It's easy to find out how much a painting is worth.
You may have an artist's painting in your home and wish to have it appraised, or you might be thinking of purchasing a painting from an artist you admire. Either way, finding out the cost of your painting is an important step in either your purchase or appraisal, especially if you are or wish to be an art collector. There are several ways to determine the cost of a painting, all of which depend on whether or not you already own the painting.
Instructions
Purchasing Art
1. Search on-line for the name of the artist from whom you wish to purchase a painting. Many artists have their own websites that list asking prices for their paintings.
2. If the paintings are not listed for sale directly on the artist's website, contact the legal department of the company that represents the artist and handles sales of his work. You should be able to find the name and address of this company on the website.
3. Alternatively, search the website of an art gallery for the painting you want to buy. If you cannot find the painting on any art gallery website, then get an appraisal to determine the definite cost.
Appraising Art
4. Contact an art gallery near you and ask for a list of the local appraisers they use.
5. Contact an appraiser who specializes in the artist or style of painting that you want to value. You are more likely to find appraisers who specialize if you live in or are close to a large city.
6. Search on-line for the painting in question along with the key word "appraisal." You might find, especially for popular artists, information on how much the painting sold for last and what it might be selling for currently.
7. Contact an auction house that specializes in art or fine goods. For a fee, some auction houses will appraise your art whether it is for auction or not.
