If you missed the recent show in New York by hot contemporary artists Gilbert and George, for example, you can check out their site. Famous artists, already represented by galleries and agents and publishers, often won t sell directly to a collector. But lesser known artists are usually eager to sell over the Net, and proudly post prices. Prints by blue-chip artists tend to hold their value, spiking up during speculative periods and drifting lower during recessions. But with no-name artists, the odds are against increasing values.
Many galleries have their own sites.
For example, if you like blue-chip contemporary artists such as pop master Jim Dine, Wayne Thiebaud, or minimalist Joel Shapiro, check out Pace Master Prints. Many galleries also exhibit under one roof on ArtNet, where prices are sometimes posted, too. Don t assume the galleries are the highest-priced places to shop, by the way. But it s nice to know that someone other than yourself is paying attention to what the artist is doing. If an artist is 50 years old and has done only one print, skip it.