You've Bought Some Dallas Art! Now What?
1. How should I light my artwork?
Try to avoid natural sunlight because the UV and infrared rays can harm the work over time. Avoid shining bright light on the work and fluorescent lighting. A combination of halogen, incandescent and natural lighting is probably the best
2. How do I maintain the artwork once I’ve purchased it?
Most artwork requires little maintenance. Keep it inside and away from harsh natural sunlight and under normal circumstances, all you need to do is give it an occasional light dusting with a soft dry cloth. If a piece is older and shows signs of wear, a professional cleaning may be in order. Finally, if your artwork is made of an unusual material, ask the artist/gallery what the proper procedure for maintenance should be.
3. Why does the artist always retain the copyright if I own the original piece?
Art is an intellectual property, one that will always remain with the artist. You may own the original outcome of the image,but the artist typically wants to retain the right to reproduce the image for his own purposes. They may use an image of the work to apply for an artist residency, fellowship or juried exhibition.
4. What if I change my mind three years from now and no longer want the artwork?
Let’s face it - tastes change. The art is yours and there’s nothing wrong with selling it. But if the work is a pivotal or key work in the artists’ career, many appreciate you letting them know where the work is going. Knowing who owns the work and where it is currently located is important in maintaining provenance, which is the history of an artwork - its creation and ownership, used to help establish its authenticity.
Try to avoid natural sunlight because the UV and infrared rays can harm the work over time. Avoid shining bright light on the work and fluorescent lighting. A combination of halogen, incandescent and natural lighting is probably the best
2. How do I maintain the artwork once I’ve purchased it?
Most artwork requires little maintenance. Keep it inside and away from harsh natural sunlight and under normal circumstances, all you need to do is give it an occasional light dusting with a soft dry cloth. If a piece is older and shows signs of wear, a professional cleaning may be in order. Finally, if your artwork is made of an unusual material, ask the artist/gallery what the proper procedure for maintenance should be.
3. Why does the artist always retain the copyright if I own the original piece?
Art is an intellectual property, one that will always remain with the artist. You may own the original outcome of the image,but the artist typically wants to retain the right to reproduce the image for his own purposes. They may use an image of the work to apply for an artist residency, fellowship or juried exhibition.
4. What if I change my mind three years from now and no longer want the artwork?
Let’s face it - tastes change. The art is yours and there’s nothing wrong with selling it. But if the work is a pivotal or key work in the artists’ career, many appreciate you letting them know where the work is going. Knowing who owns the work and where it is currently located is important in maintaining provenance, which is the history of an artwork - its creation and ownership, used to help establish its authenticity.
