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Writer's pictureJ Dean

Discovering and Evaluating Fine Art Paintings

Updated: Jul 4

The allure of a fine art painting, hanging majestically on a wall, transcends mere decoration. It's a portal to a different world, a conversation starter, and potentially, a valuable investment. But venturing into the world of fine art paintings, especially for new collectors, can feel daunting. Here's a guide to help you find and evaluate paintings that resonate with you and hold artistic merit:


Finding Your Perfect Piece:


  • Explore Galleries and Museums: Immerse yourself in the art world. Visit galleries showcasing various artistic styles and periods. Museums offer curated collections, providing historical context and a chance to see masterpieces firsthand.


  • Art Fairs and Auctions:  These events can be overwhelming, but they offer a wider range of art and opportunities to witness the buying process. Educate yourself on art such as painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics and drawing techniques.


  • Online Resources: Platforms like Artsy, Etsy or Artnet showcase artworks from galleries around the world. They can be a great starting point to explore styles and artists.


Evaluating a Painting's Worth:


  • The Power of Observation: Before considering monetary value, develop your own artistic eye.  What draws you to the painting? Does the composition create a sense of balance? Are the colors harmonious? Does the brushwork convey emotion or technique?


  • Research the Artist:  Learn about the artist's background, artistic movement, and career trajectory. Are they established or emerging? Did they receive critical acclaim or awards?


  • Provenance: A Painting's History:  The documented ownership history of a painting is called provenance. A clear and verifiable provenance adds value, especially if it includes previous ownership by renowned collectors or institutions.


  • Condition Matters:  Examine the painting closely. Look for signs of damage, restoration, or wear and tear. A well-preserved piece will hold higher value.


  • Market Comparison:  Research similar works by the same artist or from the same period. Look at recent auction records or gallery asking prices to get a sense of the painting's potential value. Consider consulting professional appraisers for high-value pieces.


Remember: Art collecting should be a joyful exploration. While value is important, prioritize finding a piece that speaks to you, that evokes emotion and complements your space. With a discerning eye, dedicated research, and a touch of passion, you might just discover your own masterpiece.


About Author


James E Dean - Director, eCommerce ... Mr. Dean brings over 35 years of experience across a wide range of industries worldwide. He is considered by many to be a leading expert in the energy sector, retail eCommerce, brand marketing and AI technology.  J Dean is also a frequent Blogger, and graduate of Boston University. He enjoys collecting antiques, history, travel and fitness.  Inquiry:  Email  Message


In the late 1980s, Mr. Dean worked at Fidelity Investments and American Finance Group, as Marketing Manager in Boston, Massachusetts. From there, James E Dean joined IMAGRAPH, a company that pioneered digital compression technology for medical CT-Scan and MRI applications, U.S. defense satellite imaging and broadcast digital video production markets. The company later went public (NASDAQ: LUMI). Subsequently, Mr. Dean became involved 1990s as a co-founder at Artel Software / BorisFX in Boston, Massachusetts; where he helped pioneer broadcast digital effects, video editing systems, advanced algorithms for software and hardware video production systems. The company later partnered with AVID Technology to go public (NASDAQ: AVID). Working in this role for many years, Mr. Dean lead the development team that partnered with AVID Technology, SONY, Microsoft, Apple, Panasonic, D-Vision Systems, IBM and MATROX to develop the digital video production industry which has enabled consumers i.e. ordinary people to create broadcast quality information, stories and share knowledge on networks worldwide. Often, J Dean was a frequent tech evangelist at the National Broadcast Convention (NAB) and Consumer Electronics Show (COMDEX) in Las Vegas. In the mid 2000s, James E Dean went on to launch several digital media and AI technology companies including Entangled Vibrations, with a focus on business development, startup capital funding, eCommerce programming and creative multimedia services delivering broadcast quality text, image and video content, a role he enjoys today as the Director.  

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