I know, I know, it's not totally about travel, but I usually shop for art when I travel so it seems related to me.

I've posted about purchasing art when traveling before and giclees came up. I can't afford an original work by this painter I love and even the giclees are quite pricey. I've been told there is no way to tell if giclees hold their value. What do you think? I know I could find something else by another artist, but it's been 5 years since I visited this gallery and I can't get it off my mind. So, would you buy a giclee? Why or why not? I do love it.

Are you purchasing for enjoyment or as an investment?

This might help...

http://www.gicleeprintart.com/about.htm

I have always found that when I didn't buy a piece of art that I loved (and could afford!), I have regretted it forever.

It sounds like you really love this piece; if that's the case, you'd probably never sell it, so why does it matter if it holds it's value out on the market? It would still be of value to you. I'd be more concerned about how it will hold up over the years: will it fade, crack, or peel? I would assume not, since it's oil on canvas, right? From what I understand, giclees are supposed to be "better" than lithographs or cibachromes, and many artists are making the switch to giclees for their reproductions.

If it's been 5 years, are you sure that same piece is still available?

By the way, don't skimp on the framing, if it's not already done.

By the way, about 10 years ago we splurged on a limited edition reproduction (a lithograph). Three homes later it is still the centerpiece of the family room and one of our most treasured earthly posessions.

Jocelyn makes a point that I believe in.

I have some art that has appreciated very well over the years. I enjoy owning it and have no intention to sell it...so what difference does it make what the value is?

Unless you are selling, it is worth what you paid for it at best. Plus sentimental value which is only value to you.

great question...as an artist, I have mixed feelings about them...I think it depends on the specific one you are looking at. Some I can tell they are giclee just by looking at them and they look like bad reproductions, some you can't tell, and some are retouched by the artist with paint on top which adds another few hundred dollars usually, but makes it look better...sometimes after the price, retouching, etc the giclee price is not much less than the original...just depends on the prices of that artist's works normally...if it fits your budget and you like it, I say go for it ! Good art will have resale value as well as the most important thing-that it has sentimental value and moves you which is why you can't get it off your mind...thanks for supporting the arts, no matter what form it comes in !

Wednesday's right--it is a good question. I've been wrestling with it for the last 3-4 years. And I've decided that for me, the answer is no.

What I have found is that with travel, and, indeed, the internet, I've been able to deal with my occasional need for an art fix.

I've decided, in my own mind, that a giclee is a very nice reproduction. And my preference is for originals (though I am, admittedly, a low-end guy.) That said, I also know that I just may not have seen the right (giclee) piece yet. I do think they're a bit pricey....

Incidentally, there's some very nice original art being offered on eBay, at some very cheap prices.