The Beginner's Guide to Buying an Oil Painting

Buying an oil painting is a big decision for many people. Not only are they committing to buying something that will last for decades, but they are also trusting the seller with their money. With so much at stake, it's important to do your research before you buy anything. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase your first piece of art.

Buying An Oil Painting

There are a lot of steps you have to follow if you want to buy an oil painting. Collecting all the information before going out there and buying one is vital for making sure that everything goes right. Buying it online or in person, all depends on your preference and what exactly do you need from such purchase. Here's a beginner's guide to buying an oil painting:

You have to know for sure what your needs are.

Are you buying it for yourself or as a present? What exactly do you need from the painting? Do you want a portrait or still life oil painting? Make sure that before going out there and spending money on something, make sure that this is exactly what you need. Not doing so can lead to no use of such a purchase at all.

Start looking around in galleries and art boutiques near where you live.

Professional artists are usually very busy so you want to be able to meet them in person. They're also more willing to negotiate prices when they have time to talk with their clients. You can find art galleries on the internet if there isn't one near where you live, or at least try calling ahead of time and asking for directions before driving out there. There's no reason why it needs to be a big complicated deal either, just go into the store as any other customer would do.  

Make sure that whatever oil painting you buy, make sure that it fits in your budget.

There is no feeling worse than getting a completely unexpected bill after purchasing something expensive like an artwork piece so make sure beforehand how much money will be left over in your budget once you buy it. You don't want to run out of money and not be able to purchase anything else for a long time so make sure that everything is planned to. Don't let the seller pressure you into buying something expensive or offering payment plans if you can afford it on your own. It's perfectly fine to say no and walk away from such offers especially when they're trying too hard just because they know how much an oil painting costs nowadays which means high commissions. If they push back, simply thank them for their offer but tell them that you'll think about it some more before deciding what exactly do you need to feel comfortable spending money on such a purchase.

Make sure to research who made the oil painting before actually buying one.

Some artists are famous for their detailed paintings while others focus on abstract works which can be very confusing when trying to make such decisions. There's nothing wrong with either option but if you go into this blindly without knowing what exactly do you want or need at this point, then chances are high that you'll end up regretting such purchase sooner rather than later because there was no specific goal behind it other than just impulse shopping. Not only will doing so save yourself future regrets but also allow you to find exactly what you need at the right price.

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

Be patient with yourself and don't rush into buying something because it's a deal.

Many people get excited when they find out that their favorite painting got marked down from its original price and tend to buy it without thinking twice about all the possible consequences of such a purchase. You have to remember that even though an oil painting seems valuable, there are factors other than just how much money did you pay for it which can make or break your decision in purchasing one. If you're planning on selling this piece someday, any damage done will not only affect the value but also make sure that you'll still be able to sell it at a profit after spending so much time researching and going through every single detail before actually going ahead with such purchase. Remember patience is key here and don't rush into making a final decision.

We hope this has been helpful. If you want more information on buying an oil painting, please call us today. Remember that patience is key when it comes to getting the right piece of art for your home or office space. We can help guide you through the process and make sure that whatever purchase you end up with will be a good investment in your future happiness.

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!