Authenticating Art: How To Value Your Painting

There are several ways to determine the value of a painting. Firstly, it is important to research the artist and their work. If the artist is well-known or has an interesting life story, it could increase the painting's value. The previous owners of the painting can also impact its worth; if someone notable in the art world previously owned it, this suggests it holds value. The painting's subject matter, size, and colours can also influence its value, with red paintings, for instance, often selling for higher prices. Additionally, the authenticity of the painting is crucial, as an original work is always more valuable than an imitation. Finally, seeking a professional appraisal can provide a written statement of the painting's value.

Check the painting's authenticity

Determining the authenticity of a painting can be challenging, and even experienced buyers can struggle. However, there are several steps you can take to verify the authenticity of a painting.

Firstly, research the artist and the painting. If the artist is well-known, their works are likely to be held in museums, and you can compare the painting to those works. You can also compare the signature to other known works by the artist. Signatures can be forged, so look for inconsistencies such as the signature fluorescing differently to the rest of the painting, or appearing too perfect. Also, consider the placement of the signature, as this is an important clue. If the signature is upside down, you can look more objectively for tell-tale signs and slight differences.

Secondly, examine the painting's materials. Authentic pieces often have a buildup of layers of paint, and visible brushstrokes with natural variation. You can also hold the painting up to the light to view it from the back; authentic pieces typically allow some light to come through the canvas, whereas prints often do not. Consider the surface the painting was created on; older works may be painted on watercolour paper or wood panels. If the painting appears to be created with modern paints that don't match the artist's historical techniques, this could be a sign that it is a forgery.

Thirdly, seek expert advice. Art dealers, auctioneers, and art historians can compare the painting to similar works and determine whether it is authentic. They can also use technology like infrared reflectography and UV light to uncover whether a painting is original or a reproduction. However, finding someone to authenticate your work can be difficult, as authenticators may be concerned about the threat of litigation.

Finally, check the provenance of the painting. Ask the seller for a certificate of authenticity and other documentation. You could also try tracking down the original seller to establish some sort of provenance, although this may be challenging.

Research previous owners

If you want to find out the value of a painting, researching its previous owners is a crucial step. A painting's value is influenced by its previous ownership, especially if it has been owned by renowned collectors, investors, or museums. A well-documented ownership record adds to its authenticity and market value.

To begin your research, check the back of the painting for any information about previous owners. Often, there may be labels or notes on the back of the frame or the wall it was hanging on. If the painting has been in a family for generations, ask family members about its history and how it was acquired. This information can be a good starting point for your research.

If you are unable to find any information about previous owners, consider consulting art experts or auction houses. Auction houses sometimes host free 'open house' days where visitors can bring their artworks and receive expert opinions. You can also contact auction houses and send them photographs and information about the painting to request an evaluation. Additionally, art appraisers can provide professional valuations and are knowledgeable about the factors that influence a painting's value.

Keep in mind that a painting's value is also influenced by other factors, such as the artist, subject matter, condition, and historical context. However, researching previous owners is an important aspect of determining a painting's worth and can provide valuable insights into its history and potential value.

Research the artist

Once you have identified the artist of the painting, it is time to do some research. The more notable the artist, the more likely your painting will be worth more money. If the artist is well-known, then the painting will automatically be worth more because of the name attached to it.

If the artist is not well-known, you should still do your research. If the artist led an interesting life or was significant in some way, this could be good news for your painting. If the artist died early and only painted a few paintings, this also adds more worth to it. This means that the supply can't meet the demand, which drives up the price. Sometimes current artists are very trendy and can get more for their paintings. For example, Banksy is very popular currently, and his graffiti-type paintings recently sold for $1.4 million, partly due to his popularity.

You can research the artist by looking at recent sales of their work and finding out which museums and galleries have their work in their possession. You can also look at the artist's body of work and see if your painting is similar to others they have done. If the artist is well known for painting similar paintings to the one you have, that could be a sign that your painting has value.

