As with most things, artwork should be inspected up close. That being said, if you are interested in an estimated value of your artwork, then you must provide both a picture of the piece, plus the artist’s name along with a picture of their signature plus a date (if one exists) and the name/title of the artwork (assuming it exists). Also, check to see if there is anything written on the back. If so then please include a picture of it, unless it is simply the name of the framing company. If the canvas and structure can be seen then include a picture of it also.
To confirm that your painting is not a print. We also highly recommend that if you have a maginfier with a power of 8 times or more that you put it up to your artwork. If you see dots then it is a modern print. If you see swiggly lines then it is probably a 19th century etching. Note: If the artwork is under glass this may not work.
Paintings: We need to know:
1) Is it a watercolor, gouache, oil, acrylic, pastel, ink, pencil or mixed media. It is impossible for us to tell from a photo, so do your best. We will gladly give you an estimate of its value based upon your assumption that it is this or that however your appraisal may say if watercolor it is worth this and if oil it is worth that. Note: Oils and mixed media tend to have have thick texture, while pastels, inks, pencil and watercolor do not.
2) Is it on board, canvas or paper if you can tell.
3) We need the paintings measurements in either cm or inches. When measuring a painting, it is actual size of it which does NOT include the maesurement of the matting and/or frame.
Note: When evaluating for replacement value we fully consider the costs of framing, and any glazing and/or matting. When contemplating the market value, we give such things only minor consideration, with the emphasisis being the painting. The understanding is that the new owner in all liklihood may choose to change the frame etc, hence our reasoning.
