Tips for Collecting Oil Reproduction Paintings
Posted by Alex
Collecting art can be a rewarding hobby, but also a serious one. If you collect art with hope to earn a return on your investment in the future, it’s even more serious. You might not be able to purchase all original paintings or prints, so oil reproduction paintings might be your next choice of investment.
Reproductions are hand-painted by experienced artists to recreate an original painting as closely as possible. The artist captures the mood, techniques and lighting of the original artist. That’s why many art lovers who are unable to make large financial investments in art choose reproductions.
Here are some tips to help you get started if you’re thinking of collecting reproductions.
Buy What Appeals to You
Don’t make the mistake of buying art only for investment. You should buy reproductions that appeal to you. When buying only for investment, you get no real value out of the painting. You probably won’t hang it anywhere or actually “use” it. You’ll just store it away and never be able to enjoy it.
You might have a favorite artist or theme. You might have a room in your home or office you’d like to decorate with the painting. If you combine your preferences with paintings of value when shopping, you’ll make wise investments every time.
Be a Wise Art Collector
Collecting art can be done by anyone, but an expert knows what to look for and where to find it. You don’t have to go to school to be a wise collector. You can educate yourself about art reproductions by reading art magazines, visiting many different art galleries, attending art fairs or expos, etc. During your next vacation, tour art galleries and museums in the area to get ideas. This can be both fun and educational.
You should learn the difference among art originals, prints and oil reproductions so you’ll know what to expect when shopping. Also, learn how to spot fakes – there are many out there!
You can also gather facts about art by researching through the library, studying online resources about art, and getting to know other art collectors.
Compare Quality and Prices
Study and compare prices along with quality before spending your money on a painting. A reproduction of a famous painting might not always be of highest quality. The canvas and oil paints used as well as the artist each play an important role in how a painting is put together. If you have a painting in mind you’d like to purchase, try getting a photo of the original if possible to compare the two. Although no two paintings will ever match exactly, reproductions should come very close.
Know Your Seller
Before buying a painting, make sure your seller is trustworthy. It only takes a moment to check with the Better Business Bureau online to be sure there are no complaints about the company or individual. Contact a few previous customers if possible. Whether buying online or off, make sure the seller provides plenty of information about their products and services.
Online auctions can be another great way to find unique paintings, but watch out for sellers with negative feedback. Check out their ratio of buyers versus the type of feedback they’ve received.
Care for Your Art Properly
After buying a painting, you’ll need to care for it properly. Don’t apply wet sprays when dusting the painting or frame. Use a feather duster instead. Hang the painting away from direct sunlight to avoid fading or cracking. Other care methods can usually be obtained from the seller when you purchase your reproduction.
Protect Your Investment
Buy insurance for your paintings to protect them from weather damage or theft. Take photos of each painting and label them by artist, seller, date purchased and the name of the painting so you’ll have a record of your entire collection. Have your paintings appraised by a professional to get a real value total of your collection.
Whether you collect many different types of art or like to stay with one artist or style, you can use these tips to build a valuable collection of reproductions.
About the Author
David De Groot helps art lovers around the world realize their dream of owning famous pieces of art. His web site offers affordable reproductions of some of the most extravagant paintings, each hand-painted by an experienced artist. Browse an amazing online gallery at http://www.myreproductions.com/
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Tips for Collecting Oil Reproduction Paintings
How To Choose Fine Art Paintings By Realist Painters
Posted by Alex
Realism in art is defined in the same way as it would be in literature; it is the rendering of the subject matter as it really is without being embellished or putting one’s personal influence on it. The whole emphasis with realist painting is to portray the scene or the person as is in a no frills and unromantic fashion. What is sought in realism is to relay exactly what the artist is seeing to the future viewer of the painting without adding to or taking away from the subject.
Many of the paintings done my realist painters tend to deal more with situations or subjects that are a little abnormal or even sordid. Realist photography is the same way, for example some of the photos from Vietnam portraying an actual shooting, while shocking, were also very real. The idea of realism is to say this is all I know, what I see with my own eyes, whereas idealism is more concerned with a philosophy that our world is just a reflection of something greater.
