The Journey of a Sold Painting: From Studio to Collector
When a painting is sold, it begins a multi-step process that transitions the original artwork to its new owner while often establishing the foundation for future print sales.
Here is a summary of what happens:
1. Final Sale and Payment
Agreement: The artist (or gallery) and the collector finalize the price and terms of sale.
Transaction: Payment is processed. The title (legal ownership) of the physical artwork transfers to the collector, but the artist typically retains the copyright and all reproduction rights unless specifically stipulated otherwise in a written contract.
2. Provenance and Documentation
Paperwork: The artist creates essential documents, including:
Certificate of Authenticity (COA): A signed document verifying the artwork's originality, medium, dimensions, and date.
Bill of Sale: A record of the transaction.
Archiving: The sale is recorded in the artist's ledger/database to establish the artwork's provenance (history of ownership).
3. Preparation and Shipping
Final Inspection: The painting is checked for quality and often given a final protective varnish.
Packaging: It is professionally packaged to withstand transit, using appropriate materials (crating for large works, archival wraps for smaller pieces).
Delivery: The work is shipped to the collector, usually with insurance and tracking.
Inquiry Regarding Prints (Specific to Cheryl Johnson)
Given that Cheryl Johnson offers high-quality reproduction options, the most crucial step immediately following the sale of the original painting is to:
Inquire if prints for that work are available. cheri@cheryljohnsonartist.com
If Prints Are Not Yet Available:
The art work will be photgraphed in high-resolution, professionally color-corrected photographs or scans of the original painting before it is shipped. This digital file is the master copy needed to produce the prints.
The master file is then used to create the Giclée Limited Edition quality prints on Torchon Fine Art Paper and the Framed Prints for Gallery Walls that Cheryl Johnson offers.