Why Original Art Is a Better Investment Than Prints
Why Original Art Is a Better Investment Than Prints
There is a moment, the moment you stand in front of an original artwork, when something shifts. You feel the energy of the artist, the texture of the paint, the thousands of micro-decisions that shaped the piece into existence. No print, no reproduction, no digital file can replicate that experience.
As an artist, I hear the same question often:
Why should I invest in original art when prints are cheaper and easier to access?
The answer is simple: original art holds real, lasting value. Prints don’t.
This blog breaks down why.
1. Original Art Is One-of-a-Kind
Scarcity equals value.
There is only one original painting, one physical object touched, shaped and created by the artist.
Prints can exist in:
dozens
hundreds
thousands
The more prints exist, the less unique and less valuable they become.
Investing in original art means owning something that will never exist again.
2. Originals Appreciate in Value Over Time
Prints rarely increase in value. Most remain equal in price or become cheaper as time passes.
Original works, however:
build value alongside the artist’s career
become collectibles
gain historical importance
can be resold for profit
Collectors who purchased my early originals already own pieces that are worth significantly more today. Prints simply don’t behave that way.
3. The Visual Quality Is Irreplaceable
A print sits on the surface.
An original has depth.
You can see:
brush strokes
color layering
texture
spontaneous marks
physical movement of the artist
When light hits the surface of original paint, it behaves differently. You experience the art, you don’t just view it.
4. Emotional Value Is Stronger
Prints are decorative.
Originals are meaningful.
Owning original art feels personal, intimate and alive. It carries a story.. not just an image. Clients tell me constantly that their original artwork changes how they feel in the space, every day.
That emotional connection cannot be printed.
5. You Support the Artist, Not a Machine
Prints benefit:
printers
retailers
online vendors
Original art supports:
the hand that made the work
the creative growth
the future exhibitions
the craft itself
When you invest in original art, you invest in culture.
FAQs About Investing in Original Art
Is original art always expensive?
No, it comes in many price levels. But every original has value that prints never achieve.
How do I know if an artwork will increase in value?
Look at the artist’s career, exhibition history, demand and authenticity.
Are prints useless?
Not at all, prints are a great entry point into art collecting. They simply don’t carry investment power.
Final Thoughts
Prints are accessible but original art is transformational. Originals carry financial, emotional and cultural weight that prints will never match. If you’re looking for something powerful, personal and lasting, original art is the investment that continues to give back.
If you’re interested in owning an original artwork or commissioning something unique for your space, feel free to reach out through my “contact” page, I’d love to hear your vision.
— Asko Art
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