There are questions people keep to themselves when buying a work of art. Fear of seeming like a novice. Awkwardness around price. Worry about saying the wrong thing.
This newsletter is for those questions.
No jargon. No condescension. Just honest answers to the things people ask us most often, and the questions many have never dared to ask.
Table of Contents
TRANSPARENCY, PRICING AND MARKET CODES
How do I know if the price of a work of art is justified?
The price of an original artwork reflects several factors at once: the artist’s reputation and career trajectory, the dimensions of the piece, the period in which it was created, the rarity of the subject matter, and the current dynamics of the artist’s market. What sets Beauchamp apart: our advisors work without commission. Their only goal is your satisfaction. You can therefore question them freely about any price, and they will answer with honesty and no hidden agenda.
Are prices negotiable at an art gallery?
At Beauchamp Art Galleries, prices are established with care and consistency to protect the value of our collectors’ investments. However, some flexibility may be offered when acquiring multiple artworks or in recognition of a client’s loyalty. What does exist: payment arrangements, flexible financing plans and tailored terms for large corporate projects. Our team is here to discuss it.
If a price is not displayed, is it appropriate to ask?
Absolutely. Prices are clearly displayed in all of our galleries and on galeriebeauchamp.com, with only rare exceptions made at an artist’s request. In the gallery, our art advisors are always happy to answer your questions—without pressure or judgment. If you can’t find a price, simply ask. We’ll be glad to help.
Why do two works by the same artist have different prices?
Because every work is unique. The dimensions, the complexity of the composition, the period of creation, the medium used and sometimes the particular significance of a piece within the artist's career, all of these factors come into play. A large, highly detailed canvas by an artist whose career is on the rise will naturally command a higher price than a smaller work by the same artist created during a different period.
INVESTMENT, VALUE AND RESALE
Should I buy a work of art from the heart or as an investment?
Art is, above all, an emotional experience. We always encourage clients to follow their instinct and buy from the heart—it’s the artwork they’ll be living with every day. The investment aspect can follow naturally when you collect artists whose market is supported by a strong, established gallery.
Do all works of art increase in value over time?
No, but works by established and actively represented artists have a stronger probability of appreciation. Art should be viewed as a long-term investment, typically with a horizon of at least five to ten years.
How do I go about reselling a work from my collection?
At Beauchamp, we offer an exclusive consignment service for artworks purchased through our galleries. We guide you through every step of the process, from presenting the work in its best light to establishing a price that reflects current market conditions. For inquiries, contact us at info@galeriebeauchamp.com or visit our Artwork Evaluation & Resale page.
What documents are essential if I want to resell my work someday?
The original purchase receipt and, above all, the certificate of authenticity. Without these documents, the resale value is considerably reduced.
Is the purchase of art tax-deductible for businesses?
The short answer is yes, but there are criteria that must be met. In Canada, the purchase of a Canadian artist’s work by a business can be treated as a deductible expense (via annual depreciation), offering a concrete tax advantage that allows you to beautify your space while optimizing your assets. For Canadian businesses, tax benefits may apply depending on how the artwork is classified within your assets. Some acquisitions may be deductible as operating expenses or depreciable under Canada Revenue Agency guidelines. We recommend consulting your accountant for details specific to your situation. Our corporate team can also assist you in building a corporate art collection. This response does not constitute tax, accounting, or legal advice.
AUTHENTICITY AND SECURITY
What is a certificate of authenticity and why is it mandatory?
The Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is the official document that certifies an artwork is indeed by the hand of the stated artist. It includes the artist’s name, title, dimensions, technique, and, for limited editions, the edition number. At Beauchamp, every original artwork and every limited edition is delivered with a certificate issued by the gallery. Without this document, the market value of the artwork is significantly reduced.
How do I verify the validity of a certificate of authenticity?
A valid certificate includes the issuing gallery’s name and verifiable contact details, the signature of the artist or an authorized representative, and full information about the artwork. If you have any doubts about a certificate obtained elsewhere, please contact us—our experts can guide you through an evaluation process.
