These Are the Signs of a Valuable Painting

Determining the value of a modern painting today is quite different from how it was in the Middle Ages or the Renaissance. Back then, it was common for patrons to commission specific artworks, but the artists themselves were rarely seen as important figures in society.

Creative icons like Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol revolutionized the art world, leaving a lasting impact that influenced countless other contemporary artists. However, the true shift in the art landscape occurred elsewhere. In the past, medieval paintings were valued for the materials they contained, such as gold. Today, the value of a painting lies in its symbolism and the emotional impact it has on the viewer. This is why artists can achieve fame using virtually any materials or mediums available to them.

Let’s analyze some of the other signs that a painting is valuable in the modern age.

Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/blue-and-orange-abstract-painting-yn97LNy0bao 

The artist’s brand image 

While the concept of a “notable artist” is open to interpretation, you can check their work and general popularity in various communities to help make up your own mind. If you buy paintings online, you can easily check the artists’ social media or interviews to see which genres, movements and groups they’re involved in.

Today’s artists can be popular for many reasons, from being controversial to actively mitigating social or environmental causes. Most are vocal about their beliefs and views, which allows you to interpret their paintings easily. 

However, it should be noted that not all modern artists craft their social media images in a way that appeals to society. That’s why focusing on their social media pages is not always a factor in determining how good they are at painting something valuable. 

The subject of the painting 

Of course, anything can be transformed into art with the right skills and creative imagination. However, what resonates as art is highly subjective—what speaks to one person may not have the same impact on another, so it’s perfectly fine to appreciate only what truly connects with you.

While landscape paintings may not be as popular today, especially with the rise of photography and digital art, they still hold great value for many and can be a worthy investment. The same can be said for portraits. You might also find yourself drawn to depictions of objects and nature, even when they are presented in a surrealistic way, blending reality with imagination.

Abstract art rose to prominence in the 21st century. The following interesting pieces could help you to understand the value of contemporary painting: THE HINTERLAND by Gleen Brown, THE TREE by Ibrahim El-Salahi, or DISPERSION by Julie Mehretu. 

The size of the painting 

While it may seem unimportant how big or small a painting is, the truth is that the average size of an artwork (16×20 inches) is not that popular anymore. That’s mostly because as paintings became more affordable, regular people could buy them and hang them on the walls of houses with limited space. 

If done well, paintings of different sizes can have a massive impact on the viewer, regardless of how small or big they are. Bigger paintings are usually displayed in houses or buildings with considerable walls, but smaller ones strike as more touching, as they can incorporate complex subjects into limited spaces. 

This aspect is known as “wall power,” and it determines a painting’s ability to occupy and hold a visual space. The concept is well described in artworks like Jean-Baptiste Fastrez’s “Amazone Mirror.” 

The previous owners

This factor is important if you’re interested in investing in paintings or trading. That’s because artwork tends to be more valuable when its previous home was of influential people or an institution. You can easily check these details at the auctions where you’re getting the paintings from or online. 

On the other hand, if you inherited art and don’t know its worth, there are some things you can do. After thorough research, consider getting a valuation from a professional to have an accurate description of its value, which will be necessary to know when filing taxes. 

Indeed, not all family pieces are valuable enough for that, but it’s important to know if it’s worth keeping or if you can at least sell it. Even paintings with low market value are important due to their link to your family and history. 

The medium and frame 

Discussing the tangible details of a painting is as necessary as its meaning. Nowadays, artists can get very creative with the medium used for their paintings, besides canvas or board. Paint also offers different opportunities for creation, from oil and acrylic paint to watercolor paint, pastels, and pencils. 

The frame also plays a significant role in telling the story of a painting. Handmade frames, crafted by the artist or a skilled artisan, are often far more valuable than mass-produced ones from a local store. These frames are easy to recognize, as they typically feature intricate details and show a level of care in their creation.

Don’t forget about color! Red, in particular, is a powerful magnet and can attract many collectors. So, if you have the chance, consider a painting with vibrant colors. That said, paintings with darker tones can be just as impactful, offering a different but equally compelling emotional experience.

The mounting method 

Finally, the method used to mount a painting can provide important clues about its age and authenticity. For instance, paintings that are mounted with nails or show signs of old nail holes are typically older, which can increase their value. In contrast, the use of staples is a clear indicator of modern art, and the piece could potentially be a reproduction.

There are also several more recent mounting techniques worth noting. Dry mounting, for example, involves attaching the painting to a frame using a thermoplastic adhesive, which is a more contemporary method. Flat mounting, on the other hand, is a technique where the edges of the artwork are visible, giving it the appearance of floating within the frame. 

Are you interested in buying a painting? 

Buying a painting to decorate your home or hold it for future reselling means checking its value and authenticity. Modern art is viewed differently to traditional art, so you must thoroughly check the painter’s brand image, use of color, and meaning behind the pieces. Finally, check the previous owners and the mounting methods to help determine how old the painting is and its authenticity.