One comment we often hear from people considering buying art, especially young professionals, is "Help! I've never bought a piece of fine art for my home. Where do I start?”
Buying fine art can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the art world. Purchasing a fine art print is a good place to start as it allows you to experiment a bit to discover what you like without a major investment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to confidently purchase your first fine art print.
- Understand Your Style
Before you start looking, take some time to understand your personal style. What kind of art do you naturally gravitate towards? Do you like representational or abstract art? Modern or something more traditional? Spend some time browsing online galleries, art websites like Artnet or 1stDibs, and social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. You can search by the artist name or the type of art print you prefer, e.g. abstract art print. Create a mood board of images that you like. This will help you identify patterns and preferences in your taste.
Take a look @tregmccoy on Instagram or Facebook to see more of his work and his process.
- Set a Budget
Art prints can range from affordable prints by lesser known artists to extremely expensive original pieces by established artists. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Decide how much you are willing to spend on your fine art print. Keep in mind that prices can vary based on the artist’s reputation, the print’s size, the printing technique, and whether the print is part of a limited edition. Having a budget will help you narrow down your options and prevent you from overspending.
- Know Your Space
Consider where you want to place your new art print. Measure the wall space where you intend to hang the artwork. This will help you determine the appropriate size for your print. Additionally, think about the room’s color scheme and overall decor. You’ll want to choose a print that complements your existing furniture and wall colors.
You can use apps like artsee and upload a photo of the space you want to hang your print in and experiment with different styles and types of prints, sizes, frames.
- Learn About Print Types
There are several different types of art prints, and it’s helpful to understand the differences before making a purchase:
- Giclée Prints: These are high-quality prints made using inkjet printing. Giclée prints are known for their longevity and color accuracy, making them a popular choice for fine art prints.
- Lithographs: These prints are created using a printing process that involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then applying ink and pressing paper onto the plate.
- Screen Prints: Also known as serigraphs, these prints are made by pushing ink through a screen onto paper. Each color is applied separately, so screen prints can be very vibrant.
- Photographic Prints: These are prints of photographs, often made using high-quality photographic paper and processes.
Treg McCoy prints are printed on museum quality, acid-free, archival, textured-cotton Hahnemühle German Etching Giclée paper with a guaranteed archival life of 100+ years. The company we partner with to print our limited-edition prints has been rated as the #1 fine art and photographic printing service by professionals, based on quality, speed and customer service.
- Research Artists and Galleries
Once you have an idea of the style and type of print you’re interested in, start researching artists and galleries. Look for reputable galleries that specialize in fine art prints. You can also find emerging artists on platforms like Etsy, Saatchi Art, and Artfinder. Don’t be afraid to reach out to artists or gallery owners with questions. They can provide valuable insights into the artwork and the artist’s background.
If you have any questions about Treg McCoy or a particular print, send us an email to hello@tregmccoy.com or fill out the contact form on tregmccoy.com. We are always happy to help with any questions about the work, size, placement or framing.
- Consider Limited Editions
Limited edition prints are produced in a set number, making them more exclusive and potentially more valuable over time. When buying a limited-edition print, check the edition number and the total number of prints in the edition. This information is usually indicated on the print itself (e.g., 5/25 means it’s the fifth print in an edition of 25). Limited edition prints are often signed and numbered by the artist, adding to their uniqueness.
Treg McCoy prints are sold as limited editions. Each print is signed and numbered and arrives with a Certificate of Authenticity. Each edition is limited by the image and the size. Thus, the same image may be available in various sizes and each size has a set number that are available in that size.
This means that once we sell the total number of prints in the various sizes we have on sale for each image, it will not be sold as a print ever again, and your print will gain in value.
- Think About Framing
Framing is an important consideration when buying a fine art print. A good frame can enhance the artwork and protect it from damage. You can choose between ready-made frames and custom framing. Custom framing can be more expensive, but it allows you to choose materials and styles that perfectly match your decor. When framing your print, use acid-free materials and UV-protective glass to ensure the longevity of the artwork.
If you have questions about framing your Treg McCoy print, we have answers to the most frequently asked questions here. https://tregmccoy.com/pages/framing-your-treg-mccoy-print
- Verify Authenticity
When purchasing fine art prints, especially from well-known artists, it’s crucial to verify the authenticity of the piece. Look for a certificate of authenticity, which should be provided by the seller. This document should include details about the print, the artist, and the edition number. Authenticity is particularly important if you’re buying art as an investment.
Every Treg McCoy limited-edition print comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity with the title, edition number, size, medium, production date and certificate number.
- Trust Your Instincts
Art is a personal and subjective experience. When you find a print that resonates with you, trust your instincts. Don’t be overly concerned with trends or what others might think. The best art is the one that speaks to you and brings you joy every time you look at it.
- Make the Purchase
Once you’ve done your research and found the perfect fine art print, it’s time to make the purchase. If you’re buying online, ensure that the website is secure (look for https:// in the page URL) and the seller has good reviews. If you’re buying from a gallery, don’t hesitate to ask for more information about the print and the artist. Keep a record of your purchase, including receipts and any documentation provided by the seller.
- Display and Enjoy
After your print arrives, take your time to hang it properly. Use a level to ensure it’s straight and choose a height that’s visually pleasing—eye level is usually a good starting point. Once it’s up, step back and admire your new piece of art.
Happy print hunting!