FAQ
Please review the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below. If you are unable to find your answer, please feel free to contact us by email: info@westerngalleries.com
Q: How long have you been in business?
WesternGalleries.com was created in 2005 as the original Hill Country e-commerce online art gallery focused on supporting local and Texas artists.
Q: Do you offer Free Shipping / Pick-up?
• Most orders receive complimentary USA ground shipping to the lower 48 states.
• Rush shipping & special orders may require shipping fees.
• Many items are available for local pick-up in the Fredericksburg TX area.
• Some artists may also offer art preview meetings / pick-up at their studio (by appointment), which can be in other Texas towns.
Q: Can I view a painting in person before purchasing?
We would love to show you the original artwork(s) - simply email us to schedule a private IN-PERSON viewing to see your favorite(s). Include the artist name(s) & title(s) that you are interested in, and preferred dates.
ARE YOU VISITING FREDERICKSBURG TX?
Be sure to let us know what dates you'll be in town.
ARE YOU A LOCAL HILL COUNTRY RESIDENT?
We may be able to bring the selected artworks to your home or office to view in your space.
Q: Where are you located?
Western Galleries is an ONLINE GALLERY based in our hometown of Fredericksburg TX.
Our private ranch is near Luckenbach TX - no public access.
To view selected artworks IN-PERSON, simply contact us to set up a private art preview meeting (by appointment).
Q: What is provenance?
When you invest in original art, you are also investing in the artist. Artwork can last for many generations, and keeping the provenance (history of ownership, art show locations, transactions, estate records) with the art is important.
Since our artist's ship the artwork to customers, its establishing the artwork's first change of ownership transaction, and the start of its provenance.
The provenance will serve as a guide for the artwork's authenticity for future generational art collectors.
Q: Do you offer a Military Discount?
We want to try and help honor our Vets & First Responders, so please simply contact us with your ID, title of the artwork, & artist's name that you're interested in. We will contact the artist with your request. Please understand that some items may not be eligible for discounts.
Q: What is a study?
When an artist gets an idea for a new painting, they may create various studies - to practice the scene - in any medium. Some artists may create several studies, and the works may show adjustments, as the artist re-positions the scene, preparing for the final image. Any visible changes can offer viewers unique and interesting layers of the artist's thinking process.
Studies are original works done by the artist's hand, and they can be labeled as a study. The artist may also create a similar, larger final painting for the art market.
Q: Can I print my own copy of a photo that is displayed on your website? It would be just a small one for my own house.
The ownership of the image (©) is the exclusive property of the artist who created it. Copyright is for the life of the artist plus + 70 years as according to US Federal Law.
It's illegal to create your own prints, or re-use their art, even if it's just one small reproduction for your own home.
Please respect the artist's property rights and simply email us first to obtain the artist's written permission. Include a description on which image & size you'd like to use -or- simply ask if you can purchase a print directly from the artist! When purchasing prints or a digital usage license, you are supporting the artist and their work that you admire.
Q: What is the difference between OPEN EDITION, LIMITED EDITION (LE), & ARTIST PROOFS (AP) reproduction prints?
- OPEN EDITIONS are economical and are often a starting point for beginning collectors. OPEN EDITIONS can be any size, or type, printed over and over again, as the artist chooses, at anytime. They may be signed or unsigned, but they are not part of a limited edition.
- SIGNED & NUMBERED LIMITED EDITIONS (LE S/N). These are a hand signed, preset numbered edition with the total # of prints in the edition clearly stated on each piece.
- ARTISTS PROOFS (AP). These are typically the first prints created with a LIMITED EDITION series given to the artist and will be numbered and advertised as an AP. ARTIST PROOFS are considered more collectable & are typically more expensive. In the long-run, an AP may retain its value more than a LIMITED EDITION or OPEN EDITION.
Q: What is a Giclée Print?
Giclee is a French meaning "to spray". Today's printers spray the inks directly onto canvas, paper, or other surfaces while printing.
Q: What is the best way to clean my artwork?
Please see Care & Handling.
Q: Would you please consider donating artwork for our fundraiser?
We've helped numerous fundraising campaigns since first launching our small business in 2001, and our artwork has been very successful at fundraisers!
Keep in mind that as a business, we may be able to sell selected prints at wholesale pricing or make other unique arrangements.
Send us an email to set-up your account and get more information. Include your non-profit tax ID number, fundraiser date, info, and how the donated artwork / names will be promoted & advertised.
It's best to contact us well in advance of the planned event to help meet all advertising deadlines.