Starting Collecint Oil Reproduction Paintings
Reproductions are hand-painted by experienced artists to recreate an original painting as closely as possible. The artist captures the mood, techniques and lighting of the original artist. That’s why many art lovers who are unable to make large financial investments in art choose reproductions. Here are some tips to help you get started if you’re thinking of collecting reproductions.
Buy What Appeals to You
Don’t make the mistake of buying art only for investment. You should buy reproductions that appeal to you. When buying only for investment, you get no real value out of the painting. You probably won’t hang it anywhere or actually “use” it. You’ll just store it away and never be able to enjoy it.
You might have a favorite artist or theme. You might have a room in your home or office you’d like to decorate with the painting. If you combine your preferences with paintings of value when shopping, you’ll make wise investments every time.
Be a Wise Art Collector
Collecting art can be done by anyone, but an expert knows what to look for and where to find it. You don’t have to go to school to be a wise collector. You can educate yourself about art reproductions by reading art magazines, visiting many different art galleries, attending art fairs or expos, etc. During your next vacation, tour art galleries and museums in the area to get ideas. This can be both fun and educational.
You should learn the difference among art originals, prints and oil reproductions so you’ll know what to expect when shopping. Also, learn how to spot fakes – there are many out there!
You can also gather facts about art by researching through the library, studying online resources about art, and getting to know other art collectors.
Compare Quality and Prices
Study and compare prices along with quality before spending your money on a painting. A reproduction of a famous painting might not always be of highest quality. The canvas and oil paints used as well as the artist each play an important role in how a painting is put together. If you have a painting in mind you’d like to purchase, try getting a photo of the original if possible to compare the two. Although no two paintings will ever match exactly, reproductions should come very close.
Know Your Seller
Before buying a painting, make sure your seller is trustworthy. It only takes a moment to check with the Better Business Bureau online to be sure there are no complaints about the company or individual. Contact a few previous customers if possible. Whether buying online or off, make sure the seller provides plenty of information about their products and services.
Online auctions can be another great way to find unique paintings, but watch out for sellers with negative feedback. Check out their ratio of buyers versus the type of feedback they’ve received.
Care for Your Art Properly
After buying a painting, you’ll need to care for it properly. Don’t apply wet sprays when dusting the painting or frame. Use a feather duster instead. Hang the painting away from direct sunlight to avoid fading or cracking. Other care methods can usually be obtained from the seller when you purchase your reproduction.
Protect Your Investment
Buy insurance for your paintings to protect them from weather damage or theft. Take photos of each painting and label them by artist, seller, date purchased and the name of the painting so you’ll have a record of your entire collection. Have your paintings appraised by a professional to get a real value total of your collection.
Painting Your Rooms, Why Not
There are lots of online resources about how to paint rooms in your home, starting with choosing the right color and type of paint depending on the area. You can also visit your local hardware store, paint store, or home improvement center and take a look at the different types and paint and the colors that are available. The sales clerks in the paint department are usually quite knowledgeable about various brands and what type should be used. If you know the approximate square footage of the area to be covered, the clerk can also give you an estimate of the average cost to paint a room or rooms depending on what type of paint you purchase.
When choosing a color to paint rooms in your home, you should first consider what the room is primarily used for, and what type of feel or mood you want the room to have. For example, the kitchen should be bright, warm, and inviting, so you would want to use colors like yellow or orange; red should not be used as a primary color because it is more intense and can contribute to overeating (no joke!). Cool colors like various shades of blue can be used in combination with calming greens to create a comfortable relaxing atmosphere in the living area or anywhere throughout the home. The color of the furniture and other fixtures should also be taken into consideration when choosing colors to paint rooms. Not every wall has to be the same color, but they should match and complement the furnishings and decor of the room.
While you’re out browsing for supplies to paint rooms in your home, pick up a few paint sample cards with various complementing shades of popular colors. Take them home and see which colors will work the best for the type of feel you are trying to achieve. Once you have chosen the colors and the type of paint, make a list and get everything you need, so you don’t have to stop in the middle of your project to run out and get an essential item. Paint rooms in your new or existing home to improve your home’s appearance and complement your style of home decor. It’s an inexpensive home improvement project that can be completed in a weekend with astounding results!