Tips for Buying or Selling American Art
Art is an important part of every culture, including American culture. There is a distinct vibe to American artworks, which is reflected in the work of numerous famous American artists, including John Singer Sargent, Jasper Johns, Grant Wood, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, and many others, spanning diverse styles but encapsulating an unmistakable American feel. Its distinct American flavour makes collecting American artwork not only enjoyable but also difficult when determining the value of a piece you intend to buy or sell.
American art auctions are brimming with valuable and impressive works, and American art collectors are a savvy and diverse group of people with high standards. In this article, we’ll look at some helpful hints to keep in mind when buying or selling art.
1. Understanding the Value of American Art
Understanding how the value of artworks is determined is critical for navigating the world of American art. Authentication is an important first step, and it can be relatively simple with contemporary pieces when the artist is still alive to verify them. It becomes more difficult, however, with older, historic pieces that have had multiple owners. Serious art collectors are always concerned with authentication. The artist’s reputation is important in determining the value; the more famous the artist, the more valuable the artworks. Other factors that influence the value include condition, size, and materials (for example, oil paintings are often more valuable than watercolours). The subject of the artworks or their provenance (previous ownership) can add significant value in some cases. Finally, the market will decide.
2. Expert Appraisal for American Art
Whether you are planning to sell American art online or spot a piece in a gallery that you must have, consulting with an American art appraiser is a wise move. A well-trained expert is well-versed in American history and art, allowing him or her to accurately determine the artwork’s origins, age, and value. He or she is also familiar with the market dynamics and legal complexities involved in selling a single valuable piece or an entire collection. It is critical to hire a reputable expert to assess the artwork. Check an appraiser’s educational and professional background before hiring him or her, and compare his or her prices to other experts to ensure you’re getting a reliable assessment.
3. Negotiation and Pricing
Don’t be afraid to look around and negotiate when visiting galleries. Because of the contract between the artist and the gallery, most galleries have the flexibility to lower the price by a small percentage. If you adore a piece by a particular artist but it is out of your price range, inquire about other works by the same artist. There could be a less expensive option that fits your budget. Because American art buyers are skilled at spotting a good deal, it’s worthwhile to investigate various options.
4. Preparation for American Art Auctions
If you want to participate in American art auctions, careful planning is important. Examine the auction catalogue carefully to become acquainted with the artworks on offer. Consider hiring an art expert to provide you with advice during the auction. Their advice can be invaluable in determining the best bidding strategy. Auctions can be hectic, and bidding can be perplexing at times. When in doubt, it’s better to watch than to participate. When dealing with online auctions, be cautious because they may not always guarantee the same level of authenticity and provenance verification as traditional physical auction houses. While auctions are often enjoyable for American art collectors, being well-prepared is essential to making the most of the experience.
5. Leveraging Online Resources for American Art
The internet is a powerful tool for buying and selling American art, offering a wide range of options and information. While it provides excellent value, the sheer volume of results can be overwhelming. Prominent platforms, such as Sotheby’s auction house, can be relied on for high-quality artworks and reasonable prices, both when buying and selling. Premier art galleries are also a dependable source of exceptional art. However, the internet goes beyond simply connecting with well-known businesses. It’s a meeting place for auction houses, galleries, American art appraisers, and buyers and sellers of all kinds. Many artists now sell their work online, and people frequently sell artwork from their collections via various online channels. Additionally, numerous websites help you research the value of American artwork and find reputable American art appraisers. Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to navigate the process of buying and selling American art.
6. Diversity in American Art
American art is incredibly diverse, reflecting the country’s multiculturalism. It’s worth noting the diversity of African American, Hispanic, Indigenous, and other artists who have contributed to the American art scene. This variety adds depth and variety to American art, emphasizing the importance of exploring and appreciating various cultural contributions.
7. Art Styles in America
Describe the various art styles that have emerged in the United States. From the powerful impact of Abstract Expressionism to the bold statements of Pop Art and the realism captured by artists, American art has evolved through various movements, each of which has left its own distinct mark on the artistic landscape.
8. Art Investment Considerations
Some collectors consider art to be an investment. It’s worth noting that, while art can appreciate over time, it is also a speculative investment. Purchasing art should be motivated primarily by a desire to own it, with investment potential serving as a secondary consideration. Warn the potential investors about the art market’s volatility.
9. Condition and Conservation Awareness
Highlight the significance of artwork condition and proper conservation. Buyers and sellers should be aware of how to care for and preserve artworks in order to ensure their long-term value. Well-preserved art retains its appeal and can command higher prices.
10. Networking in the Art World
In the art world, networking, participating in art events, joining art clubs, and networking with other collectors, artists, and experts can broaden one’s knowledge, open new doors, and foster a deeper appreciation for American art.
11. Legal Aspects
Understanding legal aspects of art, such as copyright, provenance, and any potential restrictions on specific artworks, is critical. To ensure that a smooth transaction and avoid legal issues, buyers and sellers should be aware of legal considerations.
12. Exploring Emerging Artists
While mentioning well-known artists is important, it is also exciting to discover new artists. These artists may offer one-of-a-kind and reasonably priced pieces, and supporting them can be rewarding. Highlight the possibility of discovering emerging artists in the American art scene.
13. International Impact of American Art
American art has had a substantial impact on global art trends. Mention the impacts of American artists on the international art market, because international buyers may be interested in American works, giving the market another dimension.
14. Supporting Local Art
Encourage buyers to explore local art scenes and support local artists. Exceptional art doesn’t always come from well-known galleries. By engaging with local artists, buyers can discover hidden gems and contribute to their local artistic community.
15. Role of Art Critics
Explain briefly the role of art critics and how their interpretations and reviews can affect the perception and value of artworks. Understanding the art critics’ perspectives can provide valuable insights into the larger art context.
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.