How much is my Western painting worth?

It depends on the artist and on the painting itself: subject, date, medium, size, condition and history. Values for Western art range very widely, even within one artist's work. The gallery can give an informed view once it has seen photographs and the dimensions.

Can Steven Stern Fine Arts appraise my painting?

The gallery offers confidential evaluations and lists fine art appraisals among its services. Let us know whether you need a valuation to sell, or a formal appraisal for insurance, estate or donation purposes.

I don't know who painted it. Can you still help?

Often, yes. Send clear photographs of the whole front, the back, and any signature or monogram, however faint.

Is it a painting or a print?

Many famous Western images were reproduced as prints. Photograph the surface at an angle and look closely; we can help you tell the difference.

Valuation guide

Western art value: what matters

These are the questions a specialist asks when looking at a Western American painting. We don't publish price lists, because a figure without the painting in front of us would be a guess.

The artist

Attribution matters most. Members of the Taos Society of Artists, painters of the cowboy West and the leading Southwest landscape painters each have established collector markets. A firm attribution, supported by signature, style and history, is the starting point. See the Western artists whose work the gallery has sold.

Subject

Within one artist's work, some subjects are more sought after than others: for one painter it may be figure subjects, for another the landscapes for which he is best known. Identified sitters, places and events can add interest.

Medium and scale

Oils generally rank above works on paper, and finished paintings above sketches, though watercolors, drawings and small oil studies have collectors of their own. Measure the image area, and note the support (canvas, board, paper).

Date and place

Many Western painters changed style over their careers, or worked in several regions. A date or place name on the painting, front or back, helps place it.

Condition

Western paintings often show tears, old relining, retouching or dark, smoky varnish. Note what you see, and let a conservator handle any treatment after you've had advice.

Inscriptions, labels and provenance

Inscriptions naming a sitter, place or date, labels from dealers and exhibitions, and family records tracing a painting back to the artist can all add interest. Keep the paperwork together and photograph everything on the back.

Authenticity

Popular Western artists are widely copied and reproduced, and misattributions turn up. Signature, technique, materials and documented history all play a part. A dealer who regularly handles Western American paintings can tell you quickly whether a work deserves closer study.

Appraisal and next steps

Steven Stern Fine Arts evaluates each painting individually on authorship, period, subject, condition, provenance, exhibition history, literature and importance. To begin, send photos through the seller inquiry or call (310) 570-5679. You can also compare with Western paintings the gallery has sold. For artist-specific guides, see the value pages on the Maynard Dixon, Joseph Henry Sharp and Edgar Payne sites.

Questions owners ask

How much is my Western painting worth?: It depends on the artist and on the painting itself: subject, date, medium, size, condition and history. Values for Western art range very widely, even within one artist's work. The gallery can give an informed view once it has seen photographs and the dimensions.
Can Steven Stern Fine Arts appraise my painting?: The gallery offers confidential evaluations and lists fine art appraisals among its services. Let us know whether you need a valuation to sell, or a formal appraisal for insurance, estate or donation purposes.
I don't know who painted it. Can you still help?: Often, yes. Send clear photographs of the whole front, the back, and any signature or monogram, however faint.
Is it a painting or a print?: Many famous Western images were reproduced as prints. Photograph the surface at an angle and look closely; we can help you tell the difference.