Original or Reproduction?

My clients often ask whether they should purchase an original painting or a reproduction.  Here are some questions to ask yourself when you are deciding what kind of art to purchase.

1. Is this painting for me or is it a gift?

• Gift: Artwork as gifts are special and unique... but you may not know the what piece will connect with the person receiving the gift.   Ask about the artist's return policy for original work vs reproductions. You may still be able to purchase an artwork as a gift. 
• For Me: When purchasing artwork for yourself, you can connect with the piece, evaluate sizes, color palette, etc.  Working with an artist to find the perfect piece can be extremely rewarding.  You may find a piece that becomes the focal point of your home.

2. Do I want to be a part of the painting experience?

• YES - Creating a commission allows you to work with the artist to create a personal piece.  The client works with the artist to define the project and identify inspiration that will be used to create your personalized piece of work.  See my blog on Commission Candidates - to determine if this is an option for you.  
• NO - Its good that you understand you need to see the finished piece of work before you purchase. You can ask the artist about their inspiration to paint a piece of art.  Each piece has a story and knowing the story may connect you to the piece.

3. Do I have a place already picked out for the painting?   These questions will help you to determine whether you should consider an original or a reproduction.

• Will this piece be a focal piece for a room?
• Do you change your decor often?
• How important is the room in your house?  (Over the fireplace in the living room or for your laundry room)

4. Do I have a specific color scheme, size or subject matter in mind?

• Originals - If you are working with an artist, ask to see their portfolio.  You may find pieces that work with your decor scheme.  you can't find an original painting that works in your size and color requirements.  Many artist will paint a piece with your color scheme and size requirements.
• Reproductions - Purchasing pieces from a box store are affordable options but you are limited by what the store decides to sell.  Often artist can reproduce their artwork in a variety of sizes to work with your decor.  You may have to pay a little more that the box store volume pricing, but you will have a piece that won't be found in thousands of other homes.  It is a great way to have an affordable piece of art that has only been sold to a few other clients.

5. What is my budget?

• Most artist will recommend purchasing originals because you are getting the best piece.  Reproductions are a copy and are not always the best likeness of the original painting.  
• Yet not every art purchase needs to be an original.  If you want a unique piece but you don't need an original, ask about purchasing a reproduction from a local artist.  You will save money over the price of the original and be able to order a piece that is the right size for your decor.  Print on Demand prices are not the same as large volume printing from China, but you are able to save money and still get a piece of art that wont be found in thousands of homes across the world.  (See blog on evaluating your budget and what you can get for your budget. )  
• Bonus Point: You can often find practice studies that an artist is interested in selling a reduced prices.

6. What is my timeframe for delivery?

• Inventory: Purchasing a piece that is in the artist's inventory has the shortest timeframes.  
• Print Orders: Ordering from a printer can take 5 business days plus shipping time.
• Commissions: Each artist has their own delivery schedules.  Some things to take into consideration are ordering supplies (canvas, special paints, products), creation time, and post procedures.  

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  I will be adding more blog topics on how to commission paintings, tips on how to get a deal from an artist, and much more.  I paint daily and post my work on instagram.  Follow me: Karen Ahuja Studio