Art reproductions make splendid investments if you enjoy fine art and want to stay within your budget. Hand-painted reproductions are painted on canvas by experienced artists, which makes them more comparable to the originals than printed copies. However, not all art reproductions are created equal. Before buying an art reproduction, try to avoid these mistakes.

Mistake #1: Buying Art Based on Artist Recognition Alone. If you adore paintings by a particular artist, never assume that all paintings by that artist are going to be desirable. Many talented artists produce great and not-so-great paintings. If you buy paintings by a particular artist without seeing them first, you might be disappointed. If ordering online, you can usually see a photo of the reproduction or original beforehand.

Mistake #2: Buying Online without Seeing the Full Picture. When viewing art online, make sure you're able to view an enlarged image of the painting (not just a thumbnail) so you'll be able to examine it thoroughly. Smaller images on the Web tend to distort or cut paintings. If you're thinking of buying a painting online, and a large view of the image is not available, email the Web site's owner to request a larger image by email.

Mistake #3: Buying Art from Just Anyone. Another common mistake you should avoid is buying art from a company or individual without knowing who they are or what type of customer service they provide. See if there are testimonials from other customers. Find companies that are experienced in producing fine quality paintings. Oil painting reproductions should be

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