You can also research the artist by looking at the historical provenance of the painting, or its chain of ownership. This can help to determine the value of the artwork. For example, work from a certain period in the artist's life might be more valuable than work from other periods. The same could be said for works in a medium or size that was not the norm for the artist.

Compare with similar paintings online

There are several factors that determine the value of a painting. These include the artist's reputation, the medium used, the subject matter, the painting's condition, its size, and its previous owners.

When comparing your painting to similar ones online, you should consider the following:

Medium

The medium used for the painting is an important factor in determining its value. Original paintings on canvas are generally considered the most valuable two-dimensional works. In terms of value, these are followed by pastels on canvas, gouache or watercolour on paper, pencil or charcoal drawings, and finally, prints. If you own a print, look for an edition number at the bottom of the piece. Watercolour pieces will not have any texture, but acrylic and oil paintings usually will.

Artist

The artist is one of the most important factors in determining the value of a painting. A signed and authenticated work by a renowned artist will be worth more than an unsigned work by an unknown artist. If the artist is not well-known, research their life and work. If they have led an interesting life or were significant in some way, this could increase the value of the painting. Additionally, if the artist died early and only painted a few pieces, the scarcity of their work could drive up the price.

Subject Matter

The subject matter of the painting can also affect its value. Historically, portraits of beautiful women have sold for more money than paintings of men. Landscapes can also vary in value, with bright and colourful scenes generally being worth more than dark and gloomy ones. However, if the painting was created by a famous artist, the subject matter may not matter as much.

Condition

The condition of a painting is crucial to its value. Carefully inspect the painting for any cracking, tears, surface stains, or other damage. Faded paint can also decrease the value, as someone will have to pay to restore the painting. An original frame can also increase the value of the artwork.

Size

The size of a painting can contribute to its impact and draw people towards it, a factor known as "wall power" in the industry. Larger paintings often have more "wall power" and can be more valuable than smaller ones.

Previous Owners

The previous owners of a painting can also affect its value. If the painting was owned by someone high up or well-known in the art community, it may be worth more. A well-documented provenance can also enhance the painting's value and authenticate its ownership history.

Online Tools and Auction Houses

When comparing your painting to similar ones online, you can use free online tools and auction house databases to get an estimated value. Art pricing websites such as Artnet's Price Database and Artprice.com provide estimates based on various factors, including the artist's name, title of the artwork, dimensions, medium, and provenance information. Auction house websites also allow you to search for past sales of similar artworks, giving you an idea of the potential market value.

While these online tools are convenient, it is important to provide accurate and detailed information to obtain a more precise valuation. Consulting art experts or appraisers can also offer more personalised advice and insights based on their specialised knowledge.

Get an expert opinion

If you want to find out the value of your painting, it is always a good idea to get an expert opinion. Appraisers are trained specialists who can evaluate your painting and provide a written statement of its value. Although this service is not free, it is a reliable way to find out the worth of your artwork. When seeking an appraiser, it is important to choose someone with expertise in the type of artwork you own. Organisations like the American Society of Appraisers, Appraisers Association of America, and International Society of Appraisers publish directories of their members, making it easier for you to find a suitable specialist.

Auction houses can also be a great resource for expert opinions. Some auction houses host free "open house" days where visitors can bring in their artworks and receive feedback from auction house staff. This can be a valuable opportunity to get an informal assessment of your painting's value. Additionally, auction records can provide insights into the potential worth of your painting by allowing you to compare similar pieces that have been sold recently.

If you're unable to visit an appraiser or auction house in person, there are other options available. Some companies, such as Gray's Auctioneers, offer free virtual valuations. By sending them images and information about your painting, they can provide an estimated value. This can be a convenient way to get an expert opinion without leaving your home.

When seeking an expert opinion, it is important to provide as much information as possible about the painting. This includes details such as the artist, previous owners, the painting's history, and any signatures or labels on the artwork. All of this information can help experts make a more accurate assessment of your painting's value.

While getting an expert opinion may incur some costs, it is a reliable and informative way to determine the value of your painting. Whether you choose to visit an appraiser, attend an auction house open day, or utilise virtual valuation services, you will gain valuable insights into the worth of your artwork.

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