What is the difference between an original work, a limited edition, a reproduction or a retouched canvas print?
An original artwork is unique, created entirely by the artist’s hand. A limited edition is reproduced in a defined, numbered run of copies, often signed by the artist, and it carries real market value. A standard reproduction is a print with no edition limit and no collectible value. A hand-embellished giclée print is a high-quality digital print on which the artist adds manual interventions (a hybrid format that sits between an edition and an original). At Beauchamp, we primarily work with original works and serious editions, clearly identified on every listing.
What documents should I keep for art insurance purposes?
To properly insure your artworks, keep the certificate of authenticity, the purchase receipt showing the price paid, high-quality photographs (front and back), and, for higher-value pieces, an up-to-date professional appraisal. Some art insurers require periodic reappraisals to maintain adequate coverage.
INTEGRATION, DESIGN AND LOGISTICS
How can I visualize a work in my space before buying it?
We offer two solutions. The first: augmented reality directly on our website, allowing you to project any artwork from our inventory onto your walls in real time. The second: our professional and complimentary photomontage service. Send us a photo of your space along with the wall dimensions, and our team will create a realistic, to-scale simulation for you. Reach us at 1-877-694-2244 or info@galeriebeauchamp.com.
How do I integrate a contemporary work of art into an existing décor?
An artwork doesn’t need to “match” its environment perfectly, it can also transform it. In a classic interior, a strong contemporary piece creates a pleasing tension that brings the room to life. In a minimalist space, an artwork with deep colours or rich texture naturally becomes the focal point of the room. Send us photos of your interior—we love this kind of challenge.
How do I choose the perfect lighting to showcase a painting?
Art lighting is distinct from ambient lighting. For warm-toned artworks, opt for a colour temperature between 2,700K and 3,000K (warm white). For pieces with cooler tones or highly saturated colours, 3,000K to 4,000K is more suitable. Adjustable spotlights with a narrow beam angle (15 to 30 degrees) allow for precise illumination without glare or reflections. Dedicated picture lights, free from UV and infrared rays, also help protect pigments over time. We also offer rechargeable lighting options in our online shop for cases where a hardwired picture light installation is not possible.
How much does shipping a work of art cost?
Shipping fees vary depending on the dimensions of the artwork and its destination. We do not use standard boxes—each piece is protected in a custom-built wooden crate designed specifically for transport. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout. A transport insurance option is available and we strongly recommended it.
We ship daily across Canada and to more than 190 countries. Works shipped outside Canada are also exempt from Canadian taxes. We also offer to transfer works purchased in our galleries free of charge so you can pick them up at a location convenient to you. If the online shipping price seems high and you have some flexibility regarding packaging or delivery timelines, feel free to contact us for a personalized quote.
CARE AND FINANCING
How do I clean, maintain and install my work safely?
For cleaning: no chemical products should be used. A soft brush or a dry microfibre cloth without pressure is sufficient for the frame. Never touch the painted surface. For conservation: keep the artwork away from direct sunlight, sources of humidity, excessive heat, and poorly insulated exterior walls. It is important to note that varnishes naturally yellow over time. This process is accelerated when oil or acrylic works are exposed to direct sunlight or strong lighting. In works that include epoxy layers, the effect can be even more noticeable.
For large-format installations: appropriate wall-specific fixings are essential (anchoring into a stud or masonry). Our professional installation service is available in Quebec, Montreal, and Toronto.
Is it possible to pay for a work of art in installments?
Yes. We offer flexible financing plans, available directly at checkout online or in-gallery. This allows you to acquire your artwork (whether for pickup or delivery) while spreading payments at your own pace. For higher-value acquisitions or corporate projects, our team can also work with you to explore customized terms tailored to your needs.
Still have a question?
Our advisors are available 7 days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
galeriebeauchamp.com | 1-877-694-2244
A passion for beauty. A family affair.



Share:
Patrick Pépin, the soul of a journey through Vietnam 1/2