Key Elements of Art That You Need to Know When Purchasing Art - Elevate your art buying game

The medium refers to the material used to create the artwork, such as oil, acrylic, watercolour, charcoal, or pastel. Knowing the medium of a piece of art can help you understand its durability and preservation needs.

Art styles refer to the techniques and methods used by the artist to create the artwork, such as realism, abstract, impressionism, or cubism. Understanding the different styles can help you appreciate the artwork's visual language and aesthetic appeal. A popular style of art is Impressionism, which emerged in the late 19th century. This style is known for its emphasis on capturing the effects of light and atmosphere in a scene. Impressionist artists often used loose brushstrokes and bright, vibrant colours to create an impression of a moment in time. Some famous Impressionist artists include Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The style was initially met with criticism and skepticism from the traditional art community but has since become one of the most beloved and widely recognised styles in the world of art. Impressionist paintings can be found in museums and galleries all over the world, and they continue to inspire artists and art lovers alike.

The subject matter is the main idea or focus of the artwork, such as landscapes, portraits, or still life. Knowing the subject matter can help you determine the artwork's emotional and intellectual impact. It's better if you expose yourself to some Sri Lankan art at galleries like Sri Lankan Art Gallery to know your artistic preferences.

Colour plays a crucial role in art, and understanding the colour theory can help you appreciate how colours can affect our moods, emotions, and perceptions. Knowing the dominant colours in a piece of art can help you understand its visual impact and emotional appeal.

Composition refers to the arrangement of elements in the artwork, such as balance, proportion, and symmetry. Understanding composition can help you appreciate the artwork's visual dynamics and aesthetic harmony.

Texture refers to the surface quality of the artwork, such as smooth, rough, or gritty. Knowing the texture of the artwork can help you understand its tactile and visual impact.

The scale of the artwork refers to its size, and it can affect its visual impact and emotional appeal. Knowing the scale of the artwork can help you determine its placement and display needs.

When purchasing art, it's important to consider the authenticity of the piece. An authentic artwork is a genuine work created by the artist or a studio associated with them, and it's accompanied by proper documentation such as certificates of authenticity or provenance. Authenticity is crucial as it affects the value, historical significance, and provenance of the artwork. It's important to do your research, ask questions, and seek expert advice before purchasing an artwork to ensure that it is authentic. Some reputable art dealers, auction houses, and galleries have strict policies and procedures in place to verify the authenticity of artworks they sell.

Art is a personal expression of creativity, and finding a piece that resonates with you on a personal level can add significant value to your art collection. When purchasing art, it's essential to trust your instincts and find pieces that speak to you emotionally and intellectually.