Art auctions can be highly entertaining, and a treasure trove of information can be obtained by studying the artworks consigned and displayed. Viewing lots (individual works of art) online and then, if possible, attending the previews or live auctions to see the paintings in person will, in my opinion, be one of the best possible ways to become knowledgeable about art and the secondary art market. Let us help you with our auction collaboration services.
Whether new to collecting or a seasoned art connoisseur, seeing as much art as possible is the best art education. Art auctions are plentiful, and there are always many paintings to view, all with price estimates. In addition to viewing the paintings and acknowledging the price estimates, you can often read specific details about the painting’s history, provenance, and condition.
Buying and selling art at auction is where many collectors and art professionals enhance their collections, liquidate downgrades, purchase their dealer inventory, and enjoy their passion. You can likely conclude by our introduction here that we like auctions! However, our best advice about auctions is “Buyer Beware.” There’s a learning curve to buying and selling at auction.
Every auction company has its “Terms and Conditions,” and, like most lengthy pre-printed legal conditions, few of us want to spend time reading and analyzing. Most auction companies operate with good intentions, but these are corporations, and some are less reputable than others. Below is a partial list of some considerations we think should be either acknowledged or analyzed when buying or selling at an auction:
- Is the auction house reputable for selling authentic art
- Is the auction house respected for reputable bidding practices
- What are the “Buyer’s Premium” and “Consignment Fees”
- Is the auction staff knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly
- Are the lots easy to view online with multiple detailed photographs
- Are the lots described honestly and include all the pertinent information
Auction Services
Whether you’re a buyer, consignor, beginning collector, or art expert, we offer many ways to assist and collaborate with you at auction. Our services range from conducting a thorough due diligence analysis of a lot’s desirability, price, provenance, and condition to simply picking up a painting from a Southern California auction house. Here’s a list of some art auction services we offer.
For art auction buyers:
- In-person onsite inspection and independent lot photography
- In-person onsite inspection and live Facetime® mobile phone viewing
- Ultraviolet light (UV) inspection and onsite condition opinion
- Conservation estimate provided by our conservation expert
- Enhanced provenance research
- Price estimate study and comparative price analysis
- Collaboration for boxing or crating, shipping, and insurance
For art auction consignors:
- Consignment auction placement and fee negotiation
- Research leading auction company, location, and sale for your artwork
- Collaboration for boxing or crating, shipping, and insurance
- Pre-auction custom framing consultation and framer collaboration
- Pre-auction restoration and art conservator collaboration
- Collaboration for boxing or crating, shipping, and insurance
We have over 20 years of experience buying and selling art at auctions and would enjoy attending an art auction with you! Whether you want to go to your first auction to gain valuable experience before purchasing or have a second set of eyes provide you with an opinion on a lot you’re considering, we are available to assist you.
If you have any questions about art auctions or would like to discuss purchasing or consigning a specific painting or work of art, don’t hesitate to contact us.
