How to Buy Art-Painting Buying Guide - Art Article

Are you thinking about buying a Painting?

Buying art can be a very complex and exhaustive process, requiring a lot of time to research, study, compare and select. With so much variety in styles, sizes, mediums and colors, sometimes it can be very hard to make a decision about which painting to buy.

If you are looking for paintings to decorate your house, office or business, this article is for you. An Art Collector might choose a different approach.

From searching to selecting to buying, these basic questions will help you to find the perfect painting for you.

What is your favorite Painting Style and Medium?
Defining what you like is the key. Popular painting styles are: Abstract Art, Impressionism Art, Realism Art, Expressionism Art, Surrealism Art. Some of the mediums are: Oil, Acrylic, Gouache and Watercolor. If you need more complete information, you can search for painting styles and mediums on Google.com, Yahoo.com or other source.

Are you looking for an Original Painting or a Print?
An Original Painting usually has textured brush strokes, rich and vibrant colors, and overall, looks, feels and smells like an original. It usually has rough surface and uneven paint on the sides of the stretched canvas. Buying an original work of art is a magnificent experience and an investment opportunity.

A Print is a copy of the original painting. Also known as a reproduction, it usually has a flat image and lacks the true color and essence of an original fine art. It generally has even edges where the buyer typically does not look. If you see a dot matrix pattern, the same pattern you find in magazines or book images, it is probably a print. Some Giclee prints are very well done, may be hand signed and could be very difficult to differentiate from the original.

Would you like an Artwork that goes with your current decor?
Look around at your furniture, wall color, rugs, lamps, curtains, etc. and choose the colors you would like in the painting. Also, measure the area where the painting is going to be placed. With this information your search will be easier and faster.

How much are you willing to spend?
Set a budget and consider the cost of the frame. Sometimes the frame can be very expensive. Paintings on Gallery Wrapped Canvases usually have painted edges and don’t need frame, saving you money and adding a contemporary look to your room.

Would you prefer to visit Art Galleries or buy Paintings Online?
Visiting Galleries can be fun and you can personally see the artwork. However, it can be time consuming. Online you can find more variety and some artists will even re-create paintings that have already been sold (commissioned art).

How reliable is the Art Dealer, Art Gallery or the Artist?
Scams and misrepresentations are part of the art business. Do some research about the Art Dealer, Gallery or Artist before purchasing. If you are buying an original painting, make sure it is really an original and not a reproduction.

What is the Shipping and Handling and Return Policy?
Understanding the Shipping and Handling and Return Policies is very important. Insurance and tracking number or delivery confirmation are essential for proof of shipment. You should also be able to contact the seller in case you have any question or problem with the painting.

Is a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) provided?
The Certificate of Authenticity (COA) provides assurance and verifies the authenticity of the painting you have purchased. Even though, a COA is not necessary to prove that the painting is original, it is recommended to ask if it is provided. Also, make sure the COA is legitimate and comes from the artist or a qualified dealer, agent, gallery, etc.

How is your personal information protected?
Find out about the Privacy Policy, and make sure your personal information, including credit/debit cards and bank account information, is safe.

How to contact the seller?
Any website where you can purchase online must have a contact link, telephone number or other way to contact the seller. So, if you have any question or problem with the painting, you should contact them right away.

Owning a work of art can be a fantastic experience. Fine Art brings harmony, glamour and sophistication to any room. It has the ability to beautify any space and transmit feelings and emotions to any spectator, somehow capturing all the attention.

At www.carmenguedez.com, Abstract Art Gallery, you will find 100% Hand-Made Original Fine Arts. All paintings have a Certificate of Authenticity, hand-signed and embossed with the official logo and a Fine Arts Registered number. Prices are competitive and the online shopping transaction is easy and safe. Shipping is fast and the customer service is outstanding.

- Abstract Art – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abstract_art
- Impressionism Art – http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/imml/hd_imml.htm
- Realism Art – http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/493052/realism
- Expressionism Art – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expressionism
- Surrealism Art – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrealism
- Gallery Wrapped Canvas – http://www.google.com/search?q=paintings+on+gallery+wrapped+canvas&btnG=Search&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS348&sa=2
- Commissioned Art – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commission_%28art%29
- Certificate of Authenticity (COA) – http://www.ehow.com/how_5130904_certificate-authenticity.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art
- Abstract Art Gallery– http://carmenguedez.com/index.html