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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