What is American Art? What You Need to Know About Buying Native-American Art
American Art Buyers Define Art
American Art is typically refers to art that comes from the North American colonies and the United States from a variety of art methods such as paintings like the ever-popular realistic landscape and portrait pieces from the era.
The term can be used more loosely, however, to include art from all of America such as North and South America. The definition is generally left up to American Art Buyers and art institutions that display the art. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has redefined their interpretation for Colonial-related art as North American Colonial Art but includes all of early American art when speaking of American Art. Many American Art Buyers limit American Art to correlate with Colonial art only.
Some American Art Buyers also consider modern art made in America to be American Art. It seems that the compass of what American Art entails is often left up to the buyer or beholder.
Native American Art Buyers Guide
Native American Art is also referred to as American Indian art or the visual art of the aboriginal inhabitants of the Americas. It is the collection of art from American Indians and includes a wide scope of mediums such as pottery, paintings, and so forth. Native American Art buyers focus on art from Native Americans versus art from Europeans who lived in the colonies.
There is much to be learned through Native American Art about the indigenous people because unlike those who lived in the colonies during the times, they did not write about their history in the same manner as the Europeans. Instead, they left artifacts that contains pieces of their lives and culture.
Native American Art typically refers to antique pieces dating back centuries but can also embrace modern art that is done by Native Americans. The definition is defined by the individual Native American Art buyers.
American Art Collectors vs. Native American Art Buyers
American Art collectors are traditionally know as those who are interested in American Art from the colonial times but, can also include any type of art created in America from any age, such as Native American Art and modern art as well since Native Americans lived (and still live) in America just as art from modern Americans.
If you are looking to sell your American Art, it is best to check with individual American Art Buyers to find out for sure what their interpretation of the term is. If you have an Indian Art piece, you’ll want to first check with Native American Art buyers because you are more likely to find buyers who specialize in American Indian Art. On the other hand, if you are looking to sell early American art, you’d probably not do well selling to a Native American Art buyer. Knowing the channel to go through is imperative to maximize your return.
Sorting it All Out
While it can be confusing determining which type of buyer deals in a particular type and time period of art, knowing a little more about the terms used in the art world is extremely helpful. You are much more likely to sell your art for more when you go to the appropriate buyer to sell it so it is worth taking a little time to do your homework and brush up on what American Art entails versus what American Indian Art includes.
Tips to Follow While Buying or Selling Your American Art
Artwork is an important part of every culture and American culture is no exception. There is a unique vibe to American artwork. It is present in the work of disparate, famous American artist from John Singer Sargent to Jasper Johns to Grant Wood to Georgia O’Keefe to Jackson Pollock and many more. Different styles but an American feel. That American vibe makes collecting American artwork fun and, when figuring out the value of a piece you might be planning to buy or sell, challenging. American art auctions are full of valuable and impressive pieces. American art collectors are a savvy and eclectic bunch of people who have high standards. In this article we will look at some handy tips to follow when buying or selling your American art.
1. How is the Value of American Art Determined.
You should be aware of how the value of your artwork is determined. Be aware that there are certain factors that will determine what American art collectors will pay for your piece, or what you should be willing to pay if you are the collector. Artwork should first be authenticated. This can be easy with contemporary pieces when the artist is alive to authentic a piece. It is a trickier with older, historic pieces that have passed through many owners. Serious art collectors always insist on authentication. Value is also determined by who the artist was, the more famous the artist, the more the artwork is worth. The condition of the artwork, size and materials it is made of (ie. oil paintings are often more expensive than watercolors) help determine value. In some cases, the subject of painting or statue can add value. So can provenance (who it previously belonged to). In the end, the marketplace dictates the final value of piece of art.
2. Get American Art Appraised by an Expert.
Whether you are planning on selling American art online or you are at a gallery and spot a piece that you just have to have, it is a good idea to look for American art appraisers who can help you feel confident about the true value of the piece. A well-trained expert has detailed knowledge of American history and artwork that allows them to accurately determine the origins, age, and value of your artwork. They also understand the market and the legal details involved in selling one valuable piece or a whole collection. It is important to hire an expert to evaluate the artwork. Before hiring an appraiser check their educational and professional background and compare their prices with other experts.
3. Don’t pay sticker price.
When you go to a gallery browse and don’t be afraid to haggle. Most of the time the contract between the artist and gallery will allow the gallery to lower the price by a small percentage. Also, if you love a piece by particular artist but can’t afford it, consider asking to look at other pieces by the same artist. There might be a less expensive one that is in your budget. American painting buyers know a good deal when they come across one!
4. Go to American Art Auctions Prepared
If you go to American art auctions, do you homework. Study the auction catalog. Consider hiring an art expert to advise you at the auction. They are helpful in quickly determining how high you should be willing to bid. The pace at auctions can be fast and the bidding can be confusing at times. If in doubt, don’t get into the bidding. Just watch. Be wary of online auctions. They aren’t always as reliable when it comes to authenticity and provenance. American art collectors love auctions and they can be fun but it pays to be prepared.
5. Other Resources for American Art Collectors and Sellers.
Fifth, the internet is a valuable tool to use when buying or selling American art. It can almost be too valuable. You will get a lot of results. Some are top-tier, such a Sotheby’s auction house. Premier auction houses like Sotheby’s are pretty much guaranteed to have great art for sale and to get you a good price if you are selling with them online. The same for premiere art galleries. However, the Internet provides a place to connect with auction houses, galleries, American art appraisers, buyers and sellers of all types. Many artists are selling their art online. Many people are selling the artwork they own online. There are also other resources that can help you. There are books available at your local library, at bookstores, and on Amazon that provide comprehensive price lists for American art. There are also a variety of websites that will help you research the value of American artwork and find American art appraisers. Thanks to the internet it is easier than ever to buy and sell your American art.