When buying artwork all the experts say buy what you really like. I as an artist couldn’t agree more. And I also buy my share of artwork. It seems that people are under the impression that artist are in the service industry and that art is produce to appeal and sell to the masses, to be created with the public in mind, and in some cases this is all to true. I as a painter do not paint for the sale of it. It is great when someone appreciates my work to pay a fare price for it. But I don’t paint with the intention to make a certain amount of money in mind, I paint because I have to.                                                          

      I think there are three groups of people buying artwork. Those buying very expensive works that are very valuable in terms of historical and cultural standards. Lets call this the High art class. Like a Picasso etc. Then we have the well known highly successful artist who demand very high dollars. Some of these are found in there own galleries, very posh and upscale. Then we have the artist who may or may not be as successful and who out of love of there art refuse to prostitute themselves by selling their work for just above the cost of the paint and the canvas. Now there is one other possible category which I do not include under the heading of artwork. This is the stuff you can buy at the mall in the frame shop or at the so called starving artist shows. Usually they command prices for $50 to $100 maybe a little more in some cases. This is a guy who bangs out a dozen pieces in a day, typically the guy that does the framing in the store and works the cash register. These are the pieces you find put out to the garbage, or wind up in the salvation army thrift shop. The difference between this type of painting and a real work of art is this, when someone sees it hanging in your house they probably wont even comment on it or they may say if prodded , “oh that’s nice”. Now a true work of art the comment would probably be something like; who is the artist.

     I believe that you get what you pay for in most cases. The cheap stuff will never go up in value, in fact it is disposable, and ultimately that will be it’s fate. However if you do find something you like by all means you should buy it, but I would suggest if you don’t know much about art you should make an effort to learn, if just a little, and you will surely see how your taste will change. With some understanding you will laugh at that purple and mauve , fully garnished with those wonderful sparkles, modern abstract painting you hung over your couch. Or that lifeless still life in the beautiful frame. Anyone with a even semi sophisticated palette will see right through those type of paintings, and wonder what was he or she thinking. Now granted they may say the same about a Picasso or a Mantises but that would only show there ignorance.

     I would urge everyone to buy art that you have some connection to. And better yet buy work from so called unknown artist and you will become a true patron of the arts. If you can meet their price without hurting your pocketbook then buy that piece that you are so drawn to, and brag about it to your friends and who knows you may have the next Jackson Pollack in your living room. And one more not, if you find work that you really like and purchase from one of the many unknowns, have some document such as a bill of sale, a certificate of authenticity, even a hand written letter from the artist this will add to the personal and sentimental value as well as the resale value if you ever decide to part with it. And have you artwork insured this is common sense. In closing I will leave you with this get to know something about the artist whose work you are buying, because most artist will gladly tell you a little about themselves and their work. And have fun, it’s art not brain surgery.

William Teague jr.