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Prime Buyers Guide Art Dealers

Find the Best Art Galleries & Art Dealers in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, Long Beach and Redondo Beach

Good art galleries in Los Angeles County have a great range of first edition pieces including those by Los Angeles County artists, as well as Los Angeles County art dealers who can perform art sales for the pieces you're seeking.

The following research by The Prime Buyer's Report identifies the best art dealers in Los Angeles County and issues related to buying art from them.

Updated January 15, 2013

Top 10 Art Dealers in Los Angeles County

Find the Best Art Galleries & Art Dealers in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, Long Beach and Redondo Beach 

Developing an art collection is a journey that can take a large amount of time, energy, and money. Finding an art gallery that fits your tastes can take some time, as Los Angeles County art galleries vary widely in the type of art they specialize in and the prices they ask. Art is subjective.  The Prime Buyer's Report can help you by suggesting a few things to consider when buying art from good art galleries in Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles County Art Galleries Can Procure any Desired Works
To find the best art galleries in Los Angeles County to match your preferences, be aware of the various certifications that art galleries may have for their pieces. Art galleries in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, Long Beach and Redondo Beach and Los Angeles County offer many services including art education, artist studio visits, art literature consultation (catalogues, etc.), and curatorial advice. When expanding on or beginning to develop a collection, Los Angeles County art galleries may have local art brokers or art dealers able to assist you in art consultation, private collections, corporate collections, and investment collections. If interested in representing a theme in your home or place of business, the best art galleries in Los Angeles County can consult on commissioned paintings, sculptures, framing, or murals. When you have that impressive piece that needs the finishing touch for presentation, art galleries often offer all sorts of framing consultation, custom framing, commission framing, and installation of artwork.

If you have a masterpiece that has some damage, many art dealers offer art restoration services including paint repair, canvas and pigment replacement, varnish removal, stretcher repair, canvas rejuvenation, frame repair, carving repair, recasting, gold leaf cleaning, gold leaf application, mold removal, stain removal, tear repair, hole repair, and encapsulation repair. Trained eyes can perform structural analysis and other evaluations with the human eye, x-rays, scanners, using microscopes, pigment cross-sections, and other methods. If moving your entire collection, or just your latest acquisition, Los Angeles County art consultants can also arrange art transportation or shipping. For the active art connoisseur, some art galleries offer art gallery rental for private parties, artist representation, art workshops, sketching workshops, painting, sculpture and craft workshops, resource rooms, family days, and guest speakers.

Good Art Galleries in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, Long Beach and Redondo Beach CA Have Broad Expertise
The best art galleries and art dealers in Los Angeles County specialize in the many types of art, including fine art, contemporary art, digital art, and many others. Other types of painting, including vase paintings, portraits, etc. can be found at these Los Angeles County art galleries. The collections of local art galleries and the experience of art dealers in Los Angeles County extend to drawings, prints, sculptures, photography, ceramics, and nearly any other medium imaginable. Art galleries and art dealers can also specialize in clay and glazed ceramics, portraits, marble or stone sculpture. The broad range of styles extends to contemporary art, abstract art, African tribal art, Australian Aboriginal art, modern art, postmodern art, fabric design, landscapes, nature or wilderness photography, seascapes, and oceanscapes.

There are Many Choices of Good Art Galleries in Los Angeles County
In order to simplify your search, The Prime Buyer's Report lists these art galleries in Los Angeles County: . Other local art galleries that might still be doing business in Los Angeles County include .


 

 

Interview Art Dealers and Visit Art Galleries in Los Angeles County Before Deciding 

Step 1: Find the Right Fit When It Comes to Art Dealers & Art Galleries in Los Angeles County
Before the interview, be prepared with at least a rough idea of what you looking for. Many Los Angeles County art galleries are specialized, so make sure the art dealer or art gallery can offer something to fit your taste. Whether you want a piece to fill a wall space, need a sculpture for the corner of a room, or a few items to continue a theme, be thorough and consistent in the way that you present information. The extent of the art dealer's specific artists in Los Angeles County can be narrow or broad, so make sure you are very exact in outlining your requirements. If you need assistance with repairing or refurbishing a piece, transporting artwork, or art consultation, outline your requirements and preferences in detail.

Step 2: Ask & Answer Questions of the Los Angeles County Art Galleries or Art Consultants & Take Notes

• What types of artwork do the Los Angeles County art galleries specialize in?

• How much experience do the Los Angeles County art galleries have selling paintings and other art?

• How long have the art galleries been in the art trade in Los Angeles County?

• What educational background do the Los Angeles County art dealers or art consultants have?

• Which certifications do the Los Angeles County art dealers hold?

• Do the Los Angeles County art galleries and art dealers offer art consultation?

• What other services do the Los Angeles County art galleries or art consultants offer?

• Do the Los Angeles County art galleries sell paintings and other art at auction or retail?

• Can the Los Angeles County art dealers guarantee all work that you buy is original?

• Will the art galleries or art dealers in Los Angeles County offer framing?

• How many artists are represented in the Los Angeles County art galleries?

• Are all paintings and art pieces accompanied by a valid Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?

