There is a lot of misleading information about giclee art reproduction that exists out in the world of web. Almost from the point of its inception, giclee has been knocked by artists who subscribe to an old-world school of thought. The most popular opinion amongst giclee critics is that giclee is not a smart investment because there is absolutely ?no way? they can increase in value. Even if this were true, this belief is grounded on the assumption that people only collect art as an investment. This logic fails to take into account the millions of collectors who buy artwork simply because, well, they love art. There's no argument that giclee fine art reproductions will not appreciate in value at the same rate as an original, but it is faulty logic to assume that these magnificent prints will only decrease in value over time. The truth is, these are beautiful prints and any collector would be proud to have them displayed in their home, office or gallery. In addition, most fine art reproductions are produced in small quantities, and are in many cases very rare, and this argument becomes moot. Another common myth about giclee reproductions is that they rapidly rot and deteriorate after several years. This, of course, is definitely untrue. The truth is, true giclees are created using only the best quality archival canvas and ink. Almost all of these reproductions will remain impeccable for well over seventy-five years, and some may remain in mint condition for as long as 200 years. Critics claim this is impossible to prove, but almost all giclees undergo comprehensive testing for wear and decay. These prints are exposed to extreme UV light and massive levels of humidity to simulate the harshest achievable conditions a piece of artwork can be exposed to. These accelerated aging tests prove over and over that giclee reproductions that avoid using acid-based canvas and poor quality inks will pass the test of time. The final misrepresentation regarding giclee reproduction is that it is difficult for photographers and artists to be profitable off their prints. This just isn't true. There is a huge market for fine art and photographic reproductions. Artists likeBanksy and Patrick Moran not only make money off their original paintings and photographs, but make the bulk of their profits off of the thousands of reproductions they are able to make using the giclee printing process. The fact is, there's an enormous market for collectors who want to enjoy the works of their favorite artists, but simply cannot afford to purchase the original. Don't let these myths fool you. Giclee is an outstanding way to reproduce, purchase and display some of the world's most fantastic artwork.
Art reproductions make splendid investments if you enjoy fine art and want to stay within your budget. Hand-painted reproductions are painted on canvas by experienced artists, which makes them more comparable to the originals than printed copies. However, not all art reproductions are created equal. Before buying an art reproduction, try to avoid these mistakes.
Mistake #1: Buying Art Based on Artist Recognition Alone
If you adore paintings by a particular artist, never assume that all paintings by that artist are going to be desirable. Many talented artists produce great and not-so-great paintings. If you buy paintings by a particular artist without seeing them first, you might be disappointed. If ordering online, you can usually see a photo of the reproduction or original beforehand.
Mistake #2: Buying Online without Seeing the Full Picture
When viewing art online, make sure you're able to view an enlarged image of the painting (not just a thumbnail) so you'll be able to examine it thoroughly. Smaller images on the Web tend to distort or cut paintings. If you're thinking of buying a painting online, and a large view of the image is not available, email the Web site's owner to request a larger image by email.
Mistake #3: Buying Art from Just Anyone
Another common mistake you should avoid is buying art from a company or individual without knowing who they are or what type of customer service they provide. See if there are testimonials from other customers. Find companies that are experienced in producing fine quality paintings. Oil painting reproductions should be painted by a professional to fully grasp the detail and mood of the original. If buying at an online auction, pay attention to the seller's feedback if available. Learn all you can about the company or individual before committing to a purchase.
Mistake #4: Buying a Painting Just Because It's Famous
Try not to get too caught up with the popularity of a painting. Not all paintings should be avoided just because they're not famous. If you're planning to use painting reproductions for decorative purposes, you might benefit from many paintings that are not necessarily famous or even created by a well-known artist. Never buy a painting just because everyone else has. If you don't like the painting, you'll only be wasting money.
Mistake #5: Opting for the Cheapest Shipping Method When Ordering by Mail
If you order art by mail or online, always choose the safest possible shipping method with tracking ability when available. Choosing the cheapest shipping method might save you a few dollars, but your painting could arrive damaged. Then, you'll have to pay for shipping to return it, and wait on a replacement.
Join an art forum or subscribe to an art magazine to keep up to date with the latest art trends, best selling pieces of art, etc. Also, do some research before buying a painting to make sure it's right for you. Avoid these mistakes when buying art reproductions, and you'll be able to locate great works or art to treasure for a lifetime.
Both Nfriend21 & David De Groot are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.