Unless you’re a proponent of extreme minimalism, no room is really complete without at least some art on the walls whether it’s framed posters or quality, original works. But art can easily break the bank if you let it, especially if you’re buying through credible dealers and galleries.
Here in Toronto, we’re amazingly fortunate to have Waddington’s’ monthly Off the Wall sale, which boasts some of the most incredible prices you’ll find anywhere. The definition of a mixed bag, each auction features 200 – 250 lots ranging from 18th and 19th century oil paintings to contemporary landscapes, portraits and abstracts in a myriad of media.
Last month’s sale was a jaw-dropper with some pieces going so cheaply I was genuinely astonished. Canvases in ornate gilt frames were selling for less than $100, some as low as $20 and $30. Most pieces sell in the $100 – $200 range, with the odd piece stretching up above $1,000. But that’s definitely the exception, not the rule. A smallish, signed serigraph by none other than Salvador Dali sold for just $360 (plus 20 per cent buyer’s premium). Mike and I bought a very large, very beautiful, framed diptych (below) for just $100. The work is signed and numbered although the artist’s signature is indecipherable. Whatever, we love it!
This month’s fine art sale takes place Wednesday (December 10) beginning at 7 pm; preview hours are December 9 from 2 – 7:30 pm or Wednesday from 3 – 5 pm. Although Waddington’s presents an online thumbnail gallery of the works to be offered for sale, I strongly caution against buying based on this information alone. Time and again I’ve shown up at the preview and been disappointed because what looked like a vibrant work online turned out to be muddy and drab; I’ve also been bowled over by a piece that barely registered during my internet perusal.
My next bit of advice is to generate a longish shortlist of works that interest you. Sometimes pieces on your B list will fail to elicit any excitement from the floor and will wind up selling for a song; you have to be prepared to throw up your paddle because lots come up and are gone in what feels like the blink of an eye–the auctioneers move 80 – 100 lots per hour. Always establish a firm bid ceiling in advance and be sure to factor in the 20 per cent premium.
And don’t be intimidated. Unlike the higher profile sales, Off the Wall is extremely casual, one of the best ways to get your feet wet. And if you don’t get lucky next week, there’s always next month or the month after that. If nothing else, it’s an entertaining night out.
December 16th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Very cool. And I love your purchase.