Abstract art can be difficult to appraise.
People love to collect antiques and art. They do it not only because they like the work, but also for the value that the pieces may have now or gain in the future. If you have a certificate in art appraisal, you can enter the world of art. You can pursue a rewarding career in a field you love and which is in demand.
What Does an Art Appraiser Do?
As an art appraiser, you will study pieces of art analyze their quality within the framework of their style, period and artist. Ultimately, you will have to assign a monetary value to the piece that you are appraising.
Why Certification
You must be recognized in your field of expertise to find work. There are artists without certification who will appraise the value of art work and antiques. They are generally well recognized artists who people feel know the field. If however you want to break into the field, a certification from an accredited institution is a real necessity.
Become Certified
There are schools across the United States which offer certification in art appraisal. For example, in New York City, you can contact the Pratt Institute which has a certification program. You will take courses on value personal property in general and then progress to the evaluation of antiques and decorative art. There will also be courses on value fine art. You will also be trained in methods of recognize fraudulent works and outright fakes.
Job Outlook
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not specifically talk about art appraisal, it does predict a 12 percent increase in jobs for artists and art related fields. Working for a reputable art dealer an art appraiser can expect to make between $40,000 to $50,000 with some experience.
Where Are Certified Art Appraisers Needed
Auction houses and art dealers in larger urban sites offer the majority of the jobs. If you wish to work in a smaller community, you may be forced to work for yourself.
