Here are the most important things you need to know before you start -
- Do your homework
Do your research before purchasing art for home. Learn about the various types of art available, and more specifically, the up-and-coming artists. Determine the type of art you are interested in and where you can purchase it. Compare medium, style and colors. Use the Internet to see what is fashionable in the world of new art. Ideally, you should select art that is in demand or has the potential of being popular.
- Determine your budget
The cost of art can vary tremendously, depending on the reputation of the artist and whether the art is purchased from a gallery or directly from the artist. If you are purchasing artwork for investment purposes, you may have to spend more for a more established artist, unless you decide to take a chance on an emerging artist.
- Choose a style of art that fits the style of your home
If you have a contemporary design, then opt for modern art. Balancing art with décor not only enhances both elements individually, but creates an overall style of the design of the home.
- Pick an up and coming artist with a unique style
Avoid artists with a style similar to famous artists, such as Van Gogh and Rodin. Art with a unique approach has more of a chance of becoming valuable over time. Should the artist become established, the art will be recognized for its originality.
Finding the right colour palette to showcase an art piece
You've finally found that perfect piece of art you've been looking for — now what? Artwork is such an important part of a decorating scheme. Because your art can be anything from an investment piece to a work of personal value, it's essential to integrate your pieces with the right colors.
- Similar hues
Choose a wall color that is similar to the background of your artwork. This deep purple wall is a similar color to the background of this piece, creating cohesion and flow.
- Complementary shades
Reference the good old color wheel and choose complementary shades for your walls. This abstract with tones of yellow and orange sings against bold turquoise walls.
- Same color, different shades
Consider using colors from the painting, only in different shades. This painting has a pretty simple color scheme; pairing it with a deeper shade of blue on the walls creates visual interest.
- Stick to specific palettes
Certain pieces work really well with certain types of colors. If you want to make a series of black and white photographs feel powerful, pair them with dramatic red walls for an enticing impact.
- Keep it neutral
Sometimes neutral walls are the best way give your artwork the attention it deserves. Without any color competing behind it, this artwork becomes a focal point.
Buying used Sculptures: How to ensure value
As the old saying goes, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," but beauty isn't the full picture when trying to determine the value of a piece of sculpture or other work of art. When value is part of the equation in purchasing artworks, the potential buyer needs to either do some homework or just trust that the seller's price is fair. While trust may work when dealing with a gallery or art dealer you are familiar with, it isn't the best way to determine the value of a sculpture.
For the most part, the value of a piece is whatever a buyer is willing to pay for a piece of sculpture, and factors can include personal taste, whether the piece matches the decor where it will be placed, the budget of the buyer, and the overall aesthetic appeal of the piece.
This guide will discuss what constitutes a sculpture, provide ideas of what to look for when shopping for sculpture, what value actually means when purchasing sculpture, and how to go about determining the market value of a sculpture.
In determining the value of a piece of sculpture, one has to consider originality, the artist, condition, medium, desirability, and replacement costs.
Originality of the Piece
Original artworks can hold value across time if the artist has gained acclaim for their works. As well, many local artists turn out several pieces per year and these are readily available from local galleries. Original pieces should be identifiable in one way or another by way of discrete markings somewhere on the sculpture. Also, some may come with certificates of authenticity. An original sculpture is often worth thousands of dollars more than a reproduction.
The Artist
Whether the artist is initially known or unknown, take the time while inspecting the sculpture to look for the artist's signature, or mark. A signed work of art can be worth more if the artist is well-known. Make sure the name is what it appears to be. While a work by Pablo Picasso could be worth millions, apiece by Pablo Jones, might not be worth quite that much. If the artist isn't known to you specifically, there are multiple resources online and at local libraries to research the artist. This information can include the artist's overall importance, and the importance of their works. One should also research recent art sales for the artist's work.
Condition of the Sculpture
Look at pieces carefully. Search for signs of damage or areas where repairs have been made. In most cases, repairs (considered modifications) actually detract from the value of a sculpture. In considering the condition, you should consider the medium. Stone will chip and break, while some metals rust, woods can be attacked by parasites and rot. Lighter metals may dent and ding easily. So, the type of damage is dependent on the medium it was created from.
Medium
Depending on the materials used to create the sculpture, the value will vary. Wood pieces are simply less expensive to create than marble, so the value of wooden sculpture will often be less.
Desirability
Depending on the subject matter, some sculptures will be more popular with some groups of people and not so much with others. For instance there is a large selection of sports- and entertainment-themed sculptures. These are normally figurines or busts of popular fictional characters, sports figures and even cartoon characters. Other factors that determine desirability include the style of sculpture. For example, some people are crazy about large wooden pieces carved with a chainsaw.
Replacement Costs
If a piece is very expensive, you will want to insure it. The replacement cost is the amount that the insurance company will have to pay out to replace the sculpture, if the sculpture is indeed replaceable.