You may paint and sell as many originals as you can . However, as soon as you make a multiple edition, whether it’s a poster, litho , etching or serigraph , you will need to obtain permission to do so . This will typically require paying a licensing fee to the person , agent or estate of that famous person.

No , you do not need one , but it is always a good idea to ask for it , not because it truly guarantees Authenticity , but because it gives you information that may be vital to you in identifying the artwork, and its origin , years later should you need to insure it or sell it.

The best way to assure that the artwork you are buying is legitimate is to know the source. Buy only from legitimate dealers that you can meet with , research , or get references for/from. Ask questions before you buy , about the artwork , the artist , and the dealer selling it . If the answers you get seem odd, incomplete or evasive , check further . If something sounds too good to be true , it probably is !

Although an Artist Proof can often cost you more to purchase , it is not likely to fetch more when and if you want to sell it . Essentially , the contemporary Artist Proof print is no different than any other print from that same edition . Collectors and artists may prefer them , but that does not mean they will always be worth more .

When an artist is taken on by a Fine Art or Poster Publisher it is much like the relationship between an author and a book publisher . The Art Publisher may also produce a book on the artist’s life and work. Typically the Art Publisher produces prints of the artist’s work , promotes and markets the artist’s name and imagery , and produces advertising and promotional materials about the artist and the works . All these things tend to make the artist better known by the public and by other art dealers , more collectible and sometimes more valuable .