River Bank, Original oil painting, Handmade artwork, One of a kind (2021) Oil painting by Vahe Yeremyan (2024)

FAQs

How do I know if my oil painting is valuable? ›

For emerging new artist could be in the lower end, ranging from the $500 to $10,000 depending on the size and subject matter, for the mid-career artists who are already established, their prices range in the thousands and hundreds of thousands of dollars and lastly the original oil painting art of very established and ...

Look for the artist's signature and compare it to other known works by the artist. If the signature is significantly different, it may be a sign that you don't have a real painting produced by that artist.

Multiply the painting's width by its length to arrive at the total size, in square inches. Then multiply that number by a set dollar amount that's appropriate for your reputation. I currently use $6 per square inch for oil paintings. Then calculate your cost of canvas and framing, and then double that number.

Appraisals & Appraisers

Consider finding an appraiser to determine the value of your artwork. Appraisers are trained specialists who work for a fee. They evaluate your piece and give you a written statement of its value.

As a general rule of thumb, you should expect to spend at least $100 on a small, simple painting by an unknown artist. If you're looking for a larger or more complex painting or one by a well-known artist, you should budget at least $1,000.

You can find qualified appraisers through organizations like the International Society of Appraisers or the American Society of Appraisers. They will examine the artwork and consider factors like provenance, condition, market trends, and artist recognition to determine its value.

If the name is not clear you may need to use a professional dealer or auction house to attribute the artwork. If you suspect that your picture is valuable, take it to a specialist fine art auctioneer, such as Bonham's, Christie's or Sotheby's.

What is the app that identifies oil paintings? ›

Download the free SMARTIFY mobile app for a self-guided tour of our Permanent Collection. Go to the Apple or Android app. … and hold your phone's camera up to a portrait to “scan” the work of art. Learn about your favorite portraits now or save information and images for later.

Just like any other investment, there's no guarantee that an oil painting will appreciate in value. While the paintings of some artists have gone up in value significantly over time, others have failed to keep pace with inflation or have even declined in value.

Sell Direct

Selling paintings to galleries and specialist dealers is in my experience best when done with a direct sale. You agree a price and the gallery pays by return. The advantage of selling a painting in this way is that there is less risk and the deal is done.

The average price for current artwork in art galleries in 2021 was $10,685. If you're selling your work directly from the studio, expect buyers to assume it's half the price they'd get from a gallery. 70% percent of the art sold at auction houses is valued at or below $5,000.

Not all blue oil paint is expensive. However, blue pigments, like Ultramarine made from Lapis Lazuli, are expensive due to the cost of sourcing natural materials and the complex process of turning them into pigment.

Look for signatures on pieces, which can mean a work of art is either original or part of a limited series. A signature can also give you a sense of a piece's potential worth or provide you a breadcrumb for finding out more information about the artist.