When sending a picture by courier it has been mentioned that it would not be covered by insurance. If you were to insure it yourself how do you put a value on it. I mean, if it went missing you could say it was worth thousands even if it wasn't couldn't you? Do you have to state how much it is worth before insuring? At present to me it would only be worth the paper and frame, any value would only be wishful thinking as it hasn't been sold. Your advice would be appreciated.

I have to ask why you would send a piece of artwork by courier that you didn't consider valuable. I send my artwork by Special delivery when it is above a certain value but then I am selling the art so a value can be determined. I would imagine any item being sent by insured methods could be argued about when value is being decided if no cash has changed hands, but that doesn't decrease it's value. As a rule of thumb how long did it take and how much per hour is reasonable plus framing costs, that should be easily justifiable as a value.

I'm struggling with this one myself.I'm sending a painting down to the Royal Academy and will have to use a transport agent and possibly have to post it to him. I hadn't thought about insurance but as a member I could get it free but how does one work out the value? It has cost me the price of the canvas and frame plus paint and it took me 2 weeks to do, there's a handling charge and cost of the transport agent.Does one include that? As this is a hobby for me and I'm not earning a living at it I tend to think of the value as being the cost of the materials only. If the painting doesn't get it (like last year lol) I just have to write it off anyway. Should I insure it? I'd like to know what do artist's charge per hour?

Many people struggle with how to value their paintings when they begin to sell them. I think the main problem is confidence and valuing your skills as an artist. It is always helpful to find local artists, amateur and veterans, and get help from them - they will be able to give you solid advice and speak from experience. At the end of the day you are never truly in competition with other artists since no two paintings would ever be the same! The SAA insurance will cover your paintings in transit if transported by yourself or sent using a specific art carrier. You can find information on local carriers in your local yellow pages or speaking to local galleries and other artists. It is important to note that if a claim was made the insurers would require proof of previous sales to establish a track record of sales, so whilst Vicky is right that you could say a painting was worth thousands you would still have to prove it! Below are some basic points to consider when valuing your paintings, be it for insurance or selling. 1. Price for your local market - speak to local artists and galleries, bring a sample of your work and ask them to help. 2. If exhibiting in a gallery for sale remember they charge a commission; check what this is and include it in your calculations. 3. Work out how much you spent - canvas, paint, brushes and include overheads like studio time, a model, marketing and publicity - and don't forget to include the frame. 4. Think about how lo

4. Think about how long it took you to make a painting - time is money afterall! 5. Compare your finished price to your local market and adjust if necessary. The important thing is to value yourself and have the self-confidence to say, "Yes, my work is worth this!" - afterall, if YOU don't value your own work, how can others? I hope this has been of some use to you, if you need any more help please feel free to call us at the SAA office on 0800 980 1123. Happy Painting! Nadia - SAA administrator