When buying an original oil painting for investment purposes, there are a few things you’ll want to consider to ensure that you’re making a wise decision. Here, we will provide tips on what to consider before purchasing.
Oil paintings have been one of the most dominant art forms for centuries, primarily because they are versatile and tend to retain their value over time. For artists, they provide a unique way to express their creativity through a myriad of painting supports and techniques. For collectors and investors, oil paintings offer a fantastic way to grow the value of your art collection while also enjoying the paintings’ beauty.
However, considering their popularity and the significant number of different artists working in the medium, it can be challenging to determine which oil paintings are going to appreciate. Here are a few tips to help you choose an original oil painting for investment purposes:
1. Consider the purpose:
One of the first things you’ll want to think about is what you hope to achieve by investing in an original oil painting. Are you hoping to generate income, or do you wish to diversify your investment portfolio? Perhaps you’d like to start your art collection or are simply interested in acquiring a beautiful work of art to add a touch of personality and style to your home.
There is no right or wrong answer here; it could be one or more of these reasons. However, your investment strategy will likely differ depending on your primary purpose. For example, suppose you’re hoping to make a profit. In that case, you’ll want to focus on paintings that are expected to appreciate significantly over time, like those from emerging or blue-chip artists. On the other hand, if your primary goal is to start your art collection, you may be more interested in purchasing paintings from artists whose work you admire, regardless of their popularity or value.
2. Consider the artist:
The artist is perhaps the most important factor to consider when buying an original oil painting for investment. After all, the artist’s name will be attached to the painting, ultimately determining its value. When it comes to investing in art, there are three main categories of artists: old masters, blue-chip, and emerging artists.
Old masters are artists who are no longer alive and have already established a significant reputation in the art world. These artists include painters like Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Vincent van Gogh. Blue-chip artists have a solid track record of consistent sales at auctions and are widely recognised and appreciated in the art industry. These artists include painters like Andy Warhol and Banksy. Emerging artists are up-and-coming talents who have yet to achieve widespread recognition, but show great potential for future appreciation.
Depending on your budget and investment goals, you may want to focus on paintings from one or more of these categories. For example, suppose you have a considerable budget and are hoping to generate a significant return on your investment more quickly. In that case, you’ll likely want to focus on old masters or blue-chip artists. However, if you’re working with a more limited budget, or you’re patient enough to wait for your investment to appreciate over a more extended period, emerging artists may be a better option.
3. Consider the painting:
Once you’ve determined your purpose and narrowed your artist options, it’s time to consider specific paintings. When evaluating a painting for investment purposes, some essential factors include the subject, dimension, condition, provenance, and theme.
The subject of your oil painting will likely be the first thing you notice. But it’s also essential to choose a subject that will trigger an emotional response and interest in viewers. After all, it’s the emotional connection that people have with art that drives the market. When it comes to the dimension of the painting, it will largely depend on where you would like to display it in your home or office. However, it’s also worth considering that larger paintings tend to be more expensive but may appreciate at a higher rate than smaller ones.
The condition of the oil painting is also an essential factor to consider. A painting in pristine condition will be worth more than one that is damaged or needs restoration. And finally, the provenance of the painting, or its history and origins, can also affect its value. A painting with detailed provenance is more likely to be valued than one with little to no history.
Last but not least, you should also consider the theme of the oil painting, especially if you are aiming to start your art collection, as it will dictate and contribute to the overall theme of your collection.
About Florence Bell Art Gallery
Oil paintings can be a great addition to any home or office, and can also be a wise investment. However, with so many artists and paintings, it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s where we come in. You can rely on us to source high-quality oil paintings from some of the most talented artists in the world, while providing you with expert guidance and advice every step of the way.
Get in touch with us for more information.
