Monday, August 22, 2016

Evaluating Oil Painting Restoration MI Conservators Have In Mind

By Donna Wilson


Almost everyone has seen programs on television where someone brings a picture, they bought in a yard sale or at a flea market, in for evaluation. The examiner assesses it and declares that it is rare and extremely valuable. He or she explains that restoring the work to its original condition will increase its value twofold. You may not own a lost masterpiece but want to repair a piece of art that has great meaning to your family. In this case, the type of oil painting restoration MI professionals suggest can help you out.

You might want to get an idea of the value of your picture for insurance purposes. A local antique store may be able to assist you with an informal assessment. A professional art appraiser will have the knowledge necessary to give you an educated value and will be more reliable however.

When the appraiser feels the work has merit and was painted by a respected professional artist, he or she might suggest you get in touch with a conservator to repair any damage that exists and give it a thorough cleaning. You might also contact an art museum that collects similar works to get the name of a good restorer. They should be happy to provide information as a courtesy, but they will certainly not guarantee the results. You will be responsible for researching the professionals they recommend.

Conservators must have specific and advanced education in order to work in the field of restoration. They often apprentice with a seasoned restorer for years before beginning their own businesses. These professionals are steeped in art history, the techniques and styles of all types of artists, and the kinds of materials those artists used to create their pieces.

Oil paintings are not protected by glass the way pictures created in other mediums like watercolor are. As such, even the most carefully handled works get dusty and dirty. They must be cleaned periodically. If your piece only needs cleaning up and minor mending, the job should not take long. Artwork that has been damaged by fire or water, or pieces with large areas of missing paint require time and research to repair.

Restoration is an expense process and the more restoring required the more expensive it will be. Your conservator may be able to offer suggestions about how to handle partial repair thereby making any flaws that still exist as unnoticeable as possible. You do not have to repair your art if the cost is so prohibitive that is way outside your budget. You can take it home and enjoy it the way it is.

If you do decide to proceed and end up with a major art piece that would be of interest to a gallery, an antique auctioneer, or a collector, you will have to weigh the pros and cons of keeping it in the family or selling it. Most artwork appreciates over time, so you may decide to hold on to it for a while.

A beautiful piece of art is a usually a joy to the person lucky enough to own it. Restoring it to its original condition can make it even more special.




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