( 
)eBay offers a global treasure trove of original paintings and drawings from children's artwork to estate finds, now find how to determine worth BEFORE clicking the bid button. A small checklist of questions to ask the seller could save even the most inexperienced and/or beginning collectors from heartache and frustration later.
Where to Begin:
A great search for original art on eBay is where the artists list their own work, which you can access right now by clicking here: Self-Representing Artists. This isn't promoted to imply gallery-listed or other third-party representation original artwork is less 'original', but because 9 times out of 10 you're going to get a much better deal with a self-representing artist, and experience the joy of 'discovering' fresh talent.
When searching for art, think about it's purpose for you, and that will help to narrow your decisions. For example, if you need a huge abstract painting to fill an empty wall like some of the paintings in Original Abstract Art, narrow your searches by utilizing eBay's search specifications on the left side of the screen. When you find something you like, remember you don't have to bid yet (depending on how much time is left in the auction!) you can 'Watch This Item' - look for the text link near the top right of the item description page. This will allow you to shop around and gather different works of art without any risk until you've had time to find out what you need to know.
The Checklist
The perfect piece of art has been found and on a wild, wonderful impulse you bid, and win. It comes in the mail and it is an original PRINT (basically a photograph of the original artwork on thin paper), or the painting is on unstretched canvas and you find it's going to cost you $300.00 to have it professionally framed. When the treasure you thought you discovered turns out to be fool's gold, or more expense than bargained for, it is because the right questions were not asked. These are things you must know about any work of art before you commit to its purchase.
1. Is it the original work of art and NOT a print or 'authentic' reproduction?
2. Is it signed anywhere by the artist?
3. If it is listed by the artist, is s(he) (and are you) aware of copyright infringement laws especially pertaining to original works of art? You have the right to an ORIGINAL painting, meaning the artist who created your work does not have the right to copy that painting and sell it again. Excerpted from piercelaw.edu, Avoiding Copyright Infringement "copyright gives its owner the exclusive right, for example, to reproduce protected subject matter (such things as ideas and facts being excluded). Sometimes a question arises as to whether a second, similar work was copied or independently created. If the person creating a second work had access to the original work and the works are virtually identical, copying is likely to be presumed even if the chance of access is remote.
When an artist sells copyright in a work, however, access is obviously not an issue if the same artist later executes a similar work. To avoid problems, it is important that the artist and purchaser of the copyright reach clear agreement about such matters. It is important that artists understand that a work does not have to be identical to infringe copyright in an earlier one. The legal test of infringement is "substantial similarity" -- which translates (roughly) into whether an ordinary observer would recognize a work as copied in whole or in part from an earlier one."
4. Is the canvas stretched and if so, is it gallery wrapped? Gallery wrapped canvas is canvas that has been stretched over the stretcher bars, over the sides, and if stapled and not tucked in back, is ONLY stapled on the back and NOT the sides. There is a huge price difference for artists when purchasing or stretching gallery wrapped canvas vs. side stapled beginning artist's canvas, and the one paying the final price will be you. Some people want their artwork framed, and if you do, then certainly don't pay the extra for gallery wrapped canvas. But if you want that sleek, no frame look on your paintings, make sure the canvas is gallery wrapped and the that the sides are painted. Most artists paint the sides black, but with most you can request the sides be painted a different color if it would suit your decor better. How much extra charged for this service will depend on the artist and the size of the painting.
5. How deep is the gallery wrap? Unbelievably some canvases are getting away with being called 'gallery wrap' when the boards they're stretched on aren't even 1/2" thick. Something this thin will look more like canvas board than a gallery wrap canvas. The deeper the wrap, the farther out your painting will sit from the wall and the 'boxier' it will look. I would never recommend any gallery wrap less than 3/4" thick, but 1" and up is better.
I sincerely hoped this helped you on your way to finding treasure in eBay's art coves.
Dee Ann
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