How to Get an Oil Painting Appraised

Do you have an oil painting that you suspect may be worth a lot of money? Perhaps it’s been passed down through generations, or maybe you stumbled upon it at a thrift store. Whatever the case may be, getting your painting appraised is the first step in determining its true value.

But where do you even begin? How do you find someone who can accurately appraise your oil painting? And what factors do they consider when assigning a value?

These are all valid questions, and ones that can leave many people feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting an oil painting appraised. From finding the right appraiser to understanding the appraisal process, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of art appraisal together.

What is an oil painting appraisal and why is it important?

Definition of Oil Painting Appraisal

An oil painting appraisal involves the evaluation of a painting to determine its value. The process involves a thorough examination of the artwork, including its condition, authenticity, provenance, and market demand. Appraisals are often done for insurance purposes or when buying or selling artwork. An appraiser must be knowledgeable in art history, techniques, conservation, and the current art market.

Importance of Oil Painting Appraisal

Oil painting appraisals are essential because they help owners understand the value of their artwork. This information can be beneficial when making decisions about selling or insuring artwork. Additionally, appraisals can help protect against fraud by verifying the authenticity of a piece. Finally, appraisals provide an opportunity to learn more about a particular work of art’s history and significance.

Insurance Purposes

For insurance purposes, it’s crucial to have an accurate understanding of your artwork’s value. Without proper valuation, you may not receive adequate compensation if your piece is damaged or lost.

Sales and Purchases

Knowing the value of your artwork is also essential when buying or selling pieces. If you’re a buyer, knowing what a piece is worth can prevent overpaying for it. If you’re a seller, knowing what your piece is worth can ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Credibility Verification

Verifying a work’s authenticity helps protect against fraud and ensures that the artwork is valuable as claimed by sellers.

How to find a qualified appraiser for your oil painting?

Finding a qualified appraiser for your oil painting involves thorough research since there are many types of appraisers out there who specialize in different areas. The following are steps to follow when looking for a qualified appraiser:

Search for an appraiser

The first step is to search for an appraiser who specializes in oil paintings through online directories or professional organizations such as the International Society of Appraisers (ISA), American Society of Appraisers (ASA), and Appraisers Association of America (AAA).

Check their credentials

Once you have found potential appraisers, check their credentials to ensure that they are knowledgeable and experienced in the field. Look out for certifications from recognized appraisal organizations, such as ISA, ASA, and AAA.

Ask for references

It’s always helpful to get references from previous clients. Reach out to them and ask about their experience with the appraiser.

Inquire about their appraisal process

You can also inquire about the appraiser’s process before hiring them. Ask how they conduct their examinations and what factors they consider when evaluating your painting.

Their specialization area

Ensure that the appraiser has specialized in oil painting appraisal specifically since there are different types of artwork that require different skills, knowledge, and expertise.

What information should you provide to the appraiser before they begin the appraisal process?

To obtain an accurate valuation of your oil painting, you need to provide certain information to the appraiser before they begin their evaluation. The following are some details that you should provide:

Description of Painting

Provide a detailed description of your oil painting that includes its title, artist, dimensions, medium used on canvas/fabric panel/wooden panel.

Provenance Information

Provide any available provenance information on where you obtained the painting. Include any historical records or documentation such as receipts, letters, or certificates of authenticity.

Condition Report

Provide a condition report that details any damage or restoration work done on the painting. It will help the appraiser determine the value of the artwork accurately.

Purpose of Appraisal

Specify why you need an appraisal; is it for insurance purposes, estate planning, resale, etc. The purpose should inform the appraiser’s approach and methodology to provide accurate results.

Factors considered by an appraiser when evaluating an oil painting’s value

When evaluating the value of an oil painting, there are several factors that an appraiser considers:

Artist and Provenance

The artist is a crucial factor in determining a painting’s value since some artists command higher prices than others. Additionally, provenance information plays a significant role in establishing authenticity and can increase the artwork’s value.

Condition

The physical state of a painting is vital when determining its value. Any wear or damage can decrease its worth.

Subject Matter and Style

The subject matter and style can also influence the painting’s valuation. Some genres such as landscapes and portraiture may be more popular than others and thus command higher prices.

Sales History

An artwork’s sales history can indicate its market demand, which influences its current valuation.

Size and Medium

Paintings with larger dimensions usually have higher values than smaller artworks. Furthermore, certain mediums such as oil tend to have greater market demand than others like watercolors or pastels.

