We have been collecting artwork for over 30 years. We have been to many art auctions both on land and sea. We have cruised on all major lines and I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts and have all visited the world's greatest museums and galleries. Therefore, I consider myself an expert on art and collecting. So, that said, let me give you an overview of the purchase of art during a cruise. Each line is in its working practices. For example, Princess Cruises have their own in-house program. RoyalTo keep jobs in the Caribbean from Park West Galleries, the offices in Michigan and Florida. There are many others, but we want to focus on Park West.
Let's start with the basics. Purchase Art Auction is a bidding process and Park West is no exception. The art is presented, framed as a rule, on easels in the public areas of the ship. It may be original, the one of a kind prints, or where there may be a limited edition of exactly the same piece, numbering a few hundredto many thousands. The prints can lithographs, serigraphs, etchings call, or giclee reproductions, to name just a few possibilities. Regardless of the media or art, you need to know a few things before bidding:
From whom is this: How well known in the art community?
Are they dead or alive?
Is their work in museums?
Are they any pictures or create?
WHAT IS THE MEDIUM IS: A painting, a print?
A Limited Edition?
If it is numbered and how many were?
IS IT signed? Through the artist?
Inthe plate as part of a reproduction?
Or an actual pencil or ink signature?
WHAT IS THE VALUE? Current and competitive?
What would it for sale on the open market?
What is the estimated value?
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN? Where does it come from?
Who is the publisher?
Who owned this piece?
DOES IT COME FRAMED? Thus, a new framework?
If not, how is it sent?
What is the shipping?
Does is COME WITH A LETTER OF AUTHENTICITY?
Who provides it, and the work guaranteed authentic for life?
If not,What is the refund or return policy?
These are the basic questions. Whether you collect for investment or personal satisfaction that you actually own a Picasso, you need to know these things. It does not matter whether it is to have the auction house or dealer, you always ask these questions. But in the case of Park West, I can answer these questions for you. The art is displayed, framed, framed but not sold. However, you can buy a frame and also a test for an additionalCharge. The only what you get is a certificate of authenticity, with no guarantees that it is real or a fake. Read the small print of the contract you sign, because any verbal agreements are not considered. Well, a glance at the auction itself.
Suppose you are bidding on a work by Peter Max, you say it is a silk-screen and has a gallery with a value of $ 5900th But you get it at auction for $ 3,500, a bargain, they say. She should be able to give you a brief biography of Max and why youPeter Max simply a must have in your collection. Incidentally, you have already registered as a bidder and have been assigned a bidder number. You keep your numbered paper and bam! The hammer falls and they say it's yours. Once the auction is completed, then the contract and payment, which now also a 15% surcharge plus shipping, which is now on your credit card ship.
But when you go home and find the same piece on eBay for $ 2000. What then? Youhave no right, and you are bound by the contract. Everything they told you is the value of all but forgotten, sorry. They also like to do a "mystery" auction, where they place art with his back to you and you are now blind. They promise that you are buying a piece of it is once again turned on. This is a silly and stupid idea, but they do it anyway. I guess they figure that people love surprises, but not at art auction. Here is a plea to them, please tell us sothe piece, without the games.
In addition, raffles and give away valuable prints to keep. Okay, they can say they are worth five or six hundred, but they are usually plate signed prints, which probably cost them five U.S. dollars a piece when printed by the thousands. They actually make a few more bucks by charging $ 35 for the assessment and $ 35 for shipping, they cost more, as ten dollars per post. Hey, it's a business. Therefore, the idea is to realize that there is no free lunch or offersto have their auctions. Their reserve or minimum bid is what they need to make a profit. Whose estimated value is what you could sell it for an absolute beginner or the stupidest person on earth. You have to tell them they receive it compared to other units sold, but they can tell you what you want to hear to make their sale.
So, you should review their auctions? Absolutely! Be educated to see the art, enjoy one hours time drinking cheap (really, really cheap) champagne, when theydecided to offer him and maybe win something too. But be prepared to pay $ 35 for shipping your "free" art and to understand, it's just a poster print worth almost nothing. I recommend that you do not everything you buy do not personally explored. You need to know in advance the price, and so is my advice spend your money elsewhere. Park West Galleries may sell 1000 units per year, but also sell overpriced products. Finally, it is quite get your choice of how your artbut let the buyer beware.
