Sell a painting or artwork
Sell a Single Piece of Art
Have one painting, print or sculpture you want to sell? Send photos for an honest opinion of what it is, what it may be worth and the best way to sell it in Florida.
Member of the International Society of Appraisers · USPAP-compliant appraisals · 15+ years in the fine art market
- Member, International Society of Appraisers
- USPAP-compliant reports
- 15+ years in the fine art market
- Serving all of Florida, based in Sarasota
One piece, one honest answer
You may have a painting from a parent's home, a print bought on vacation decades ago, or a sculpture that no longer fits. Before you list it online or accept the first offer, find out what it is and where it would sell best. Helmuth Art Advisory reviews single works for Florida owners and recommends the most sensible route to sell.
What happens when you send photos
- Austin looks at the artist, medium, condition, signature and any labels or paperwork
- You learn whether it appears to be an original, a print or a reproduction
- You get a sense of what comparable works have actually sold for
- You get a recommendation: auction, consignment, private sale, or keep and enjoy it
Photo checklist
- The whole front, straight on, in daylight, without the flash
- The back of the canvas, panel or frame
- Close-up of the signature and any date or inscription
- Labels, gallery stickers, stamps, certificates or receipts
- Approximate size (height × width), and the frame, if relevant
Avoid the common mistakes
Sellers of single works often lose value by cleaning or reframing a piece before it is seen, accepting a quick cash offer without a second opinion, or listing a valuable work at the wrong venue. A short review first can change the outcome considerably.
Need an official figure for insurance or an estate instead? See insurance appraisals or estate appraisals.
Process
From photos to sale
Send photos
Upload photos of the front, back, signature and any labels or paperwork. A phone camera is fine.
Honest value range
Austin reviews the work and tells you what it is, what comparable works have sold for, and whether it is worth pursuing.
Choose the right route
Auction, consignment or private sale: you get a recommendation on venue, timing and expected net, with no pressure.
Sale & settlement
Austin manages the consignment or private-sale process and keeps you informed through to payment.
Credentials
Expert eyes on your piece
Every appraisal is prepared personally by Austin Helmuth, who has researched, cataloged and appraised thousands of important works.
Austin Helmuth is a member of the International Society of Appraisers. [Confirm ISA logo-use rules for members]
[TESTIMONIAL PLACEHOLDER: client quote, with written permission][Client initials, city]
[TESTIMONIAL PLACEHOLDER: attorney / insurance agent quote, with permission][Name, firm]
FAQ
Selling one piece: questions
I have one painting. Is it worth contacting you?
Yes. Many inquiries are about a single work: something inherited, bought years ago, or found while clearing a home. Send photos and you will get a straight answer about whether it is worth pursuing.
What photos should I send?
The full front (straight on, no glare), the back of the canvas or frame, a close-up of the signature, and any labels, stamps, receipts or exhibition stickers. Include the size, if you can.
Can you tell me what it's worth from photos?
Photos are usually enough for a preliminary opinion and a recommendation on next steps. A formal value may require seeing the work in person and researching it properly.
Will you buy it from me?
[CONFIRM: does Austin buy single works outright?]
What does it cost to sell through you?
Fees for sales advisory are quoted upon request, based on the scope of the assignment, and you will know them in writing before you agree to anything.
Is it a print or an original?
That is one of the first things Austin checks. Prints, giclées and reproductions are common and can look convincing in photos; signs like texture, plate marks, edition numbers and the back of the work help tell the difference.
What is your piece really worth?
Find out before you sell. Send a few photos today.