5 Considerations Before You Buy an Oil Painting

by Marshall | Oil Paintings

When it comes to buying an oil painting, there are many things to consider. From the size of the painting to the subject matter, there are a variety of factors that can influence your decision. In this article, we will talk about 5 considerations before you buy an oil painting.

Choosing An Oil Painting

Oil paintings are the most popular form of artwork. Many people have them in their homes, and they can be a great addition to any room or building. However, when you buy an oil painting many factors go into consideration:

1. Size

The first thing that needs to be considered in choosing the perfect oil painting is size. This can vary depending on where you plan on displaying it and how much space there really is available for such a large work of art. Nobody wants their new acquisition damaged or dirty from lack-of-room. The best way around these challenges would seem like taking accurate measurements before going ahead with your purchase which will help assure yourself nothing goes wrong later down the road after the installation has been completed. It's important to measure your wall space before you buy a painting as there are many different sizes and styles of paintings. If the new artwork is too big or small, it will appear lost in all that empty wall space, whereas if they're just right then your room can be filled with color.

2. Color

It's important to consider the color scheme in your home or office. Painting colors should complement those around unless you are going for harsh contrasts, as it can be hard on people who have sensitive eyesight and don't want their new painting job ruining that sense of relaxation they just found with its presence. The moods also play an essential role when choosing what kind of space each room will become, choose calming options like light blues or green hues for bedrooms where sleep is key, use bolder tones if entertaining guests so everyone feels more at ease during these times together while still being able to enjoy the art. The best way to find out what kind of colors you want in your paintings is to take a look at the room and decide if any specifics will help dictate where they should go.

3. Style

The style of the painting will affect its value. Investment pieces are best to purchase modern work to get money back when selling. Original works by famous artists tend to hold their values if they aren't well-known pieces that could be mistaken as fakes or replicas. Authentic antiques may not appreciate much in value but can bring enjoyment because of their uniqueness and sentimental value rather than being considered an investment possibility. A reproduction would have less resale potential simply because there are so many out there, but might still provide some pleasure for years before finding another owner who appreciates small details incorporated into this type of artwork over others within the same price range or even higher ones.

4. Subject

If the subject of your potential purchase is something that you like then it will be much more likely to fit into your home. For example, if you are thinking about buying an oil painting with a nature scene, make sure that you don’t hate nature before making the final decision. If there seems to be no way for this particular item to find its place in your house or apartment, then maybe look at other options instead. There might even be better subjects available than what appears at first glance.

By Dru Bloomfield - https://www.flickr.com/photos/athomeinscottsdale/3836187025/in/photostream/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95427764

5. Purpose

Many people purchase a painting without considering why they're buying it. There are various reasons for this, but the most common is that an oil painting will look good in their home or office space. The purpose of your art should be considered before you buy one so you know if you want to try and find something similar within your budget or not. If someone just wants artwork because they think it looks nice, there's nothing wrong with that. But having a clear idea of what you'd like from paintings can help when trying to narrow down which ones would work best for your needs and desires. So ask yourself: "What am I looking for?"

If you’re on the hunt for an oil painting, there are some important things to consider before making that purchase. Keep in mind the size, color, style, and subject of your choice as well as what purpose it will serve within your home or office. We can help you find the perfect piece for any space by asking these five questions about its intended use and location. Give us a call today so we can get started.


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The Marshall Gallery, located in Scottsdale’s Historic Arts District, has been the center of contemporary art since its founding in 1998. Boasting a collection of paintings, sculptures, and exquisite glass pieces, the gallery hosts several exhibitions each year plus a biennial glass invitational that attracts top-notch talent. Here you will find exceptional art presented in an open and relaxed gallery space, which is perfect for browsing the ever-changing collection. Explore on your own, or allow our expert art consultants to offer complimentary assistance to find the perfect addition to your own collection. Looking for the perfect piece of art to complement your home’s decor? Visit us in person or browse our online art store!


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