• Are the Los Angeles County art galleries members of a professional art dealer's organization?

• Will the Los Angeles County art dealers provide a Transfer of Original Artwork if you choose to buy?

• Do the Los Angeles County art consultants visit clients for placement advice?

• Do the Los Angeles County art dealers and art consultants have references that you may contact?

• Do the art gallery staff have further suggestions for artwork or artists you might be interested in?


You'll learn a lot by the how the Los Angeles County art dealers respond and by the questions they ask. Take note of what concerns each gallery owner, art dealer, or art consultant has about your prospective purchase. How detailed and thorough are the questions? Does it seem as if they want to merely unload a piece or are they genuinely concerned for your investment? You'll want your art gallery to be as invested in your purchase as you are.

Step 3: Comparing Good Art Galleries in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, Long Beach and Redondo Beach & Los Angeles County
The sale of paintings, sculptures and art has historically proven to be a very lucrative field. There are many things to consider before purchasing a piece and to avoid being misled. Estimates can be the product of wishful thinking by the artist, dealer, or seller. Review your notes and weigh the art galleries' abilities against your priorities. Which comes closest to a perfect match? Which do you personally feel the most comfortable dealing with?

Step 4 : Making the Final Decision Among Good Art Galleries in Los Angeles County
Once you've found the perfect piece, it's time to close the deal with a Los Angeles County art gallery. Ask any final questions and then ask for the art dealers or art consultants to provide a written and signed contract for the sale, commission or consignment of the artwork.

 

 

Top Tips for Buying From Art Dealers in Los Angeles County 

Take Time Choosing Your Art Dealers in Los Angeles County.
Don't hire the first Los Angeles County art dealers that you contact. If you take a little time up front to properly outline the job and buy from the Los Angeles County art galleries that are right for you, you're less likely to be disappointed.

Understand the Art World & Art Sales in Los Angeles County.
Like any other purchase, the better you understand the industry from which the product comes, the better chance you have of making a wise purchase. You'll do better in assessing which are the best art dealers and art galleries in Los Angeles County if you understand the players in the industry and what to look for in a work of art. Authenticity, condition, quality, rarity, provenance, history, value, and investment wisdom are all criteria to consider. Also pertinent are the types of dealers: primary market, secondary market, public galleries, private dealers, art consultants, and artists all sell artwork. After doing some research, you can better judge which art dealer will fulfill your needs the best.

Have the Work Examined.
It can be exciting to find that piece that seems to be exactly what you're looking for. Remember that even with art, things can be too good to be true. Have a trusted dealer (other than the one you are purchasing from) or restoration expert examine the work to validate its authenticity and condition.

Know Your Los Angeles County Art Dealer's Area of Expertise.
It seems that the number of artistic categories is endless. It is important to find Los Angeles County art dealers or art galleries experienced in the type of art you are interested in. While some Los Angeles County art dealers may be educated and experienced in more than one type of art, it may be more beneficial to purchase from an expert in a single field. Ask questions about each Los Angeles County art dealer's educational background to see if he or she is right for you.

Ask if Your Los Angeles County Art Dealers Will Bid at Auction.
Art consultants and art dealers in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, Long Beach and Redondo Beach and Los Angeles County can advise you on the appropriate value for a piece, but some are experienced auction-house experts that can deduce information from the atmosphere of the auction. This will ensure that your purchase is not only a smart move, but that the value is market-correct.

Maintain Constant Contact.
Working with art galleries and art dealers in Los Angeles County is a partnership, so communication is essential. When it comes to your collection, you must stay informed about every detail. Don't jump to conclusions and be sure to ask when you have even the simplest question about your artwork purchase. It's your money and you have a right to know.

Establish Trust.
Over time, your art dealer will gain intimate knowledge of your buying habits, financial situation, and other details. Don't entrust this information to just anyone. You can easily find yourself in a very vulnerable position, so make sure you hire someone you trust. Don't just ask around - perform background checks as well.

Know Your Rights.
Consumers have special rights depending on where they live. You're dealing with art galleries in Los Angeles County, so check out the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Make Sure The Los Angeles County Art Dealers Has Your Best Interest in Mind.
If the Los Angeles County art dealers seem disinterested or glosses over key issues, don't buy from them. Good art dealers in Los Angeles County should be as dedicated to your financial well-being as you are. If this is ever in question, those art dealers are not the one for you.

 

 

