SHOULD YOU BUY AN ORIGINAL OR A PRINT?

There are many ways to appreciate art. Some people really enjoy owning the rich uniqueness of an original painting, while others are thrilled to have just the memory of a favorite piece in a print -- especially if the original is no longer available. For many works of fine art, it's no longer possible to own the original, as the original hangs in a museum or has been owned or passed down by generations of private collectors.

Fine art printing techniques have come a long way in recent years, and now you can own fabulous and nuanced prints of wonderful paintings at very affordable rates. On the other hand, you may find something extra special about owning or commissioning an original painting, where the palpable experience of seeing and feeling the paint on canvas is so, so exquisite and well worth the extra cost.

I own both originals and prints in my art collection. As my sister would say, "that's why there's chocolate and vanilla."

ORIGINAL ART

My painting below, "Isn't she lovely?", is a good example of art that is best seen in its original form. While a print of this painting would indeed be beautiful, the painting itself is hard to describe -- because it looks different every time you see it. It was really difficult to photograph and I had to settle on a photo that looked kind of like it, because the painting itself kept changing so much. It looks one way against this wall and another way against that wall. It looks dark over here and much, much lighter over there. Because of the layers of oil and medium I used while painting it, there are many values and soft sheens on the surface that change with the light. The whites of the blossoms are thick, so they add dimension, too. It's one of my very favorite paintings because of these subtle characteristics.

With original art, you can see and touch the paint. You don't want to overdo it, but with my original paintings (here), it's something I encourage collectors to do. Oil and acrylic paint are sturdy surfaces, and I varnish the paintings to protect them, so I tell owners to feel free to touch -- with clean hands of course. Touching, in my opinion, is one of the sensory pleasures of owning original art.

Original painting, layers of oil paint and oil medium over acrylic paint. This photo is of the painting in process and while it was wet, so the finished painting doesn't look exactly like this. But you get the idea.

FINE ART PRINTS

A print is a wonderful way to experience a painting that is no longer available for sale. With a print, you often have several options for sizing and pricing, as well as what you'd like it printed on.

Prints are great options when you're just not ready to make a big commitment to a painting yet, or if you want to try an artist, or if you want to buy art for a gift. The cost of a print will be much less than you would pay for the same art in its original form, and because of the high-end printing process and quality substrates, many prints can still be considered fine art.

Fine art print on watercolor paper. The much larger original painting is no longer available.

COMMISSIONS ARE ANOTHER OPTION

I've been having so much fun translating my collectors' visions into reality with commissions, too. I just finished one for a friend and I have another on my easel. 

If you like my style but aren't finding exactly what you're looking for in my originals or prints, ask me about doing a commission for you. You can read more about that process here.

Commission of a collector's trip to the Pacific Northwest. She was fascinated by the views "looking up."

BUYING ART SHOULDN'T BE A "ONE SIZE FITS ALL"

There are limits to what any artist can do, of course, but most artists want to work with you, and will be happy to talk about options. Don't assume that what you see on an artist's website or in their art fair booth is all they have to offer -- after all, we're creators, and we love to create! So ask, and most artists will do their best to accommodate you.

Finished commissioned painting in a collector's home and before delivery to collector.

DO THESE OPTIONS GIVE YOU ANY IDEAS?

I know buying art can be difficult, and confusing. But it can also be exhilarating and a lot of fun! I hope I've given you some insight and ideas about buying art -- and remember, you can always email me if you have more questions.

Since I signed with both of them during the height of the pandemic, I had never been to either one, or met any of the people. It was so fun! And bonus -- I stayed with my daughter and grandkids in Nashville, so I got to see family, too.

A few of the new pieces going to my Tennessee galleries, Gallery 1401 in Chattanooga and Bennett Galleries in Nashville.

I LOVE YOUR FEEDBACK

As always, I love to hear from you! It makes my day to get a response from you, to let me know that you're reading and learning something from my adventures. Thank you so much for taking the time.

I sure do appreciate you taking the time to look at my work.

This blog is published every other month or whenever I remember to do it. Please forward this article to other art lovers. They can subscribe at my website, www.marciahoeckart.com. Questions? Please email me. I'd love it.