Paintings and Art Prints Add Refinement To Your Home or Office!

From the cave paintings of Lascaux to the modern art of Andy Warhol, paintings enhance our lives and stir emotion. They consciously communicate the subconscious while enriching and expanding our horizons. Because art is wonderfully open to interpretation, no two people will ever see a painting the same exact way.

What inspires one in a way that is most uplifting will bring melancholy in another. The use of light, shadow, shape, color and technique can enrapture us in a single gaze. The debate rages over what makes ‘good art great’.

Is it the composition of the painting? The rhythm? The color? Is it the way it stirs the soul or arouses the mind into flights of fancy or introspection? Most would say that this, too, is open to interpretation; that it is a combination of these things mixed with perspective that make any work of art- from a child’s scribbling to the mural done in abstract- a true masterpiece.  
 
 

Finding Sources of Good Art 
 

You can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2000 for a painting; however, in doing so you will want o find a reputable dealer. Who is a reputable dealer and how do you know for sure? A reputable dealer is anyone who does not:  
 

• have a gallery located in a shopping mall, airport or any area frequented by tourists.
• harps on ‘certificates of authenticity’. These are usually worth the paper they are printed on: zero
• offers “Limited Edition Prints”. Although they may be signed by the artist, it is merely a reproduction on paper and is essentially a signed poster of the artist’s work. They are worth very little.

 
 

Reputable art dealers can be found by contacting The Art Dealers Association of America. Other venues for purchasing art is internet based art galleries, art auctions or even directly from the artist.  
 

Tips for Buying Art 
 

The number one rule for buying art is to only buy paintings or prints that you really like. It should always reflect who you are and your tastes. Buying art strictly as an investment is as tricky as investing in the stock market. It requires a great amount of positioning and an in-depth knowledge of the art market and its many nuances.

The last thing you want is to purchase a piece of art that reminds you of a situation gone wrong. By educating yourself on various styles of art and the artists themselves, you will be able to make very wise purchases that will never lead to disappointment.

You will further enhance your aptitude for art and making art purchases by doing as the experts do: focusing on one style, artist or genre. As you develop your eye, you will feel more confident and be able to take pleasure in art on a whole new level. 
 
 

The Real Thing? 
 

For those who love art, the chance to own an authentic painting by a famous or well loved artist is the opportunity of a lifetime. It is not just a matter of prestige but sincere adoration. However, left unchecked, an art lover’s enthusiasm can get in the way of recognizing they are investing in a fake.

Every year, people pay from hundreds to many thousands of dollars for something that ends up being worth as much as a cheap print from a museum gift shop. Victims are usually lured in with ‘certificates of authenticity’ and promises of large returns with little investment. It is very important to condition the sale of any art piece upon its authentication by an art appraiser or museum curator of the buyer’s choice 
 
 

Properly Displaying Your Art 
 

When it comes time to display your art, there are no hard and fast rules. Like art itself, ‘the rules’ are very much open to interpretation. However, these guidelines will help you get the most out of displaying your paintings and/or prints. To begin, it is very important to start with the painting itself.

The frame must work to expressly compliment the painting and not the décor of the room. The painting must also be properly matted for protection. When this is done, you can then work to match the colors of the room to compliment the painting. The fun part comes in choosing the appropriate spot in which to display your treasure.

A large painting is best hung over a sofa or wherever it will be a focal point in a room, while a collection of small paintings are best grouped together at eye level in a hallway or any space where they can be studied up close. Always hang your art in a way that speaks your personality. 
 

Click here to browse through hundreds of paintings by a variety of artists!