- Items break, get damaged, properties change or decay with the passing of time.
- Family history, emotional connections and attachments make the item important:Inherited items may have been stored, transported, defaced or even disliked but, alternatively, may have been loved, cared for and treasured by the previous owner.
The identification with family i.e. genealogy: memories: likenesses: time lines in the lineage of a generation etc can become increasingly important, especially after a recent bereavement.
- Paintings may have been acquired to fit in with decor or to fill a functional space.
Whatever the reason for seeking restoration of a painting, the uniqueness of each is apparent.
ARTIST’S DISTINCTIVE STYLE AND APPROACH
- Selection of media – oil, water-colour, pastel, acrylic etc.
- Support – paper, canvas, board etc.
- Application of paint – select or experimental style, decided palette or accidental process of colours.
- Construct – e.g. geometric design: working in warm or cool tones.
- Relationship - between artist, sitter, object, landscape, sources of light etc.
EVOLUTION OF THE PAINTING
Many times energy from the painting resonates from the work and maybe that is why its impact touches the viewer, or not. That is the introduction to the restorer. Read More→
There are various terminologies for describing an artist’s work :- basically:-
- If the full name is used the picture is probably the original worth of the named artist e.g. Fredrick William Ewell.
- If the surname only then the work is probably of a school or dedicated follower of the artist.
- ‘Manner of’ usually means work painted in the style of.
- ‘After’ is probably a copy of the Artists work.
Before buying a picture you must inspect the work or preferably seek a professional expert opinion and advice on condition and value.
Fine art can be purchased from three different sources.
- Dealer/Gallery — this is probably the most reliable way to purchase as dealers/galleries have their reputations at stake and are there for the future business. Although the most reliable way when buying can be the most expensive at it retail price.
- Private Purchase — a collector wishes to sell on a picture for various reason, upgrading, changing style etc. but the caveat here again is to seek professional advise upon quality and price.
- Purchasing at auction — There are many very reputable auction houses through the U.K. and this is the wholesale source of the work offline art for dealers/galleries. Anyone can attend an auction and bid, but you are competing to purchase against professionals.
Auction houses do try to describe the work of art to the best of their ability, but when buying anything at auction the caveat ‘buyer beware’ is important.
Most auction bid by number collected on the auction day. When you want to start bidding hold up your number so the auctioneer knows hen you are interested. Once he’s accepted your bid put your number down. Only then will a nod of your head or hand keep you in the bidding. A simple of your head or say no will take you out. Read More→
