NEOARCA Journal
Journal
How to choose, verify and buy contemporary art: authenticity, paperwork, interiors and collecting. Practical guides from the NEOARCA team.
Latest guides
23How to Research an Artist Before Buying Their Work
Discover practical steps and tips on how to learn about an artist’s background before purchasing their artwork, including where to find reliable information and what questions to
Does a Painting Need to Be Signed? Key Questions for Art Buyers
Explore the significance of artist signatures, what to ask sellers about signed and unsigned artworks, and how to approach authenticity and value concerns.
What Is a Giclée Print? Technique and Key Questions Before Buying
Discover what a giclée print is, how it compares to other print techniques, and the essential questions to ask before purchasing fine art giclée prints.
How to Clean Paintings at Home: Safe Care and Professional Advice
Discover safe ways to care for paintings at home, what not to do, and when to consult a professional restorer. Essential tips for preserving your artwork.
How to Choose Art as a Gift: A Thoughtful Guide
Discover practical tips for choosing a painting as a gift. Learn how to select art that resonates, what to consider, and how to present it thoughtfully.
What Is a Diptych in Art? Choosing and Displaying Multi-Panel Works
Discover what a diptych is in art, how to choose between diptychs and triptychs, and practical tips for displaying multi-panel artworks at home.
Is Watercolour Art Valuable? Collecting and Framing Tips
Explore the value of watercolour art, practical advice on buying original watercolours online, and expert tips for framing and caring for your collection.
How to Recognize Etching vs Lithography: Printmaking Techniques
Learn how to distinguish etching from lithography. Explore key visual clues, printing surfaces, and collecting tips for traditional printmaking art.
Oil vs Acrylic Paintings for Collectors: What Matters Most
Explore the key differences between oil and acrylic paintings for collectors. Learn about texture, care, display, and what to consider before buying.
What Does Edition Number Mean on a Print? Reading Print Signatures
Learn how to read edition numbers and artist’s proofs on prints. Understand print signatures, markings, and what makes limited editions and artist’s proofs unique.
What Is a Passepartout in Art Framing? Guide for Works on Paper
Discover what a passepartout is in art framing, its benefits for works on paper, and how to choose the right mat for your drawings, watercolours, and prints.
Should You Buy Art on Canvas or Paper? Key Buyer Considerations
Explore the differences between art on canvas and paper. Learn about care, framing, and what to consider before buying.
Art Provenance Explained: Essential Collector Checklist
Discover what art provenance means, why it matters, and how collectors can verify provenance records. Use this practical checklist to navigate gaps and ensure authenticity.
Certificate of Authenticity Art: Complete Guide for Collectors
Discover what a certificate of authenticity for art is, why it matters, and how to evaluate its contents. Essential tips for collectors and artists.
Questions to Ask Before Buying Art: Avoid Common Mistakes
Discover essential questions before buying art. Learn how to avoid common mistakes and make confident choices as a collector.
How to Evaluate Contemporary Art: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Discover practical tips on evaluating contemporary art and learn about common mistakes collectors and enthusiasts should avoid.
Art Provenance: What It Is and Why It Matters for Collectors
Learn what art provenance means, its importance for authenticity and value, and how to verify provenance records. A practical guide for collectors and enthusiasts.
Questions to Ask Before Buying Art: Collector Checklist
Discover the essential questions to ask before buying art. Use this practical collector checklist to make informed decisions and build your art collection with confidence.
How to Evaluate Contemporary Art: Complete Guide
Discover practical steps to evaluate contemporary art, including quality, context, condition, and documentation. A comprehensive guide for collectors and enthusiasts.
How to Buy Original Art Online: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Discover how to buy original art online safely. Learn about common mistakes and get practical tips for a smooth art collecting experience.
How to Evaluate Contemporary Art: Collector Checklist
Discover a practical checklist for evaluating contemporary art. Learn what collectors should look for in quality, context, condition, and documentation.
How to Start an Art Collection: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Discover practical tips and common mistakes to avoid when you start an art collection. Build your collection with confidence and personal style.
Essential Questions Before Buying Art: Complete Collector’s Guide
Discover the key questions to ask before buying art. This practical guide helps new and seasoned collectors make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
Art for your home
01
Authenticity
03
Certificates of Authenticity: What Must Be in the Document
What a certificate of authenticity is, which fields are mandatory, who can legitimately issue one, and how it differs from an expert opinion.
How to Tell If a Painting Is Original: The Complete Guide
A step-by-step guide to verifying a painting before you buy: inspection, documents, professional authentication, technical analysis and the seller's role.
Original or Copy? 9 Signs to Check Before You Buy
Nine practical signs that separate an original painting from a copy, a printed reproduction or an embellished print sold as art.
Provenance & papers
02
Documents You Should Receive When Buying Art: The Full List
The complete set of documents for an art purchase: bill of sale, certificate of authenticity, provenance records and transfer report — and what to check in each.
What Is Provenance and Why It Moves the Price
Provenance is the documented ownership history of an artwork. How it is proven, why it drives prices, and how to start provenance for an emerging artist's work.