Art is a visual record, allowing viewers the opportunity to (re)examine works and their creators within the context of current trends and issues of the day. Post-war art enjoys broad appeal, owing to the typically dynamic colors employed, as well as the aesthetic versatility that non-objective forms offer within a broad array of interior design applications.
The mid-century modern movement informs much of today's contemporary design. While names like Eames have been etched into the modern lexicon, the complementary artistic movements of the time are still largely unknown. The concept of abstract expressionism may be familiar to some, as are its leading figures such as Pollock, Rothko, and Frankenthaler. But those names represent only a fraction of the creative talent that was fostered during the period.
Even among artists who enjoyed some measure of critical acclaim, many were commercially limited by the societal circumstances of the time. Whether a celebrated name or an overlooked master who never found a champion, we take great pride in offering our clients the highest quality art that we can source, while concurrently helping to elevate these forgotten legacies.
Coordinating the shipping and safe handling of art can be very difficult and expensive, which is why we handle all transportation logistics on behalf of our clients. Unless other arrangements have been made, all works purchased from us include complimentary domestic shipping within the continental United States.
Depending on size and value, items are either packed and shipped via common carrier or transported by shuttle for point-to-point delivery. We rely on a small network of vetted shippers who transport our larger works in a safe and reliable manner. We have worked with these carriers for many years, most of whom operate with select clients solely via word-of-mouth referrals.
International shipping can be arranged, but may incur additional costs. Clients outside of the U.S. should note that Austin is not a major shipping hub or port, so the export of larger works abroad can be a significant expense. Please contact us before purchasing to discuss available options and costs.
In the unlikely event of damage during transit, all works are insured for the full purchase price up to the point of delivery.
Often overlooked, a proper frame finishes the art housed within - a subtle partition between canvas and wall that should never distract from the art itself. Many dealers ignore framing altogether, while others only offer such a service for an additional fee. When you purchase one of our works, it will arrive handsomely framed and ready to hang.
Most of our inventory comes to us either unframed or housed in very spartan wood strips. Occasionally, we acquire a work housed in an artisanal, high-quality frame, such as some of the beautiful hand-carved, ornate frames that were more common prior to the 20th century. In those instances, we may elect to leave the frame as-is, allowing the eventual buyer to decide whether to replace it.
Our framer has decades of experience creating bespoke frames for significant works that have been shown around the world. We typically opt for floater frames, constructed with spacers to create the appearance of a “floating” canvas. We enjoy the benefit of selecting from a variety of mouldings, which range from raw, solid hardwoods such as maple and walnut, to stained, painted, or leafed varietals of the same.
“Inquire for pricing” is a frustrating phrase that connotes a sense of inferiority. As you consider this type of investment, we feel it is incumbent upon us to provide you with complete price transparency.
Unlike many galleries that accept works on consignment or leverage anonymous investors to fund their acquisitions, we own everything that we sell. We do not base our pricing structure solely on cost basis, nor do we seek to fraudulently inflate a market in an effort to generate a yield. We are not beholden to silent "partners" or other third-parties, and our extremely competitive pricing reflects as much.
Price transparency allows prospective clients to operate at their own pace, conduct their own research, and make an informed decision. We believe in and stand behind this practice, even when most other galleries will not.
To the chagrin of many, art is in fact one of the world's most robust commodities and actively-traded asset classes. Savvy collectors understand that beyond the enrichment living with art offers, there is plenty of support for art's role in a diversified portfolio as a stable, promising investment. Whether your new acquisition becomes a treasured family heirloom, or your collecting interests evolve and you decide to one day sell, our offerings are intended to appreciate in both meaning and value as the years pass.
“I would love to own a painting like that, but I don’t know where to begin” has been a common refrain from friends, family, and colleagues over the years. Waterline was created to help alleviate that problem.
Our inventory is kept at a manageable number, which is deliberate. Each painting has been hand-selected, which accounts for a considerable amount of time and research. The quality of a work is our most important criterion when considering an acquisition.
We understand that our clients may be fairly novice or occasional collectors. If you only have the space or budget for one or two works, we want to be absolutely certain that our offerings are of the quality and value that justify the privilege of occupying space in your home.
We don't always hit the mark, but we do our best to live by the "golden rule." As collectors ourselves, we continue to be disappointed by the purely transactional and often pretentious attitudes of many individuals within the art ecosystem. Perhaps attributable to our southern upbringing, we are genuinely interested in connecting with you on a personal level, and learning about your interest in art and beyond.
Our online platform allows for as much or as little interaction as you prefer. While we are very proud of the quality and breadth of our product cataloguing, should you require more information, we would be glad to connect over the phone or via email for continued discussion.
