Art Auctions Q and A

Most people look forward to hanging their prized artwork on the walls of their home. It is something that starts conversations. It can be appreciated for its aesthetic value. Not all art has to cost you an arm and a leg to own.

Some are worth millions of dollars and some worth only pennies. Knowing how to buy a piece of art can make the difference between getting ripped off and finding a true one of a kind piece. Art does not have to be confined to just a canvas. It can be anything you find attractive and wish to own. In this article we will discuss one of the most popular ways to find artwork: the art auction. Hopefully by the end you will have enough confidence to venture out to visit some art auctions and find the piece of your dreams.

Are all art auctions the same?

There are some very huge differences in art auctions. There are world renowned art auctions such as Sothebys or Christies and art auctions held at estate sales. You can also find art work on Ebay. Where you bid plays a huge factor in what you are going to receive. There are auctions where you must be invited to attend. There are absentee auctions where you review the listing and place a maximum bid. The world of art auctions is extensive and unless you are very familiar with the art world, it can seem a bit confusing.

What are some of the best auctions to try?

Before that question can be answered you must first decide how much money you are wishing to spend. Art work, be it paintings, pottery, glass or jeweled coat racks, can range dramatically in price. Do you want a one of a kind painting from a world famous artist? Are you interested in digital photography? What era of pottery and figurines interests you? After you have narrowed the field down, you can then decide on what art auction best suits your needs.

The internet can be both a blessing and a curse. If you want to physically touch the art work or inspect it, the internet is not going to allow you to do that. But if you wanted to search among the best art auctions found throughout the world it is a great place to start. One website, in particular, lists both physical art auctions and those found solely online. Go to www.art-auctions.com for more information and to see what is out there.

I am not able to travel to the big name auctions. Are there any online?

Many auction houses now have websites available that allow you to bid online. Some even allow you to place a maximum bid if you are not able to be there for the live bidding. This is really common on Ebay with estate auctions. Be careful though. Please make sure and read all the fine print before bidding on any piece of art work. Many people have placed a bid on a piece expecting to receive a one of a kind original by a famous artist only to find out it is a reproduction or print. With some online auctions you will have to pay as soon as bidding is finished and there may be associated fees for the auction house along with taxes. One additional note: remember to think about shipping and handling. Large pieces of art work can be very expensive to ship, even if you are in the continental U.S. and will be much more if being shipped globally.

What should I look for in a painting or piece of art before I bid?

Assuming that you will be bidding in person at an art auction, you need to look for any surface blemishes. This applies to any type of art work. Take careful note of any imperfections. If the painting or art piece is old, you can expect it not to be in perfect condition. There may even be water stains. How well known the artist is or was will also affect how much the art work will go for. You can expect rare art work to go for hundreds of thousands of dollars and higher.

What do I need to do if I want to sell a piece of art?

The first thing you need to do is get the piece appraised. Once you have a relative value for the piece it does not hurt to get a little bit of background information on the artist. This will be very helpful if you are trying to sell the piece yourself. If you do not want to sell the piece yourself or want to reach a wider audience, consider letting an auction house sell it for you. You can get their opinion on the opening bid price and go from there. You will have to give them a percentage of the sale.

How do I get my art piece appraised?

There are many options when it comes to getting your art work appraised. The first is to stop by the local university, college or art museum. You can find knowledgeable people who can at least point you in the right direction. There are also online appraisals that can give you an estimate of the worth going on the information you provide. Of course you will want a physical appraisal and the websites can also give you a listing of area appraisers near you.

What can I expect my art piece to sell for?

That is an impossible question to answer without knowing exactly what you have. A DaVinci will sell for a whole lot more money than your neighbor's daughter's finger painting. No one can give you an accurate estimate of your art work by just going on a description. It takes the trained eye of a professional in order to determine what it is worth.

Can I use Ebay to sell my art work?

Yes, of course you can use Ebay to sell your art work. If it is a rare piece of art you may want to reconsider. Ebay is known for bargains and this is one time when bargaining may not be in your best interest. For less expensive prints, paintings or pieces you can receive a fair deal. Just make sure to give a very accurate description of the piece and also make sure and demand that the winner pay for insurance. That way no one will be out of money should the art work be damaged during shipping.

I've won a painting but when I received it there was a flaw they did not mention. What should I do?

Did you inspect the piece before you bid? Or was the auction online from someplace such as Ebay? If you inspected the piece and then discovered the flaw at home, you are out of luck. If the seller listed the painting and did not include any descriptions of flaws, you may have an instance where you can return the painting and get your money back. Always read the auction completely before bidding. If the seller had a "no return" policy you could find yourself stuck with a flawed painting and out the money.

I bought a painting at a local auction and it needs restoration. Can I do this myself?

It would not be recommended. Paintings are delicate things. Over time they can accumulate dirt, grime and the colors can fade if the painting was not properly cared for. A professional restorer is your safest option if you want to ensure your art work is not ruined.

I've seen in movies and read in books about other paintings being hidden behind another. Is this true?

Believe it or not this myth is true. As history has shown us well, wars and pillaging has long been a commodity of mankind. Precious artwork has suffered for these times of trial. Many families wanted to protect their assets and get them away from thieves or pillagers. So they would have another painting painted over the original or they would store the original behind the canvas of another. Many people have discovered a hidden painting when they were having a picture restored.