A person who wants to buy original art has a lot of research and thinking to do. Purchasing an original work of art is a big investment in time and money. It thus helps to have some tips available when looking to buy an original masterpiece. These include knowing the type of art that one wants, thinking about how much is going to be spent, considering whether to buy the artwork from a gallery or online, finding out shipping and return policies of dealers, checking to see if a certificate of authenticity is provided with the artwork, and ensuring that the artwork goes with the basic decor of a home.

To begin, a person should settle on the type of art that he or she wants. This includes both the period that the art was produced in as well as the kind of painting. Some of the different art periods include Abstract Art, Realism Art, and Impressionism Art. Some of the kinds, or mediums, of paintings are oil and watercolor pieces. The search engines are excellent places to conduct extensive research on different art periods and the paintings that they were each marked by.

Thinking about how much is going to be spent for the painting is also a critical component associated with buying original artwork. In addition to the vast expense associated with some paintings, the frame can be just as expensive as the artwork or more so. It thus needs to be factored in with the total cost of the painting.

Considering whether to buy the artwork from a gallery or online is another aspect that a person wishing to buy original art has to consider. While it can be fun to visit art galleries and see the actual paintings in person, it can also be time-consuming. A person can get just as much out of viewing paintings online as he or she could by going to art galleries in person. Whether a person decides to buy artwork over the Internet or in person, he or she should take special care to carefully research the art dealer that will be dealt with, as scams are unfortunately prevalent in the art industry.

Finding out shipping and return policies is also critical for a person who wishes to buy original art. These aspects need to be made clear by the art dealer from the start. A customer should get a confirmation and tracking number; the art work should also be insured given its expense. Furthermore, the seller should have clear contact information and should be readily available in the event that the customer encounters any problems with his or her order.

Checking to see if a certificate of authenticity, also known as a COA, is provided with the artwork is also essential. The COA gives a person piece of mind and is proof that the painting purchased is authentic. It should come from a legitimate artist or art dealer. It is not required for purchase, but it is highly recommended that a customer obtain one.

Last but not least, a person should ensure that an original piece of art goes with the decor of his or her home. This includes not only colors but size as well.

In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when a person is considering the purchase of an original work of art, which is a big investment in time and money. These include knowing the type of art that one wants, thinking about how much is going to be spent, considering whether to buy original art from a gallery or online, finding out shipping and return policies of dealers, checking to see if a certificate of authenticity is provided with the artwork, and ensuring that the artwork goes with the basic decor of a home.