What do you think of when you hear the name Monet? Allow me to ask this question another way, what do you think of when you hear the word impressionism? For many, the two questions and answers are reversible, because for most when we think Monet, we think impressionism and when we think impressionism, we think Monet. This may not be so easy when looking at the art you might be purchasing so, I now ask, what is in a name?

Artists are in one of those interesting occupations where 99.9% of time upon completing their work they are expected, by if nothing else an age old tradition, to sign their work. It's not like one of those tags you find showing that this work was approved and final inspected by....and then there's a preprinted line where a guy named Bob wrote his name. No, the artist's name is in some ways like a notary's signature or stamp of validation and authenticity. So, when you look at artwork, is the name important and should it mean anything to you? Well, I would say in some ways yes and some ways no. I'll start with the "no" first. If you have found a painting for example and you love it, have a spot for it, it fits your price range, etc., but the only glitch is you haven't heard of the artist, I would say "buy it". That artist has created something you enjoy and the name or fame in the name should not be important. If though, we took the same painting and scenario, you love it, etc., but maybe the price was an issue, then I would say "yes", turn to the artist's name for more information. You can ask questions or ask for a bio to learn more about an artist's accomplishments. What might you find? Well, how long has the artist been painting? Do they do it full time or just as a hobby or part time? Education or being self taught, awards, maybe they do judging, seminars or workshops, all of these things may or may not mean something to you. After all, once you have learned more about them, the process should always be one of validation for you, not the artist. That is to say, did you learn what you needed to make your purchase? If so, move forward and enjoy. We should also look at this another way. Let's say, the name is the only thing you know, but you're not really that taken by the art itself. Should you buy it? Would you be surprised to hear that many do purchase art just by a name? It's true and I don't personally recommend it. Love it first.

In closing, I would just like to offer this final thought. Most of the time artists do not sign their paintings until they feel their work is finished and the painting is done. So, when you glance down in that corner to see a name, just think of it as our little way of saying, "The End".