I really wish I had a magic wand and the power to walk into any gallery and buy any artwork right off the walls. But, who am I kidding? Let’s get real! This is just not going to happen anytime soon, so instead I will stay keen on the Internet and take advantage of the many superior quality art prints from thousands of artists around the world.

Luckily, collecting art prints by renowned artists has gained a lot of popularity, so many people like me and you who are crazy about art can afford to have art prints from various worldwide famous artists. However, before you buy art online Australia experts recommend that you do a through research and find a trustworthy online gallery.

If you are a new collector of original art prints, go through this brief step-by-step guide before making your purchase.

• Don’t Buy Reproduction Art Sold As An Original – This may be obvious, but how to tell a reproduction from an original? There is one way way to find out and that is by examining the print under a jeweler’s magnifying glass. If the art print breaks up into tiny dots, then you have the most common type of reproduction – a photo offset lithograph. An original art print, or simply said a genuine stone lithograph, is solid and substantial.
• Check The Size Against Its Documentation – The size of an art print is always documented in the “catalogue raisonne” of the particular artist’s work, so the size must be the same. Check the auction records and compare the print with others offered on the market. If the sizes do not match, do not buy it!
• Do Not Assume It Is First Edition – It may be printed from the artist’s original plate, wood or stone block, but keep in mind that many prints went through several editions. If you have no experience in this, a professional and skilled dealer will know by the presence or absence of watermarks, the size, the type of paper, as well as by the overall quality impression.
• Check If It Is A Lifetime Impression – Lifetime impression is a print that was created during the artist’s lifetime, so they are more valuable when compared to others.
• Certificate Of Authenticity? Be Careful, It Could Be A Scam – Today, it is almost impossible to buy an art print without a Certificate of Authenticity, but these certificates are really no guarantee as they are easy to print. Instead, look for a justification de tirage or colophon. A colophon is a page found in all XX century portfolios that contains original prints and limited editions. This will indicate when, where and by whom it was published, as well as the size of the edition and the lifetime impression.
• Keep An Eye On The Artist’s Signature – Since art prints are signed in pencil by the artist, the signature can be easily forged. The number of people who were scammed by the artist’s signature is increasing, so before you buy art online Australia artists recommend you investigate the authenticity of the signature, especially when buying signed art prints by eminent artists like Picaso, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Chagall, Andy Warhol, etc.
• Do A Through Research – Woodcuts, lithographs, drypoints, mezzotints, etchings, silkscreens, aquatints, etc., are prints that are differently created in order to achieve a different effect. So, do a thorough research before making a purchase.
• The Impressions Of Various Prints Are Different – Do not get confused by this! Different prints have different effects. This means that some impressions will be more lifelike, while others more weak.

• Get A Better Price – Another great tip, if you plan to buy art online Australia art experts advise you to carefully shop and consider the prices of several online galleries. Look and compare! Just make sure you are considering the same art print and size.
• Buy It With Love – Do not buy a print if you are not into art! Buy it because you love it. Decorate your walls with original art prints by popular artists from around the world and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere in your home filled with the things you enjoy being around.