Monday, March 24, 2014

Fine Art Buying Guide

1. What is "Fine Art"?
It's a fair question but not always easy to answer. Galleries, art dealers, museums, and books all have different definitions for what is considered fine art. Most sources generally agree that fine art is handmade or produced at the direction of an artist and made in limited quantities, most often with one unique work or limited-edition prints. At Amazon Art, you will find original artwork and limited-edition prints (typically quantities of 200 or fewer per edition).

2. What's the difference between an original artwork and a limited-edition artwork?

An original artwork means that the artist made only one of that particular piece. For example, an oil painting produced by hand by an artist. A limited edition is an artwork that the artist has decided to make in some limited quantity. Typically editions will be numbered to show the specific edition number of the piece and the total size of the edition (e.g., Edition 7/200). Once all of an edition is sold, no more prints will be made.

3. What does an artwork's "Style" mean? What are some examples?

"Style" refers to the characteristics of a certain type of painting, usually specific to a time period or geography. It can also refer to artworks that have characteristics of that time period or school of artists. A few examples include Impressionism, Modern, and Realism. However, you may find an artwork that was done in an Impressionist style, even if the work was made last year. If you discover that you like a certain style of artwork, you can search by style using the filters on the left side of any Amazon Art page.

4. What does an artwork's "medium" or "sub-medium" mean? What are some examples?

"Medium" refers to the general category of material or technique used to make an artwork. For two-dimensional works, these are typically: drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, and mixed media. "Sub-medium" refers to more specific materials and techniques used by the artist. For example, within the medium of painting, one could find sub-mediums of acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor painting, and so on.

5. Should I only buy artwork from famous artists?

Buy art that you love! Whether it's from a famous or emerging artist, we think it's essential to love the art that you buy. Start your search by thinking about art that you feel a connection to, that you may have seen in a museum or a book. What is it that you love about that Picasso? Or a particular Renoir? Use those elements to help you search for an amazing work of art in your price range. Amazon Art offers works of art from well-known artists, but once you know what kind of work you like, that can lead you to discover new artists and mediums.
6. How do I know how much I should spend on a piece of artwork?
There is no right answer to how much you should spend on a piece of artwork. When making your decision, think about the role that the artwork will play in your life. Will it decorate a room or commemorate a special occasion? Or is it the perfect piece by your favorite artist to round out your collection? Also consider how you'd like to support a particular artist or gallery through your purchase.
7. What is a "collection" and how do I start one?
In a museum or gallery, a collection can refer to a series of artworks around a particular theme such as an artist, a style, or a period in history. For individuals, your collection can simply refer to the art that you choose to surround yourself with and the art that you find most interesting. As your collection expands, you may find that you have several smaller collections focused around different themes. Start with one piece of artwork you love, and build your collection around it.
8. I have an artwork, how do I care for it?
Regardless of the medium of an artwork, there are a few general guidelines that will keep the work in good condition. Keep the work out of direct sunlight; the light can fade colors or cause warping in the work. Avoid extreme variations in temperature and humidity; kitchens, bathrooms, and basements can have more fluctuations than other rooms in the house. A consistent environment is the best bet to keep your artwork in good shape. When framing or matting, choose archival, acid-free materials to properly preserve the art; non-archival materials can seep into a work of art and cause discoloration over time. And ask the gallery for advice on how to care for the work--they are experts in the works they sell and can provide guidance on how to best care for works in the long term.   

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