Q&A for How to Value Your Art

Almost certainly not. If the reprint was signed by Picasso, it's worth more than the price of the signature, but the price of the reprint will pale in comparison to the price of an original edition. An original print is a copy made from a printing plate, from which the artist makes a limited edition of prints. A reprint is a copy of the print — essentially a copy of a copy — and not necessarily made directly by the artist or her helpers. An almost unlimited amount of copies can be made of reprints. Therefore, their main value lies in their sentimental appeal.

Go to an art appraiser or an estate retailer and ask them to appraise your artwork. They may charge a small fee, however. You can also try a collective gallery or art co-op.

It's tough to say. A work's value probably depends more on factors like quality, scale, intensity, and current market trends than whether an artist or publisher decides to make prints or even reprints. On the one hand, the prints might stoke excitement and help drive demand. On the other hand, prints mean more supply, which decreases valuation. If your original painting is from a well-established master, it probably doesn't affect the valuation. If your original painting is from a less well-known artist, it may hurt the value of your original.

Look at a few selling examples online. Try looking at factors, like how much effort you put into it, what materials you used and how hard it was to make. Ask around. See how much others are selling their work for, and for what reasons.

I would do a google image search with a description of your art and look for similar photos and sale prices. If you can't find anything, try finding out who made it and do some research into what their art is selling for.

It depends on the quality and authenticity. If it is certified and good quality, it can sell from a range of $700 to $5000.

Take it to someone in the know and let them appraise it for you.