Q&A: Is it normal practice to sign a contract with an artist when buying a painting?

Question by goddess4peace: Is it normal practice to sign a contract with an artist when buying a painting?
The contract includes things like:

I can’t destroy or alter the painting.

I have to allow her to show it in a gallery for thirty days a year if she so chooses.

If I resell the painting she gets 30% of the profit.

I guess I am just a little leary about signing this. I do love the painting, and I’m paying $ 2000 for it. I am of the opinion that if I buy the painting it should be mine. Am I being to selfish? Does this contact sound legit to all you fellow artists?

Best answer:

Answer by Jessica H
I’m no artist but that contract sounds like a load of bull to me. Wouldn’t you laugh at someone if you were trying to buy their house but they said you couldn’t destroy or alter the house, they could take possession of it for 30 days a year if they wanted to, and if you sold the house, they were entitled to 30% of the profit? Come on…when you buy something, it should be yours.

What do you think? Answer below!