Resources About Art Galleries in Los Angeles County 

Regulatory & Trade Associations Related to Art Sales in Los Angeles County
Art Association (http://www.artassociation.org/)
AAH Association for Art History (http://www.indiana.edu/%7Eaah)
AAM American Association of Museums (http://www.aam-us.org/)
AAMD Association of Art Museum Directors (http://www.aamd.org/)
ACLA American Council of Learned Societies (http://www.acls.org/)
ADAA Art Dealers Association of America (http://www.artdealers.org/)
ARIAH Association of Research Institutes in Art History (http://www.ariah.info/)
ARLIS Art Libraries Society (http://www.arlisna.org/)
APA Art Publishers Association (http://apa.pmai.org/)
BBB The Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.com)
CAA College Art Association (http://www.collegeart.org/)
CAC California Arts Council (http://www.cac.ca.gov/)
CAEA California Art Education Association (http://www.caea-arteducation.org/)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
FAA Fine Arts Association (http://www.fineartsassociation.org/)
FADA Fine Art Dealers Association (http://www.fada.org/)
Metropolitan Museum of Art (http://www.metmuseum.org/)
MOMA Museum of Modern Art (http://www.moma.org/)
NAAO National Association of Artists Organizations (http://www.naao.net/)
NGA National Gallery of Art (http://www.nga.gov/)
LAPADA The Association of Art & Antique Dealers (http://www.lapada.org/)
PADA The Private Art Dealers Association (http://www.pada.net/)
SFADA San Francisco Art Dealers Association (www.sfada.com)

 



Media Regarding Art Sales in Los Angeles County

Art Visionary Magazine
ArtisSprectrum Magazine
Artnet Magazine
Coagula Contemporary Art Magazine
Contemporary Art Gallery Magazine
Frieze Magazine
Gallery Guide Magazine
IT'S ART Magazine
Juxtapoz Art and Culture Magazine
Paint Magazine Quarterly

 

 

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the TOP 10 Art Dealers in Los Angeles County within the following zip codes:

90001, 90002, 90003, 90004, 90005, 90006, 90007, 90008, 90009, 90010, 90011, 90012, 90013, 90014, 90015, 90016, 90017, 90018, 90019, 90020, 90021, 90022, 90023, 90024, 90025, 90026, 90027, 90028, 90029, 90030, 90031, 90032, 90033, 90034, 90035, 90036, 90037, 90038, 90039, 90040, 90041, 90042, 90043, 90044, 90045, 90046, 90047, 90048, 90049, 90050, 90051, 90052, 90053, 90054, 90055, 90056, 90057, 90058, 90059, 90060, 90061, 90062, 90063, 90064, 90065, 90066, 90067, 90068, 90069, 90070, 90071, 90072, 90073, 90074, 90075, 90076, 90077, 90078, 90079, 90080, 90081, 90082, 90083, 90084, 90086, 90087, 90088, 90089, 90091, 90093, 90094, 90095, 90096, 90099, 90101, 90103, 90189, 90201, 90202, 90209, 90210, 90211, 90212, 90213, 90220, 90221, 90222, 90223, 90224, 90230, 90231, 90232, 90233, 90239, 90240, 90241, 90242, 90245, 90247, 90248, 90249, 90250, 90251, 90254, 90255, 90260, 90261, 90262, 90263, 90264, 90265, 90266, 90267, 90270, 90272, 90274, 90275, 90277, 90278, 90280, 90290, 90291, 90292, 90293, 90294, 90295, 90296, 90301, 90302, 90303, 90304, 90305, 90306, 90307, 90308, 90309, 90310, 90311, 90312, 90401, 90402, 90403, 90404, 90405, 90406, 90407, 90408, 90409, 90410, 90411, 90501, 90502, 90503, 90504, 90505, 90506, 90507, 90508, 90509, 90510, 90637, 90638, 90639, 90640, 90650, 90651, 90652, 90660, 90661, 90662, 90670, 90671, 90701, 90702, 90703, 90704, 90706, 90707, 90710, 90711, 90712, 90713, 90714, 90715, 90716, 90717, 90723, 90731, 90732, 90733, 90734, 90744, 90745, 90746, 90747, 90748, 90749, 90755, 90801, 90802, 90803, 90804, 90805, 90806, 90807, 90808, 90809, 90810, 90813, 90814, 90815, 90822, 90831, 90832, 90833, 90834, 90835, 90840, 90842, 90844, 90846, 90847, 90848, 90853, 90895, 91301, 91302, 91376 and 91377

 

 

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the TOP 10 Art Dealers in Los Angeles County within the following cities:

Alondra Park, Atwater Village, Bel Air, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Beverly Crest, Beverly Hills, Beverlywood, Boyle Heights, Brentwood, Carson, Catalina Island / Avalon, Century City, Cerritos, Cheviot Hills, Compton, Crenshaw, Culver City, Del Rey, Downey, Eagle Rock, East Hollywood, East La Mirada, East Los Angeles, East Whittier, Echo Park, El Segundo, El Sereno, Gardena, Glassell Park, Glendale, Hancock Park, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, Harvard Heights, Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Highland Park, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Huntington Park, Inglewood, Koreatown, La Mirada, Ladera Heights, Lakewood, Larchmont Village, Lawndale, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Los Feliz, Lynwood, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Mar Vista, Marina del Rey, Maywood, Mid-Wilshire, Montebello, Montecito Heights, North Whittier, Norwalk, Pacific Palisades, Palms, Palos Verdes Estates, Paramount, Pico Rivera, Pico-Robertson, Pico-Union, Playa Vista, Rancho Dominguez, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, San Pedro, Santa Monica, Sawtelle, Signal Hill, Silver Lake, South Central L.A., South Gate, Torrance, Venice, Watts, West Carson, West Hollywood, West L.A., Westchester, Westlake, Westwood, Whittier and Wilmington