As one of the oldest and most widespread forms of fine art, the market for oil paintings can be overwhelming. If you’re new to the world of buying fine art oil paintings, this guide should help inform you on what a painting is worth, and how Scott Gram Antiques can help you acquire it–or sell it to someone else.

What to Look for in a Fine Art Oil Painting

                                                                                             Image courtesy of Alamy

There are several factors that work together to determine the value of a fine art oil painting. Knowing what collectors look for will help you establish or maintain the worth of a painting you are looking to purchase.

• Condition: Art conservation is an important and growing part of the fine art world. Conservators and restorers work hard to maintain the aesthetics and materials of an original fine art oil painting while preserving it for future admirers. A well-conserved oil painting will be worth much more than one that hasn’t been cared for.
• Legitimacy: Art forgery runs rampant. Any fine art oil painting being bought or sold should come with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Artist: This should be a no-brainer, but an oil painting by a famous artist is going to fetch a bigger price than one with no name. The most expensive single painting ever sold was Paul Gauguin’s “Nafea faa ipoipo” for $300M.
• Rarity: Some artists were more prolific than others. For those who produced less, the value of each of their paintings increases. For very famous artists, much of the oeuvre of their fine art oil paintings can be found in the permanent collections of museums around the world. The few paintings that live in private collections, therefore, become even more highly sought after.

How to Buy Fine Art Oil Paintings

Especially for newbies to the fine art market, it’s important to work with trusted, reliable, and authorized art brokers to buy oil paintings. Scott Gram Antiques is here to help. I’ve been in this business since 1982, and as a past member of the International Society of Appraisers–a world-renowned appraisal organization–I promise I will get you the best value for your fine art oil painting. Call now ☎ 602-492-5772 for more information on how to get the most for your fine art!