artwork
Think about the size of the edition. When buying a print, you should always consider the size of the edition. The price of the piece should be reflected in this, depending on the stature of the artist. In theory, a print from an edition of more than 100 should be worth less than one of a smaller edition. Bear this in mind when you’re looking for works, and remember that the lower the edition number, the higher the value. If it’s the cream of the print world crop you’re after, investing in an artist’s proof is well worth the money. This is a print that the printmaker creates for the artist. It will be marked with “AP” instead of a number.
Consider your medium. Prints come in myriad genres, styles and mediums. Make sure to ask which type of print a work is. Whether it’s an original screen print, a hand-finished print by the artist, a C-type or a giclée print (a high-quality inkjet print), this will indicate how much of the artist’s impression is evident within the work. It’s also worth checking what type of paper it’s printed on — this will be reflected in the price and can influence how the piece will look when framed. A photograph printed on glossy paper is much more prone to glare and should be kept away from windows, while a matte print on Hahnemhüle paper will absorb the light and have a softer, richer finish. Always check with the artist — they’ll know best and may even be willing to take requests and print to order.
Rise Art Save Email Support emerging talent. With original art, prices can soar pretty quickly. One way to discover unique, original art that doesn’t break the bank is to seek out emerging artists by attending graduate shows, art fairs and pop-up exhibitions and contacting the artists you love to inquire about their work. Not only will this help you access undiscovered talent, but there’s the potential of the work increasing in value over time — you may end up buying an investment piece without even realizing it
Do your research. Whether you’re looking for an original piece or a limited-edition print, it’s worth investing a little time in research before you commit to a purchase. There are countless motivations that move us to buy a piece of art, which is why it’s a good idea to compile a checklist of priorities to make sure the work you find is right for you. Be it the candor of the artist, the sheer beauty of the piece, its collective value or purely its aesthetic, the piece needs to speak to you for all the right reasons. When your search is complete and you’ve found the artwork you love, check that it’s been signed by the artist — and numbered if it’s a limited-edition print. This guarantees the authenticity of the work.
Framed or not. When buying a print, it’s always worth asking whether the work will come already framed. Pre-framed is often an option, which adds an element of convenience. However, if you’re investing in a limited edition of 100 or you’ve discovered a work from an artist living across the globe, there’s a good chance the work will arrive rolled in a tube. This means you’ll need to decide how you want your piece framed. Consider the mood and furnishings of your room, which will help you choose the frame material and color. The next choice involves mounting. Whether it’s a window mount to create depth or a float mount to highlight the edge of the piece, there will be a correct mount for any work — simply speak to your framer if you’re unsure.
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