Ok.... Here's a few misnomers I though I'd like to throw in, just for the heck of it!!!
"All artists are gay!" Sorry, not this little black duck! (sorry was that racist as well?) "You have to have a degree to be a great artist." Bollocks! I have met many fantastic painters and sculptors over the years, who make a great
living from their art. Guess what, they don't have that bit of paper! "Only oil paintings fetch big money" Not so. With the advent of better, longer lasting acrylics and gouaches, there are many paintings in these mediums that are getting big bucks. "I can't afford to buy original paintings" I
hear this all the time, yet people think nothing of going to the 'hypermarket' and buying a $4000 TV on 3 years interest free! What they don't realize, is that after three years, the TV's worth squat and they have a four grand bill to pay! You can buy, a good original painting for around $500. And if you buy wisely, that will only increase in value. "I have a signed print, it is as good as a painting anyway."
A print is basically a piece of paper, printed on, just like a carton of milk or a cardboard box! Same process. Sure it may have some collectable value and is sometimes the closest alternative to an original. But I have seen many prints sell for thousands, only to be worthless in following years because of market saturation. Buying Limited edition, preferably signed and numbered is the best option. "I was told by this gallery, that this artist work increases by 50% a year" Then ask them to put it in writing, that in a years time, they will buy it back for 5o% more! "If I buy it direct from the artist, I can get it 50% cheaper" I saw a sign at the local markets, where an artist states "gallery price $2500, my price $1000" I think this already tells you that it's not worth the canvas it's painted on?
"Artists are only worth money when they die" (Sure this is true if they have a good life insurance policy!) Not the case, look at Jeffrey Smart, Gary Shead, Pro Hart, Shane Gehlert.. to name a few! "I look at that painting and it just looks like a big mess... does it mean something?" Sure..
to use Dali's term "Avida Dollars!" I have heard people gabble on about this light and this colour, emotionally convoluted, juxtapositioned wallaby vomit! I might be wrong but I reckon, if it looks like a piece of crap a four year old could paint... it probably is! "I would like to buy a painting that suits our colour scheme and furnishings" If this is
the case, can I suggest, best and less or Freedom! (Walmart in the US) If you want a piece of art, it doesn't matter what it matches, it is a choice that comes from the soul, all else is secondary. Shane Disclaimer: Any advice contained herein is purely for entertainment purposes only and should in no way be mistaken for professional advice. For information on investment in art or of any sort, please seek the help of an industry professional. | 
