<p>I recently saw a piece of art on Antiques Roadshow that I liked very much. The estimate they gave for it was a few thousands dollars.</p>
<p>I have never spent anywhere near that on a piece of art. However, Mr PMK will be getting his doctorate in two years and I’ve been pondering a “big gift.” I think a piece by this artist might be a good one.</p>
<p>I looked up the artist name and while there is information on him and even prices listed of pieces that have been up for auction recently, I could not find any artwork itself.</p>
<p>You might try looking up the auction house that handled the sale of that artist’s most recent sales. They may know of more work that is or will be coming available.</p>
<p>Beyond that, if you are interested in looking at other artists, I would look for reputable galleries in your area. Take some walk-throughs and see what strikes you. Galleries usually specialize in one or two genres or styles so go to the internet and google galleries in the city closest to you. That way you can narrow down your search. Good luck. It sounds like a fun problem to have!</p>
<p>oh for heaven’s sake, email the artist. He will be thrilled to tell you where and when you can buy his art.<br>
My friend who is a comercial /art show/gallery type says anyone would be thrilled to get an email from a potential buyer. Waiting and dealing with the artist might save you some of the fees the local shows take in from the artists. </p>
<p>Evidently EPTR and I are about three magnitudes of value apart regarding art… my advice is for emerging artists with prices in the <1000 value. My friends in the business only dream of being represented by big city auction houses. The majority of artists make money on the art show circuit instead of a big break in NY.
Sorry, I turned this into a “how to sell art” instead of “how to buy art” entry.</p>
<p>I think it’s very hard to buy art for someone other than oneself. What you love and what moves you may not be appealing to someone else. I think art is very personal. I suggest that you take your son to a gallery and let him decide what he wants.</p>
<p>If the artist was featured on the Antiques Roadshow chances are he is not a current artist (let alone someone waiting for emails from fans). Who was the artist?Is this artist a twentieth century artist or possibly a 19th century artist? EPTR is correct–find the last auction house that sold his work. I’ve done the search myself. I have a great great uncle who was a British 19th century portrait painter, a member of the Royal Academy whose work is in the National Portrait Gallery (UK) and though I could find auction records I still have been unable to find his work for sale.</p>
<p>Depending on your price point…and where you live (after trying the auction house route) there are buyers agents who will help you (for a fee that is usually a percentage of the price) locate a certain artist. If you are in that category make sure the provenance is attached to the painting.</p>
<p>Beware the phrase “in the style of”…could be attributed to a certain artist, but probably not…And when in galleries search for galleries that feature emerging artists…</p>
<p>I would start by going to art galleries to see what moves you…what makes you happy…and why you keep coming back to the piece(s). Research the artist if the work is “expensive”…in the thousands. And then, enjoy the piece.</p>
<p>My first pieces were purchased when I was fourteen. I liked it. Now…MANY years later the pieces I bought for $140 total are worth extra zeroes in that amount… I had no idea. I went to my husband’s partners home and he unveiled his piece. Took them out of the maid’s room…</p>
<p>I am no art conisseur, but I admire art pieces. I did buy a beautiful painting I happened upon in a gallery. I asked the gallery person how much the painting was and she gave me a price, i said “thank you”. I proceeded to research the artist and made some inquiries. I was told to make an offer well below the asking price and see what happens. And that is how i aquired my painting.</p>
<p>Well from my mother-in-law, of course! She’s been an artist’s representative for decades. The first apt DH and I lived in had almost no furniture but the walls were covered with lovely pieces. FWIW–I think artwork makes a wonderful present. It’s my go-to gift for newlyweds–something they don’t have much (or any?) of early in their lives.</p>
<p>We buy art from time to time, mostly from local artists. As an artist myself I am pretty well plugged into the local art community. The best prices will be directly from the artists or at shows with low overheads like outdoor art shows or the local library. I belong to a cooperative artists gallery that charges a reasonable commission as well. I prefer to support living artists than dead ones.</p>
<p>I can tell you how not to buy art. After accepting the complimentary glasses of champagne at the school auction, don’t bid on the art teachers piece just to be nice. And when you lose but the auctioneer badgers the artist to make another one for the same price as the winning bid - don’t look at your husband, because he will just shrug & say “it’s up to you”.
:o</p>
<p>Thanks all for the wise words. This artist is no longer living. His name is Narciso Platero Abeyta, also known as Ha-So-De. I’m not quite to the point of actually buying something but when I do get to that point, I’ll track down the auction houses that most recently sold something by him.</p>
<p>In that case^ contact reputable galleries in Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque. Research auction houses that may specialize in Southwest art(such as the Cowan Auction house you listed). You can register online and they will notify you when the artist that you are interested in is coming up in a sale. FYI–The retail (gallery) price can be 50-100% more that the auction price.</p>
<p>If you look at my screen name, you know that I am involved with art.</p>
<p>In the late 1990’s I had a few good years of work selling paintings for my client on the net. His paintings are mostly second or third tier Old Master artists. We were doing a brisk business on Ebay and other places. Around 2002-3, the faucet seemed been turned off for the sales. Basically, buyers were disappointed by those fake, alteration and misprepresentations. We never had a problem with our products, but the business went down so much that it was not worthwhile to continue.</p>
<p>Buying painting is a tricky business, there are so much to learn that you cannot take it lightly. My suggestion to OP is to start low and learn the ropes. Before plung large sum, you should buy some thing for decoration purpose.</p>
<p>For every painting got aired on the “Antique Road Show” they turned down 100’s. We were gratified that one of our painting went on the air, but the then owner did not identify the painting was purchased from the Ebay. :)</p>
<p>I would recommend buying from living artists as well. The best place to go and find great deals on art is student shows. The most important thing to understand is just to buy something that you like. If you enjoy looking at something then it is worth the cost. Sometimes the prices and values change. Another idea is to look at other Native artists. You will probably find something that you like even more.</p>
<p>I think buying art for someone else is really hard. Since it seems like the person that you are buying for lives with you then it is easier because you have to love it too. You will both be looking at it for a while.</p>
<p>Have you considered taking a trip? Every summer in Santa Fe, NM there is a huge Indian art show in the plaza. It attracts loads of people and just tons of artists of all types. If you both like Native American art, it would be a good place to see a lot of it. Any time that you visit Santa Fe, you can see Indians selling their wares in the plaza under the portal at the palace of the governors. During the summer show though there will be lots of painters.</p>
<p>When one is buying fine art and paying a premium for an established, well known artist…things just get a little more involved. Finding a particular artists works and establishing provenance make things a little more complicated and if you are spending enough to make the purchase an investment…you need to do more than just buy it, pay for it and slap it on the wall. I think pugmadkate is wise to be cautious. Though I’m sure that many spurious online sellers love those three rules.</p>
<p>^^^^
I agree. As a working artist (and art teacher who recently donated a piece to a live auction!) I am all in favor of buying local, emerging artists work. My response on the thread was geared toward the OPs post. I assumed the artist is dead, and the work is rather expensive. That’s why I suggested contacting the auction house.</p>