What Type of Paintings Sells in Australia?

When looking for paintings for

sale in Australia it is important

to be able to identify a quality

painting, for sale from a gallery

with a strong reputation, who

understands the art market and

what determines the value of a

painting.

The art market has a global

turnover of $50-60 billion dollars

a year. The ‘primary art market’

consists of new art entering the

market for the first time. Most

contemporary art enters the

primary market where value is

speculative in nature. Art that

has been sold at least once

before forms the ‘secondary art

market’. Obviously the primary

market price of a work can affect

its secondary market value.

Works from the same artist can

vary in value due to size, condition

and quality or the time at which the

work was produced. Subject

matter, medium and rarity also

affect market demand. Some

works can become historically

meaningful over time and

therefore of more value to

museums and collectors.

Historically is it has been the

‘charismatic’ power of artworks

(what draws people to want to

possess them) that has driven

value. ‘Art as a Financial

Investment’ by RAJ Campbell,

states that there are non-

economic value measures such

as “Do I like it?” or “Does it speak

to me?” that have an economic

effect because they become

deciding factors in the purchase.

Generally contemporary art is

valued by three aspects: Scale

(size and level of detail), Intensity

(effort) and Medium (quality of

materials). Charismatic value can

then add to the end market price.

Here are 7 Tips for Art Collecting

in Australia:

1. Be inspired

Choose art that excites and

inspires you rather than what is

fashionable. Then you will

enjoy your purchase while its

value appreciates.

2. Consider the Provenance

Provenance is insight into the

history of an artwork. This

includes the date produced,

subject matter, authenticity

(including signature, title and

paperwork) and legitimacy of the

artist. It is wise to research the

artist, their career and

achievements, and their whole

body of work.

3. Diversify your collection

You can balance out market

fluctuations and spread your risk

by building a collection of many

artists and works that span

different historical times.

4. Ensure Authenticity

A Certificate of Authenticity should

be provided with your purchase and

ensures its provenance (as

mentioned above) for reassurance

and insurance. Sometimes there will

be a photo of the artist producing

the actual work. Correct

documentation and provenance

increases collectability, desirability

and market value.

5. Look for Quality

Paintings, prints and other works

must be clearly hand-signed by the

artist. For limited edition prints

ensure the print is numbered and/or

titled. The lower the total number of

prints produced the more value it will

have.

6. Avoid Prolificacy

An artist can over produce and that

can affect long term value. If you

want a piece by a prolific artist for

your collection then research the

period when the artist did their best

work and buy from that period. Or

request a one-off commission that

has meaning to you. A reputable

gallery or agent will be able to

arrange a commission for you.

7. Use an agent or gallery

Whether you are looking to buy art

for pleasure or as an investment

consult with someone who

understands the range of paintings

for sale in Australia. Online art

gallery Art to Art provides a one-on-

one service where they discuss your

investment goals, likes and dislikes

and then recommend investment

options. Art to Art has an exciting

range of emerging and established

artists, limited edition prints, original

vintage posters, photographs and

paintings for sale.

Contact us

130 Bulleen Road,

Balwyn North

VIC 3104 Australia

P. 03 9859 6040

M. 0413 945 249

enquiries@arttoart.com.au

http://arttoart.com.au/