art identification

So true Mark yet it’s done every day. You’re preaching to the choir lol. I’m frequently amazed at what people buy (and not in a good way). I also agree (as stated) that most first name sigs on paintings are usually garbage but I personally would never tell anyone to use that as a a rule of thumb and I believe that those who pick up factory art in the first place may not recognize fonts. I think we all actually agree here and it was never my intention to be argumentative but I’ll always respond to statements that I think others could find misleading. Have a great weekend all!

 

Sorry, wrong thread!

 

Agree, that was my concern too.

A painting is not necessarily art, and many people have no idea what art is, which is why a forum like this one is important.

I am also from an art family (some of international fame), and made my own art when I could still do that. Now I am a bit sad I sold or gave away almost all of it.
To me, being an artist or coming from an art family has little to do with being able to judge the quality of a painting, by the way. It may help, that's all. But I know many people who could not draw a straight line if their life depended on it, and still know a good painting (or other art) when they see it.

 

I guess my frustration is that some people come to the boards almost daily asking for information on the most mundane objects and it becomes rather obvious that they have not done anything to increase their knowledge (i.e. museum or art gallery visits, buying AND reading books on art etc.). Perhaps a poor analogy but if you cannot tell the difference between a knife, fork, or spoon then you really shouldn’t be in the business of buying or selling cutlery.

 

Understand totally. I am also often amazed and sometimes frustrated at the kind of objects people ask about. I don't mean to criticize what you said, but I try to keep in mind that I don't know their situation or how they came into possession of the object. A bit of an internal battle at times.
And I think to some people asking here is doing research, just like we search specific sites, read books, visit museums, etc.

 

But isn’t that just asking us to do all of the heavy lifting?

 

It is. I guess some people just don't know where to start, they google, and end up here. At least they google and ask.
But sure, I'd rather be asked about the origin and background of a good piece of antique Yemeni jewellery, or a nice Indonesian keris, than whether some piece of everyday junk is worth a fortune.

 

Which is why my favorite ask is.....help us to help you !!