Can you imagine anything more exciting than the realization that your favourite oil painting has just been evaluated, and its monetary value has increased significantly?
Oil paintings can be a sound investment. Their immediate value is one of aesthetic enjoyment, or perhaps personal meaning. In time your original oil painting will become a treasured heirloom, and will be enjoyed by future generations! Only time will expose the painting's true monetary value.
Will the oil painting you just purchased increase in value?
No one can be totally certain. It is important to start your collection by choosing a painting that is pleasing to your eye, in colour, line and form. Colours should be chosen to blend with the colours of the room where your new painting is to be displayed. Comission the artist to create a painting for you that has personal meaning. Personal value is high long before the monetary value of the painting increases. Learn something about the artist. Is this an experienced artist or a beginner? You have a better chance of the artwork retaining or increasing in value if the artist continues to paint and grow in his/her ability as an artist. Through the years the artist's style will change, and their earlier work will increase in value. It is best to purchase from an artist that has established a reputation for his/her art, and has a reliable career. A young artist, beginning their career can offer paintings that will prove over time to be an excellent investment, but only if that artist is dedicated to his/her career and to the improvement of his/her skill. Quality of materials used in your painting is also an important consideration. The artist should be willing to answer any of your questions concerning quality of materials used. Are you purchasing this painting directly from the artist or his/her representative? Is it possible to talk with the artist? Does the artist offer a certificate of authenticity? Is it signed by the artist, or does it bear his/her seal guaranteeing this painting to be the original work of art?
Once you have purchased this treasure of art, you bear the responsibility to care for your original oil painting and protect it from elements that may cause it to deteriorate over time. Your objective must be to create conditions that will allow your masterpiece to outlive the present generation. We know historically that oil paintings have lasted many generations, even under difficult conditions. Take proper care of your treasure and it will increase in value with each passing year.
