You may have thought that original artworks were the preserve of the rich and famous and that ordinary folk must confine themselves to the odd print. Most people would certainly never dream of taking themselves off to Sotheby’s or Christie’s for a fine art auction especially if they have seen the headlines about record sales. Francis Bacon’s Three Studies of Lucian Freud, for Instance, sold at Christie’s New York in 2013 for a whopping $142.4 million. Just slightly beyond the average budget!
Art Online
The world of art, however, has changed dramatically in recent years and this can mostly be attributed to the arrival of the internet. Auction houses have embraced new technology and now catalogue items online and even take online bids during some auctions. It is possible to buy art without having to set foot in the buildings. In addition art galleries which showcase the work of contemporary artists can now display the available pieces online and can reach a much wider audience. Sotheby’s have now joined forces with eBay and will soon be conducting auctions on the site.
Affordable Art
The work of many excellent contemporary artists is extremely affordable and you certainly don’t need millions to buy it. That has always been the case but most people wouldn’t wander into a gallery and so would have no knowledge of what was available and they lacked the means to discover what they liked. Now the internet is a giant shop window for art and there is something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Increased Sales
These days many more young people are taking an interest in and purchasing original art and so are many ordinary working people of all ages. Sales of original art are rising at the rate of 20% a year and that has to be a good thing both for the consumers and the artists. I suppose that it is a little ironic that it has been technology that has helped creative endeavour, or at least made it more profitable.
Original Benefits
If you are looking for a picture or sculpture for your home then do consider investing in an original piece. There is so much to choose from that you will definitely be able to find something that you really like and you could make a handsome profit in the longer term if your chosen artist becomes really sought after.
Find a Favourite
Personally I am a great fan of British artist Kerry Darlington. Her highly original approach is the result of a strange mix of influences including the fairytale picture books of her childhood, Pre-Raphaelite painting and Art Nouveau. Her work delivers somewhat mystical and most definitely colourful imagery with many pieces feeling distinctly other worldly. I also love the work of a Bulgarian artist called Silvia Vasileva who paints landscapes, cityscapes, flowers, abstract pictures and figurative pieces, often in stunning autumn colours which just happen to suit my home perfectly! I discovered both artists online whilst searching for the right pieces to grace my redecorated home. Without the internet I may never have found them. Shopping online has changed the world of art forever.
Article by Sally Stacey