With the Euro-zone crisis (those PIIGS! Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain, that is) hanging over our collective heads and some economists still predicting a big depression for the American economy, a word to the wise is the adage a penny saved is a penny earned. Saving money for a rainy day is generally good advice, but how can you save money and still furnish your home or office to a splendiferous standard? The simple answer is shop around and online, especially for one of the most important items of any room: wall decorations and in particular, canvas artwork. This post will tell you how to get gallery quality artworks on the internet without paying top dollar.
The first issue to resolve is exactly what type of canvas artwork you are after. Do you want an Impressionist reproduction oil paintings? Or a Surrealist masterpiece by the likes of Dali? Perhaps you’re after the work of a local artist and not one of the great masters. Once you’ve made your decision, scour the internet for the best deal. Generally, galleries and even some museums will have online discounts, especially on over-produced prints from previous exhibitions. They’re looking to clear stock and old artwork, so you could find a bargain. It is also worth contacting the artist directly and offering a price – what you commonly see is a listed and ideal price; in the world of supply and demand, an individual may, and indeed has many a time, reduced the price of a canvas artwork.
The second, and interlinked word of advice, is to do in-depth research on your shortlist of canvas artwork retailers. Many charge for shipping, which can cost up to $100. Some, such as cheapoilpainting.com, state that they never charge for shipping, even if you return an unwanted piece of canvas artwork. This means you won’t be out of pocket under any circumstance. Another important factor to consider are their guarantees – most websites offer 30 day, 100% money back guarantees. Why would you go with anything less? Finally, your list of shortlisted websites should all include special days of discounts – waiting just a couple of days and signing up to their mailing list could score you a discount of 20% or more, saving you even more money.
The final word of advice for discount artwork is good old-fashioned legwork. Scour the classifieds and visit thrift stores and garage sales. It might not be as efficient as internet shopping, but the experience will be memorable and the opportunity for a bargain even greater – you might even score an original and overlooked piece of canvas artwork! The average price for any reproductions should be a lot lower than a new painting, and the work is likely to be framed. You just have to invest the time, energy and gas if you’re driving. Otherwise, cruise the cyber-highway for the best results.
Tracy Raian is passionate about everything paintings and arts. Whenever she’s not out having fun she writes about oil paintings. For more information on the most popular oil painting reproductions on the market, please visit cheapoilpainting.com
