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Researching Art - 2/28/2009 1:51:19 PM

TheHeretic

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Does anyone know of good sources for tracking down artists? We have a few things hanging on our walls that we would like to know more about, and Google just isn't much help.

Thanks in advance.

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RE: Researching Art - 2/28/2009 3:02:59 PM

Vendaval

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Hello Heretic,

Are the works you have paintings, drawings, photos or mixed media? I recommend finding the nearest city with a sizeable number of galleries and going there in person with photos of the works you are researching, the basic information that you do have about the works and keeping a notebook for follow up.

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RE: Researching Art - 2/28/2009 3:05:15 PM

DomKen

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Wait for the next time Antiques Roadshow comes through your area? Seriously an appraiser or art dealer can likely help you.

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RE: Researching Art - 2/28/2009 3:50:28 PM

TheHeretic

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That is WAY too much work, Ven.

This is a far more idle curiousity.

      The art world is not a preferred hang-out of mine, but I'm slowly trying to replace posters and mass market prints with original stuff that appeals to my eclectic tastes. We have a lot of wall to cover in this place. I have a nicely colored impressionist street scene that appealed to me at an estate auction a few years back.  $5.  I was able to find out the artist was a San Bernardino resident who was best known for her land/seascapes.

     What got me looking today was an old print I received as a birthday gift. It's a large pencil drawing of a watching wolf, and the mask is nearly identical to my big old dog. Signed and numbered. I like it. Unless I found out it would pay off the house or cars, I wouldn't have any interest in selling it. It would just be nice to know a little more about it.

      Assuming (knock on wood) that I stay on the positive side of the equation as the recession gets nasty, I'll be getting out to auctions, moving and garage sales fairly often, looking for cool furniture and more stuff to hang on the walls. It would be nice to have a few good sites bookmarked.

     And if the universe should instead dump me on my ass, I'll want some sales pitch for my own moving sale.



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If you lose one sense, your other senses are enhanced.
That's why people with no sense of humor have such an inflated sense of self-importance.

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RE: Researching Art - 2/28/2009 6:12:43 PM

Vendaval

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Hm...the comment by Dom Ken reminded me about that show on the PBS affiliate in Los Angeles. They have appraisals on furniture, jewelry, art, silverware, etc.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/index.html

_____________________________

"Beware, the woods at night, beware the lunar light.
So in this gray haze we'll be meating again, and on that
great day, I will tease you all the same."
"WOLF MOON", OCTOBER RUST, TYPE O NEGATIVE

http://KinkMeet.co.uk

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RE: Researching Art - 2/28/2009 8:31:19 PM

aravain

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Domken's suggestion is actually really apt. Appraisers will be your best bet...

but if you live near an art college you might try there, too... especially if you like more eclectic stuff. Not only may one or more people know of the pieces and artists you're looking into, you might find some good (cheap) art by a budding artist.

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RE: Researching Art - 2/28/2009 8:37:50 PM

Jeptha

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If you know what city the artist is from, maybe call a nearby museum or historical society and see if they have any information or sources. Sometimes they keep informal biographical notes of local artists if they have sold a lot or shown stuff. Local library might be worth a call or e-mail, too.
Little bit of a long shot, but might be fun.

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RE: Researching Art - 2/28/2009 9:43:21 PM

MarsBonfire

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Okay, if all you are looking for is something to hang on your wall... then avoid going to art galleries and museums, and just stick to Home Decoration stores. They often sell framed "art" there, usually at relatively inexpensive prices.

Me, I haunt galleries, and museums. I expose myself to other peoples work and see what inspires me or screws with my emotions. I've spent days at my local library going through books of conteporary art, just to find out which schools of expression seem to affect me the most. (Perceptual Art, BTW, is my favorite... and it's not something you can just buy and slap on your wall.) Ask around. Who are some other people's favorite artists? Get their names. Go to their websites... follow their links to related voices.

It's how I found out about Annie Sprinkle, decades ago.
It's how I discovered Eric Kroll
And Michael Manning
And Phil Foglio
And Michael Whealan
And Bob Eggelton
And Chris Foss... (both a science fiction illustrator, and the guy who did the drawings for the original "Joy of Sex" Now THERE's A guy who appeals to me on several fronts!)
And... well, you get the idea.

Your list will differ wildly, according to your tastes.
Art isn't something you can buy from a catalouge... you have to get out there and ferret out the stuff that appeals to you, and you alone.

Have fun doing so!

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RE: Researching Art - 3/1/2009 12:26:17 AM

corysub

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I agree with a comment here that you should visit one of the good museum in your area and chat with someone in their art department that might have art similiar to what you have on your walls. We have also found a good source to be people in local universites for all sorts of help from thoughts on art to recommendation for a company to move a piano.

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