Thrift Store Art Is Always the Way to Go—Here's How to Shop Like a Pro

Search for Age Indicators

Oftentimes older pieces of art hold more value than newer ones, so you want to search for evidence of the piece's age. Age indicators, like the hardware, paper, or tape used to produce the work, are usually located on the back and typically tell you more about the age of the piece than the front, says Gwen Hefner, founder of Thrift Club. 

For example, look for whether or not the canvas is attached to the stretches with nails. “Nails typically mean the painting is older than the 1950s,” Andi Jenkins, an interior stylist and vintage reseller, explains. If the nails look hand-wrong, it’s possible the piece dates back centuries. However, if the art is attached to the stretchers with staples, it’s likely a newer work.

Examine the Brushstrokes

Original works are significantly more valuable than even the highest-quality print. Though it can be hard to tell if a piece is an original when it’s behind glass, the brushstrokes are a solid indicator. Check to see if the piece has brushstrokes and, more importantly, if the brushstrokes match the artwork.

“Sometimes printed pieces have very uniform strokes to make it look more realistic, but they don’t go with the details of the image,” says Hefner. If the brushstrokes appear to match the detailing of the painting, you might have an original on your hands.

Consider Artist Prints

Just because a piece is not an original doesn't necessarily mean it’s not valuable. "Artist prints can fetch a sizable sum if they are part of a limited-edition run and numbered," Jenkins explains. The first numbered print in any limited-edition run is widely regarded as the most valuable among collectors.

It’s also important to pay attention to how many prints are in a particular run. "The lower the amount of prints available, the more valuable they often are," says Hefner. For example, a print numbered 4/20 is likely to be worth more than a print numbered 4/400.

Look for Lithographs

Lithographs are typically considered one of the higher-quality types of reproductions of printed artwork, making them more valuable than other types of prints. To figure out if a print is a lithograph, examine its surface closely with a magnifying glass or the macro camera on your phone. "Lithographs have an irregular dot pattern, compared to offset or digital printers that have uniform patterns," says Jenkins.

Check for the Artist's Signature

If a piece of artwork has an artist's signature or monogram, it could be an indicator that the piece holds value. First, check to see if it appears to be printed or if you are able to see any indentation or added texture from a pen, pencil, or painted-on signature, advises Hefner. This can be evidence that the piece was truly signed by the artist and may be an original.

Next, use an app like Google Lens or a website like ArtistsSignatures.com to help identify the artist based on the signature and better gauge the value of the piece. Most original pieces of artwork are signed by the artist, so simply having a signature alone doesn’t necessarily make it valuable, says Jenkins. However, if it’s a more obscure artist or piece, it may be worth a pretty penny if a genuine signature is featured.

Ask About Authentication Paperwork

Sometimes, determining the value of a piece of artwork at a thrift store can be as simple as asking about authentication paperwork. Artwork is occasionally donated with paperwork that proves its origins and authenticity, so it’s worth asking the seller if they have it in their possession. If not, Jenkins recommends searching for any envelopes that may accompany the piece or a plaque that may be attached to the back. You might just find a valuable piece where no one else thought to look.

Practice & Patience

Spotting valuable artwork gets easier with practice. The more often you look for these various indicators, the easier it will be to know when you’ve got a valuable piece on your hands.

"Getting out to auctions and antique stores and surrounding yourself with high-end art and antiques can help you spot them more clearly when you’re in a thrift store or at a garage sale," explains Hefner. Invite a friend to join you, and compare notes on what you notice about each piece. In time, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve learned and how sharp your eye becomes.