Is art expensive?

Many ask the question: “Why is art so expensive?” Well, everything is relative. Perhaps those who ask the question don’t feel that art is a necessity. Maybe it is just a matter of perceived value. An illusion based on precedents and biases towards what is art. It is true that artwork produced by established artists is perhaps expensive. For a beginner or average collector who just loves art, it may just be too much to spend.

The top tier

Art is not expensive for the rich few who invest in art. This group of collectors is divided into two main categories. The first, those who love art. And the second those who don’t care or love art but buy for investment. For these last two categories, art is not expensive. In fact, the more expensive the art, the more they would be inclined to buy the “investment”.
This is a description of the top tier. The “Crème de la Crème”.

In the middle

In the mid-tier the situation is different. Here you may find works of artists who would be so-called established but have not reached fame. In this category, some artworks are perhaps expensive for the first time buyer. And some other artworks are not expensive enough.

At the bottom

The majority of people in the market to buy art for their homes belong to the third tier. Here the inclination is more towards affordable “art”. Inexpensive oil painting copies produced en-mass in China, prints, and photography. These artworks are not expensive.

The poser of the question “Why is art so expensive?” has to also be aware of the artist’s angle. A so-called professional artist has many expenses similar to any other business. These expenses are Studio rent, marketing cost, exhibition costs, painting materials cost and framing costs. And last but not least, an artist spend many hours to produce a painting. His time is as valuable as any other service provider. All is explained very well in Timothy Tew’s blog article HERE.

So the question to be asked for artworks offered for sale in this low bottom tier is: Why is art so cheap?

Originals versus Prints

Originals, such as one of a kind oil paintings where an artist has spent hundreds of hours producing the piece (it is called “creating”) will always be more expensive than prints that come in multiples. An oil painting can cost thousands while a print may cost just several dollars. Halfway in between are the so-called “Limited Edition Prints”. In this scenario, an artist who feels that a particular art is very important may decide to have only a very few multiples. Not too long ago, artists used to create etchings and lithographs, in limited editions of 20. After the edition was printed, the printer would destroy the plate making it impossible to print more copies, thus retaining or increasing the value due to scarcity.

With the advancement of other printing processes, a new method was developed. Currently, many artists print artworks on canvas, a method coined Giclée canvas prints. This method gives the illusion of an original and is more affordable. However, the best tip remains to stick with originals if possible.

Conclusion

There is always something one can do to purchase art. Art is not expensive. To feel good and positive, one has to have some art. It has been proven that art is therapeutic. It can heal, so it is important to be surrounded with some art that you love. To read more about the healing powers of art read the article “Healing art” on this BLOG.

Suggested reading

How to choose your art frame
Art Collecting 101
Certificate of Authenticity