How Much is My Painting Worth?

By: Hobby Ideas Box on 27/01/2010

Not all the painters have their works exposed in the famous art galleries and exhibitions, without this meaning that they are less talented or that their work is less valuable. Sometimes, it is a game of fortunate circumstances that takes a painter on the blaze of glory. When it comes to painting and art in general, it is not the fame that makes the value. This one resides in other elements related to the work itself. That's why any painter will ask the same question once they finish a work: how much is my painting worth?

It is very hard to establish yourself the value of your work. For the artist, who went through the effort of creating it, his work is tremendously. That's why you need an objective input in order to find an accurate answer to the question: How much is my painting worth? There are several ways of assessing your painting and the methods presented bellow should be applied gradually, one after the other, for having a clear image of your picture's value.

Once you finish a painting, you can't take an objective look at it the moment you have put the brush down and called the work finished. So, it would be best to put the painting away from your sight for a few days. Just take a break from it. After a few days, you will see it with other eyes. I am not saying that you will be entirely objective, but anyway you will be able to notice aspects that probably you were not aware of so far. Examine the painting carefully. Observe the composition, the light, and the elements it features. How all these come together? Can your picture be placed into a category of styles or trends? These are preliminary aspects that will help you outline an answer for the question "How much is my painting worth?".

There comes a point when your painting has spent enough time under your eyes and has to be seen by others too. This will help you in building that objective assessment of your work. Start by exhibiting your works in an art gallery, an exhibition or even in a place that you know it is frequented by art fans like a club or a bar. Notice the people's reaction when seeing your painting. Listen to their feedback. Seeing others'first impressions is an extremely important step in answering the milestone question "How much is my painting worth?".

Now comes the crucial part: get a real assessment from a professional appraiser. There are many appraisers that claim to make the assessment based on photos sent through e-mail, but I think the most accurate evaluation will be made in front of the work. It is also important to be extremely careful in the choice of the appraiser. If you do not know one in particular, contact appraisal associations and museums and ask them for references.

In parallel with all these steps, you should carry an on-going research in order to know exactly the answer for "How much is my painting worth?" question. Check lists of prices for similar works, visit galleries and find out how much the similar works are worth. This will also help you in knowing what to expect following the assessment session taken by the appraiser.

Tags: painting