Home&Garden
tips
ask before you buy
Before investing in gallery art, ask the vendor these questions to help ensure a purchase you’ll be happy with and enjoy for years.
Do you have layaway?
Layaway is a great way to make paintings more affordable. Payments over three or four months can be easier to manage than one large payment all at once. Most galleries will automatically charge your credit card monthly on a date you specify.
Do you have a 24-hour trial for pieces?
Try-before-you-buy is the easiest way to see how the piece will look in your home. Some galleries offer a way to temporarily take art home.
What is your return policy?
Most galleries don’t offer returns on art, but many are open to exchanges within a week to 10 days of purchase.
Can I buy it without the frame?
If you like the painting but the frame doesn’t quite fit with the rest of your home, ask the gallery if they ever sell paintings unframed. If not, sometimes reframing a piece is still worth the money if it’s the right piece for your home.
Does this come as a print?
If you’re looking to save money but still want nice art, ask if the piece in question is available as a print. Many artists now make prints that are more affordable than originals. Although they lack the texture and value of the original, they do make a lovely addition to any home.
—Lize Brittin
> See related feature article "Where to Start With Art"
Photo by Anna Dlubak
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