Art Gallery Paintings
Art Gallery Paintings Can Speak To Very Different Audiences
When one thinks of art gallery paintings, the works of painters such as Monet and Renoir come to mind. We often expect to find reproductions of these master painters in every gallery. After all these were the ones we were taught about in school or have viewed in museums. Not too long ago these assumptions would have been correct. However, more often than not, visiting art galleries in most major cities will bring a new appreciation for art and the many truly modern talents in our midst in addition to the classics.
An art gallery is defined as a place where works of art are exhibited. Inside a gallery you will find that some paintings are originals, others are serigraphs or Giclee prints. The prices you pay will depend on which of these options you select. Also, in many galleries the framing is for show and will cost extra, or you can have your purchase framed and matted to match your home decor.
An original of course is the actual work of the artist. A serigraph is a handmade print of the original. This is a fine art process similar to screen printing. It is a very lengthy and difficult technique that can often be just as time consuming as painting the the actual piece. A Giclee is a newer printmaking technique using high-end inkjet printers. Often artists will make prints this way and embellish them by hand to add more value and ultimately raise the sale price. When you do find a piece that you love in a gallery, ask questions to determine the reason for its price and whether it is in fact a one-of-a-kind, or a print copy.
Some cities are known destinations for viewing or purchasing art. If you are really into collecting, travel may be in your future. Annually, art magazines and websites will list the top cities, big, mid-range, and small for an active art scene. These lists are a good place to start.
With the advent of the world wide web, we now have virtual art galleries from which to view and buy paintings. Especially if you already have an eye for certain artists, you can look on-line to find galleries that represent that artist and offer his or her art for sale. Auctions sites are also opportunities for picking up art from galleries. There are many more ways to buy art these days without traveling to each gallery, however, viewing a painting in person really is preferred.
If you are an artist that is interested in having your work offered for sale in an art gallery, you will need to do your homework too. Look at different galleries in your area, or if you specialize in painting certain subjects that you know are popular in other parts of your country or other countries, you may want to contact gallery representatives in those places too. Galleries will feature several of your pieces on a wall, or in the entire gallery depending on how known you are as an artist. Some galleries may purchase your work outright and then resell it at a mark-up which will be their profit. Others will hang your pieces on consignment and negotiate a split of the sale price, or work for a sales commission.
If you only want to appreciate art and enjoy a night on the town look in your local newspaper, or ask the concierge at your hotel if traveling. Many cities host an art night on the first Friday of the month. Other galleries may put on a gala to launch a new exhibit. On these occasions you may be treated to wine and cheese or other treats while you peruse the gallery. The owners and artists are hoping you'll be in the mood to buy, but everyone is welcome to look.
Purchasing art from art gallery paintings will allow you to obtain the story behind the artist and the painting. Depending on the value of a piece you are considering, a gallery owner may even arrange to bring it to your home for you to view it in the intended surroundings. If you are a lover of fine art, or an artist, there are many options available to you to show your appreciation or to be discovered.