Duration and cost of the appraisal process

The duration of the appraisal process depends on various factors such as complexity, availability of documentation or records, size of collection if multiple paintings are being evaluated. Generally speaking, the appraisal process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days.

The cost of an oil painting appraisal depends on the appraiser’s experience, expertise and complexity of the evaluation. Appraisers charge hourly rates, which can range from $100 to $500 per hour. The total cost of appraisal also depends on whether it is a single painting or multiple paintings being evaluated.

It is important to note that the cost of an appraisal should be weighed against its value because an accurate valuation can save you money in the long run.

Precautions to take when transporting your oil painting to the appraiser’s location

Transporting your artwork requires extra care and attention since it can easily get damaged in transit. Here are some precautions to take when transporting your oil painting:

Use Proper Packing Materials

Use appropriate packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing tape, and cardboard boxes. Make sure that the painting is tightly secured and doesn’t move around during transport.

Avoid Direct Sunlight and Moisture

Avoid exposing your artwork to direct sunlight or moisture as these elements can damage your painting. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from humidity or water sources.

Handle with Care

When handling your artwork, do so with clean hands or gloves to prevent transferring oils or dirt onto the surface of the canvas. Always hold it by its frame edges rather than touching its surface directly.

Insure Your Painting before Transporting It

Obtain insurance for your piece before transporting it since accidents can happen during transit.

Hire Professional Art Shippers

Consider hiring professional art shippers who specialize in transporting artwork since they have proper tools and equipment specifically designed for this purpose.

Can an appraisal be done remotely, or does the appraiser need to physically examine the painting in person?

An appraisal can be done remotely, but most appraisers prefer to physically examine the artwork in person. Appraising a painting remotely involves sending detailed photographs of the artwork or conducting a video conference call. However, remote evaluations may not provide an accurate valuation since the appraiser cannot examine the painting’s condition or texture fully.

Physical examination allows for a thorough evaluation of various factors such as brushwork, surface texture, and paint quality. The appraiser can also examine any damage or restoration work done on the painting. This information is essential in determining an accurate valuation.

However, there are circumstances where physical inspection might not be possible or practical due to geographical location or size of collection being evaluated.

Steps to take after receiving your appraisal report for proper insurance and protection of your oil painting

After receiving your oil painting appraisal report, you need to take steps to protect your artwork properly:

Update Your Insurance Policy

If you’re getting an appraisal for insurance purposes, ensure that you update your policy with the new value provided by the appraiser.

Store Your Painting Safely

Store your artwork safely using proper storage methods such as climate-controlled areas to prevent damage from humidity, dust, and sunlight.

Use Proper Handling Techniques

Follow proper handling techniques when displaying or moving your painting to avoid any accidental damage.

Keep Records

Maintain detailed records of all transactions related to your oil painting such as receipts, bills of sale, appraisals reports etc.

Showcase Your Painting Safely

When showcasing your oil paintings at home or gallery exhibitions use proper hanging hardware and display cases that safeguard it against theft or unintentional damage.

In conclusion, getting an oil painting appraised is a process that requires careful consideration and research. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that you receive a fair and accurate appraisal for your valuable artwork.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Get an Oil Painting Appraised

How can I get a valuation for a painting?
In case the artist of a piece of artwork is not easily identifiable, it may be necessary to seek the help of a professional dealer or auction house for attribution. If you believe that your artwork may hold significant value, it is recommended to consult a specialist fine art auctioneer like Bonham’s, Christie’s or Sotheby’s.

What is a fair price for an oil painting?
Generally, a small and simple painting by an unknown artist would cost around $100 or more. However, if you are interested in a larger or complicated piece or one created by a renowned artist, you should prepare to spend at least $1,000.

Can I take a picture of art and search it on Google?
To perform a search using an image that is saved on your device, open the Discover feature at the bottom of the screen. You can either take a photo of an object using your camera or upload an existing photo to use for your search. Simply point your camera at the object and tap search to initiate the search.

Is there an app to value paintings?
To access SMARTIFY, go to a store to download the app, then open it on your phone. By using your phone’s camera to scan a portrait, you can instantly learn about the artwork. You can save information and images for future reference.

Is there an app that can identify artwork?
Smartify is an app for arts and culture that is suitable for people aged 12 and above.

What is fair market value for a painting?
Fair Market Value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller for a piece of artwork, based on relevant information. It can be seen as the reasonable price to ask for the artwork if you were to sell it in the current open market.