cotton canvas and wood frame, and even see the artist’s signature and notes they may have included on the painting’s back.  Art copies on the other hand are usually altered for color, contrast and brightness, usually for size, and the smell is usually of poly canvas or cardboard, inks, and plastic.  For many the difference between original art and an art copy, is like the difference between real flowers and plastic ones.

Bragging rights, or the cache and prestige of owning real art is what draws some purchasers to original art.  They are proud of their good taste and their surroundings.  They own exotic cars, a gorgeous home, tailored clothes, and they want art that is a jewel.  And while most people surmise that original art costs hundreds and even thousands of dollars per original art piece, purchasers and their wallets know that not all good original art is that costly.

Buying original art is an investment; but in order to make the best buying decision there are several things that can be considered. First, learn what art you are drawn to, and spend some time reading art books and magazines.  And if possible, some retail and online art galleries.  Once you know what art sparks your emotions, it becomes easier to focus in on a purchase.  Lastly, be patient and let your art appreciate while you enjoy it.  Art is a long term investment financially, but the emotional value you get from the art is immediate.   By following these simple steps you can make your purchase a positive experience and enjoy your art in the short and long term.

Original art is unique, and so is the art market itself.  An original piece of art will always have a higher value than an art copy.  Since only one original exists - it will always have value.  When you purchase a print (a copy) of an original work, you will pay less of course, because there are likely at least hundreds of other copies – maybe thousands.

When numerous copies of an original art work are manufactured, the value of the original art piece always increases.  Other factors that can increase the value of an original art piece is how prolific an artist is, how represented he is (does he show at a lot of galleries), has he published a book, and is he popular in the art market currently or do you believe he will be in the future. 

As with almost any investment, your original art work may not always gain value in the first few years.  On the other hand; you may find that within a year or two your artwork is worth more than three times your initial investment.  Most importantly though is your connection with the artwork.  Having an emotional or visual connection to an original piece of art is a greater investment than the dollar value.  If you cannot find some connection with your work, it may end up in the garage collecting dust.  You should really love your art - allow it to give you pleasure every day, every time you look at it.  It’s not good for your soul to consider your art only an investment hanging on your wall.  Your art should strike a deeper cord within you and your home.  Art should make you think and dream.