A Practical Guide to Buying Oil Paintings

In the art world, there is a saying that "there are no bad pictures, just bad prices." This means that you can find a painting to your liking at any price point. However, this does not mean that all paintings are created equal. One of the most important things to consider when deciding what type of paint to buy is whether it's an oil painting or not. Oil paintings have certain qualities and drawbacks depending on who made them and how they were painted. In this guide, we will cover some practical points about buying oil paintings to make sure you get the best quality for your needs.

Why Buy An Oil Painting?

Oil paintings are a unique way to bring art into your home. Oil paintings are different than other types of artwork because the paint is made up of pigments that have been mixed with oil, giving it an intense color and long-lasting quality. While there are many ways to display an oil painting in your home, one popular option is framing them for hanging on walls or propping against furniture. You can benefit from buying oil paintings by adding beauty and style to their homes while also investing in something they will cherish for years to come. Whether you are a fan of abstract, contemporary, or realistic artwork, there is an oil painting out there for every taste. If you're thinking about buying one, here is a practical guide in buying oil paintings:

Invest in what you enjoy.

Oil paintings can be a great investment. If you enjoy looking at art, it's worth buying some oil paintings to put in your home or office space. It will give you aesthetic pleasure and is a good way of decorating the room. It also gives people something nice to look at when they visit your house as well. If you have art that speaks to your heart then it’s worth investing in.

Consider where the oil painting will be displayed.

For this, consider whether it is a small painting suitable for display on the wall or a large one that requires to be hung from floor to ceiling. Also, think about where you will keep your oil paintings once they have been removed from their frames and placed in storage. If possible, choose an appropriate spot based on size so all of them can fit snugly together without being crowded into too tight a space. Oil Paintings are expensive items that need proper care when displaying. To ensure long life and good appearance don't place oil painting next to radiators as heat causes dryness and cracking in paint surfaces.

Stick to your budget without letting creativity get the best of you.

You can find some great art on the lower end of the budget spectrum. For example, you might consider buying a piece that is less than $500. When in doubt about whether or not to buy an oil painting, come back for more research later. You don't want to be stuck with something you regret spending your money on so it's worth taking time to think before making your final decision.

Ask if you may take the oil painting on trial.

This way, you will know how the painting looks in your own home. Another thing to look for is if there are any visible signs of restoration or repainting on the piece because it could lose its value over time.

Know the quality of what you're purchasing.

Before purchasing an oil painting first determine the quality of oil paint used by asking questions from the seller and doing your research. If done incorrectly this process could end up costing more money in repairs or even replacement. It is always good practice to ask how long it took them to complete the work as well as where they source their materials from if possible. While information about the artist may not tell you much about quality it does give insight into who created said piece which might provide an idea of the overall style and skill level.

By Dru Bloomfield - https://www.flickr.com/photos/athomeinscottsdale/3836187025/in/photostream/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95427764

Take your time. Be prepared to wait for your oil painting. 

If you are in a rush, then your oil paintings may be rushed. Beware that many people who will try to sell their oil painting to you are not very knowledgeable about art history or even the actual age of an artwork. Some experts have been known to say anything just for the sake of selling something. There is no such thing as an expert when it comes to buying and selling art online as everyone has access to this information from all over the world these days through resources like Google Images. However, there are some things one should look out for if they want a piece that looks authentic and was produced by a well-known artist working during his period.

If you’ve ever wanted to buy an oil painting but were unsure how we hope this guide has been helpful. We know that buying a work of art can be daunting, especially when it comes with such high price tags and there is so much information online. But if you ask yourself these questions before investing in your next piece, the process will go more smoothly for everyone involved. Remember to take your time and call us today if you have any additional questions or want help finding what suits you best for your home or office space.

Are You Looking for Contemporary Art to Complement Your Home?

The Marshall Gallery, located in Scottsdale’s Historic Arts District, has been the center of contemporary art since its founding in 1998. Boasting a collection of paintings, sculptures, and exquisite glass pieces, the gallery hosts several exhibitions each year plus a biennial glass invitational that attracts top-notch talent. Here you will find exceptional art presented in an open and relaxed gallery space, which is perfect for browsing the ever-changing collection. Explore on your own, or allow our expert art consultants to offer complimentary assistance to find the perfect addition to your own collection. Looking for the perfect piece of art to complement your home’s decor? Visit us in person or browse our online art store!