Realist painters are more likely to work in subject matter that is commonplace and everyday such as farming, fishing, and other normal everyday pastimes as well specializing in painting the elderly. The colors chosen are completely non embellished and even border on being drab compared to other styles of painting.
In the 1500’s mannerism was probably the most practiced from of art in Europe and depicted figures that were exaggerated and abnormal appearing in unrealistic positions. The work of Caravaggio changed all of this when his paintings of average everyday people involved in the doing normal activities became popular. All of his paintings were simply like photographs or snapshots of real events of everyday ordinary people.
The Dutch were famous for embracing realism and the detail of the paintings from the Dutch Masters is unsurpassed. Rembrandt was one of the most famous of these realist painters whose works are admired and studied to this day. I look at these paintings and am amazed by the attention to detail that they were able to show.
Today, realism is still a major force in art as well as all other forms of media. Some of the largest draws at museums are the realist photographers who are portraying subject matter from the Gulf War and other similar tragic landscapes in a way that tugs at the heart. Realism can make you feel like you are there and at the same time, glad you are not.
About the Author
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about art and fine artwork at http://www.fineartstudiodesigns.com
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How To Choose Fine Art Paintings By Realist Painters
Five Mistakes to Avoid when Buying an Art Reproduction Painting
Posted by Alex
Art reproductions make splendid investments if you enjoy fine art and want to stay within your budget. Hand-painted reproductions are painted on canvas by experienced artists, which makes them more comparable to the originals than printed copies. However, not all art reproductions are created equal. Before buying an art reproduction, try to avoid these mistakes.
Mistake #1: Buying Art Based on Artist Recognition Alone
If you adore paintings by a particular artist, never assume that all paintings by that artist are going to be desirable. Many talented artists produce great and not-so-great paintings. If you buy paintings by a particular artist without seeing them first, you might be disappointed. If ordering online, you can usually see a photo of the reproduction or original beforehand.
Mistake #2: Buying Online without Seeing the Full Picture
When viewing art online, make sure you’re able to view an enlarged image of the painting (not just a thumbnail) so you’ll be able to examine it thoroughly. Smaller images on the Web tend to distort or cut paintings. If you’re thinking of buying a painting online, and a large view of the image is not available, email the Web site’s owner to request a larger image by email.
Mistake #3: Buying Art from Just Anyone
Another common mistake you should avoid is buying art from a company or individual without knowing who they are or what type of customer service they provide. See if there are testimonials from other customers. Find companies that are experienced in producing fine quality paintings. Oil painting reproductions should be painted by a professional to fully grasp the detail and mood of the original. If buying at an online auction, pay attention to the seller’s feedback if available. Learn all you can about the company or individual before committing to a purchase.
Mistake #4: Buying a Painting Just Because It’s Famous
Try not to get too caught up with the popularity of a painting. Not all paintings should be avoided just because they’re not famous. If you’re planning to use painting reproductions for decorative purposes, you might benefit from many paintings that are not necessarily famous or even created by a well-known artist. Never buy a painting just because everyone else has. If you don’t like the painting, you’ll only be wasting money.
Mistake #5: Opting for the Cheapest Shipping Method When Ordering by Mail
If you order art by mail or online, always choose the safest possible shipping method with tracking ability when available. Choosing the cheapest shipping method might save you a few dollars, but your painting could arrive damaged. Then, you’ll have to pay for shipping to return it, and wait on a replacement.
Join an art forum or subscribe to an art magazine to keep up to date with the latest art trends, best selling pieces of art, etc. Also, do some research before buying a painting to make sure it’s right for you. Avoid these mistakes when buying art reproductions, and you’ll be able to locate great works or art to treasure for a lifetime.
About the Author
David De Groot helps art lovers around the world realize their dream of owning famous pieces of art. His web site offers affordable reproductions of some of the most extravagant paintings, each hand-painted by an experienced artist. Browse an amazing online gallery at http://www.myreproductions.com/
Article source:
Five Mistakes to Avoid when Buying an Art Reproduction Painting