Investing in Quality Original Artwork: A Guide
Your investment in art is not just important to you—it's my priority as well. Buying artwork is only part of the journey, and it can be both exciting and a little daunting. From finding a piece that resonates with you to making the final purchase, there are many things to consider.
When you discover artwork that moves you and you're ready to take the leap, it's normal to have questions. What should you know about the artwork's quality?
Understanding how the artwork is crafted can transform your purchase into a confident and enjoyable experience. Here are four key aspects that illustrate our commitment to quality:
Gallery-Wrapped Canvases: Our canvases are made from high-quality materials and gallery-wrapped, ensuring a professional finish that looks great with or without a frame.
Conservation-Grade Paper: For works on paper, we use acid-free paper to prevent yellowing over time, and they are presented with a conservation mat board and backing for added protection.
Professional-Grade Paint Supplies: We use top-of-the-line artist-grade paints, ensuring rich colors and durable finishes that maintain their vibrancy for years to come.
UV-Protected Varnish: To keep the artwork looking its best, we apply varnish with UV protection. This safeguards against fading from sunlight and enhances the durability of the piece.
By focusing on these essential elements, we aim to make your experience of investing in original artwork as enjoyable and seamless as possible. Thank you for considering our work, and we look forward to helping you find the perfect piece.
Here's an overview of the three stages I use in my practice to ensure your investment carries on:
Prepping Stage Investing time in preparing canvases is crucial for long-lasting artwork. I begin by layering each canvas with gesso to prevent it from absorbing materials that could lead to rot. Poor preparation can be seen on the back of a painting as paint stains seep through. To avoid this, I apply at least four protective layers using a mix of gesso and molding paste on canvas and oil paper artwork. Each prepped surface has an inventory number is registered in an art database to ensure proper documentation.
Painting Stage This is the most time-consuming part of my process. Each piece is unique, with its own character and voice. I use only the finest professional artist paints to ensure excellent lightfastness, which means the pigments resist fading over time. The edges of each canvas are painted for a seamless presentation, whether framed or unframed. This meticulous attention to detail guarantees that each piece is crafted with care.
Gallery-Ready Stage Once a painting is completed, it needs time to cure. Acrylic pieces typically require a few weeks, while oil paintings may take six months or more. Cold wax with oil can shorten the drying time, depending on the ratio and application. After drying, I carefully remove any dust and apply a high-quality varnish with UV protection or a cold wax application, buffed to a satin sheen. To ensure the best results, I allow a 72-hour drying period between varnish coats. This not only enhances the beauty of the artwork but also ensures its lasting durability. Finally, all paintings are professionally photographed, and the finished images are uploaded to the database with details about the title, size, media, exhibitions…preserving the legacy of each piece for generations to come.
With these carefully designed stages, you can trust that your investment in original artwork is in good hands. Thank you for considering my work, and I look forward to helping you find the perfect piece to add to your collection.
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