How do I get a worth/cost for a piece of art?

[CJ2008]

A while ago I gave my parents a framed picture that was a limited edition.

It's large and doesn't fit well where they are living currently, so they've asked me to sell it for them. But I don't know how to figure out how much to sell it/price it for.

I've found the artist's website (Ty Wilson) and based on someone's pinterest picture the piece is called Adagio (I could not find it on Wilson's website - probably because it's like 10 years old) - but I'm not sure the pinterest person even has the title right. I could not find it anywhere else under that title.

Is it OK to contact the artist himself and ask him? Is that the best source? Do I take pictures of it to an art gallery (I took some pictures of it with my phone).

 

[marcy]

Did you buy it from a gallery? They may be able to help you.

 

[CJ2008]

Yes...but it's been so long, I don't recall anything except that I'm pretty sure it was an art gallery inside a mall. If that might be a good avenue (it's not local to me though) I could do some searching to see if I locate some art galleries in the town I think it could have been, and give them a call.

 

[swingirl]

Did you check eBay to see what similar pieces by the same artist are selling for?

 

[CJ2008]

I had, Swingirl, since that's where I thought I would list it, but I didn't find anything similar...this one is signed, limited edition, and framed...

I'm hoping it kept its value at least, I believe it cost $600 or $700...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Check with the artist. He should have a value for the print. It may be worth more or less, but selling second hand will rarely yield what you paid unless his work has really gone up in value since you bought it.

 

[CJ2008]

Check with the artist. He should have a value for the print. It may be worth more or less, but selling second hand will rarely yield what you paid unless his work has really gone up in value since you bought it.

OK, I will email him...I guess I felt a little weird telling him we want to sell his piece, like maybe it would insult him we didn't want it any more. Silly, right? Especially if I explain to him it just doesn't fit in their space well any more, and they've enjoyed it for many many years.

 

[partgypsy]

I really wouldn't contact the artist. Often they are not the ones directly selling the art, and it is kind of, offensive.

It would really vary widely what you would get. You can try ebay and have a minimum amount that it has to sell for to sell, and then do by auction. But it is doubtful you will recoup the original retail cost.

 

[junebug17]

^Yeah, I don't think I'd contact the artist. Not really sure what you would expect him to say or tell you? I would probably just price it for what I would like to get for it, and go from there.

 

[marymm]

Not sure if these will help, but here's a link to a website that sells Ty Wilson limited edition prints - http://www.art.com/gallery/id--a1176-d207229/ty-wilson-limited-editions.htm - looks like price is related to the size of the print, ranging from $65 to $95.

And here's a link to an Amazon listing for a framed Ty Wilson limited edition print priced at $399 - http://www.amazon.com/Global-Limited-Edition-Framed-Poster/dp/B00EUA4MSW.

So maybe measure the print size and calculate its current price (if sold new today), and then measure the frame and calculate its estimated price (if sold new today) - and use the total to help gauge the value of your parents' piece... if you can't find that exact Ty Wilson print available for sale today, that may make it more valuable.

 

[CJ2008]

So maybe measure the print size and calculate its current price (if sold new today), and then measure the frame and calculate its estimated price (if sold new today) - and use the total to help gauge the value of your parents' piece... if you can't find that exact Ty Wilson print available for sale today, that may make it more valuable.

This may be what I'll need to do...

But yes, I can't locate that print anywhere...

Seems like my instincts were right not contacting the artist....so I'll probably avoid doing that.

 

[ckrickett]

I can HELP!!! (I'm a painter/artist full time) and avid art collector

I would see what the work goes for on Ebay, or see what you can find on other websites. Amazon can be VERY tricky when it comes to prices. If you don't SEE any of the print I would put it up on Ebay as an auction with a reserve price (I'd say about 2/3 of what you paid) and see if you get any nibbles or interest that way. If you get nothing, no watchers, or interest it may be better to try and sell for 1/2 or even less. But if there are collectors or people interested and they know the value, they will be willing to inquire, or bid.

The likely hood of getting all your money back or more is VERY unlikely, even with LE prints. I only know of 3-4 artists who can command more money for prints over time, and their prints start at $1000 and up.

Also I wouldn't contact the artist, I don't think I would be offended, but they might not recall the price of their prints in the case it has been awhile and their prices have increased. Also depending on where you got it the same print could vary in price from gallery to gallery.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Let me clarify that I only suggested contacting the artist since he has a public website where he sells his work and provides a way to contact him. Obviously you wouldn't make personal contact with an artist who isn't publicly selling their own work. But ultimately it is true that it is only worth what someone else will pay, and there may or may not be someone out there looking for that particular piece.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Check with the artist. He should have a value for the print. It may be worth more or less, but selling second hand will rarely yield what you paid unless his work has really gone up in value since you bought it.

OK, I will email him...I guess I felt a little weird telling him we want to sell his piece, like maybe it would insult him we didn't want it any more. Silly, right? Especially if I explain to him it just doesn't fit in their space well any more, and they've enjoyed it for many many years.

I didn't see your post before I posted above. It is fine if you'd rather not contact him. But I don't think you'd have to say you were selling it. You could always ask for insurance purposes. Art can be like fine jewelry...important to keep tabs on value over time. Who knows, if it has increased in value, you might decide to keep it!

 

[CJ2008]

I can HELP!!! (I'm a painter/artist full time) and avid art collector

I would see what the work goes for on Ebay, or see what you can find on other websites. Amazon can be VERY tricky when it comes to prices. If you don't SEE any of the print I would put it up on Ebay as an auction with a reserve price (I'd say about 2/3 of what you paid) and see if you get any nibbles or interest that way. If you get nothing, no watchers, or interest it may be better to try and sell for 1/2 or even less. But if there are collectors or people interested and they know the value, they will be willing to inquire, or bid.

The likely hood of getting all your money back or more is VERY unlikely, even with LE prints. I only know of 3-4 artists who can command more money for prints over time, and their prints start at $1000 and up.

Also I wouldn't contact the artist, I don't think I would be offended, but they might not recall the price of their prints in the case it has been awhile and their prices have increased. Also depending on where you got it the same print could vary in price from gallery to gallery.

Thanks so much, crickett!

I know so little about art, I had no idea it could depreciate like that...

I cannot find the print anywhere expect on one person's Pinterest board.

I did end up emailing the artist - I simply inquired about the piece (thanks diamondseeker - it did dawn on me afterwards I don't necessarily need to tell him I'm looking to sell it, so no chance of offending him...but who knows, he may know where his older art is being sold, etc. Or maybe that's a very special piece to him and he does know its current value. Or not...but I won't know unless I ask.)

I think the idea to put it on Ebay with a reserve price is a good one...and just see what happens.

Thank you all.