Newbie looking for purchasing advice.

Kfennell · April 4th, 2011, 12:53 PM

My husband and I know nothing about art but have gotten excited about buying "real" pieces. There's a local auction this weekend that is selling a couple and for once I'd actually like to do my homework BEFORE purchasing. We both favor the second one but would buy both if reasonable prices. However, I have no idea what a reasonable price is and am having trouble reading the artists signatures. I'd like to know if they have any value beyond what you'd pay for their "beauty". I'd also like advice on how to inspect pieces when considering purchasing them. Thanks for any help!

John · April 4th, 2011, 02:10 PM

I have no suggestions for either signature. Since you ask, IMO the first painting looks interesting if it's well painted (hard to tell from the photograph). The second looks generic to me, Asian and mass produced.

Kfennell · April 4th, 2011, 02:22 PM

Awesome! Thanks. Any tips on how to tell if it's well painted in person?

Kfennell · April 4th, 2011, 03:33 PM

Thanks! Do you have any tips on how to tell if it's "well painted"? Appreciate it!

John · April 4th, 2011, 05:43 PM

LOL, that's the $64,000 question.

One trick I use is to view it in person early if possible, a day or two in advance. Then really dwell on it and maybe look at some similar works. By the time the auction rolls around, if I find myself liking it more and more, that's a good sign. If the thrill is already wearing off, then it's better not to bid too high. Part of the trick is not to get caught up in the psychology of the auction and bid too high.

(OTOH, part of the fun of going to auctions is getting excited and bidding too high. Just be sure to buy for love and not because you hope to make a profit.)

thatcomedian · April 4th, 2011, 06:34 PM

You could go through these results and compare the size and quality to the one you are thinking of buying.
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/searc...20&pagenum= 2

Kfennell · April 5th, 2011, 09:23 AM

Awesome! Thanks for the advice!

April 4th, 2011, 12:53 PM	#1
Kfennell Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Louisiana Posts: 5	Newbie looking for purchasing advice. My husband and I know nothing about art but have gotten excited about buying "real" pieces. There's a local auction this weekend that is selling a couple and for once I'd actually like to do my homework BEFORE purchasing. We both favor the second one but would buy both if reasonable prices. However, I have no idea what a reasonable price is and am having trouble reading the artists signatures. I'd like to know if they have any value beyond what you'd pay for their "beauty". I'd also like advice on how to inspect pieces when considering purchasing them. Thanks for any help!

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April 4th, 2011, 02:10 PM	#2
John John Malyon, host Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,404	I have no suggestions for either signature. Since you ask, IMO the first painting looks interesting if it's well painted (hard to tell from the photograph). The second looks generic to me, Asian and mass produced.

April 4th, 2011, 02:22 PM	#3
Kfennell Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Louisiana Posts: 5	Awesome! Thanks. Any tips on how to tell if it's well painted in person?

April 4th, 2011, 03:33 PM	#4
Kfennell Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Louisiana Posts: 5	Thanks! Do you have any tips on how to tell if it's "well painted"? Appreciate it!

April 4th, 2011, 05:43 PM	#5
John John Malyon, host Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,404	LOL, that's the $64,000 question. One trick I use is to view it in person early if possible, a day or two in advance. Then really dwell on it and maybe look at some similar works. By the time the auction rolls around, if I find myself liking it more and more, that's a good sign. If the thrill is already wearing off, then it's better not to bid too high. Part of the trick is not to get caught up in the psychology of the auction and bid too high. (OTOH, part of the fun of going to auctions is getting excited and bidding too high. Just be sure to buy for love and not because you hope to make a profit.)

April 4th, 2011, 06:34 PM	#6
thatcomedian Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Pedro, CA Posts: 210	You could go through these results and compare the size and quality to the one you are thinking of buying. http://www.liveauctioneers.com/searc...20&pagenum= 2

April 5th, 2011, 09:23 AM	#7
Kfennell Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Louisiana Posts: 5	Awesome! Thanks for the advice!