About Herndon Fine Art
Welcome to Herndon Fine Art — I'm Russell Herndon, the owner. Established in 1987, Herndon Fine Art offers fine art sales, consignment services, appraisal services, art research & evaluation, and custom frame design. Here is some background information about myself and our gallery.
Russell R. Herndon
I opened my first fine art gallery in Albuquerque in 1987 (pictured below). I was hooked early on when I was given the opportunity to be involved in the brokering of a very large estate which held 53 Andy Warhol pieces including two original Michael Jackson paintings valued at the time for $750,000 each (one sold a few years ago for over $5 million). While I didn't complete that specific sale, I had a terrific time working with many wonderful folks, including Mr. Jackson’s press agent and record company.
While my love for the arts began with my mother taking my brothers and me to art galleries and off-Broadway productions in the Detroit area, my focus on contemporary art developed during my time living in Southern California.
We presently represent and sell the work of dozens of world-renowned artists. We maintain a sizable inventory and work with every major contemporary fine art publisher worldwide. We maintain a significant digital presence via www.herndonfineart.com.
Prior to fine art becoming a full-time passion, I worked for the Department of Defense. During that time, I served as a Special Assistant on the Secretary of Defense’s staff and was the DoD’s representative to the President's National Science and Technology Council's Committee on Education. I was invited as a Fellow to the Sloan School at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). I was also the deputy satellite program manager for an experimental platform to demonstrate real-time adverse weather surveillance. My principal fields of engineering interest were astrodynamics and spacecraft technology. I have authored or co-authored numerous publications in these areas and have been invited to speak on satellite technology issues at many government, industry, and university forums worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why does Herndon Fine Art refuse to use an automated shopping cart?
Answer: In my nearly 40 years as an art dealer, I have learned that fine art is not a commodity. Every piece in our inventory receives my personal verification of its condition and authenticity before it ever leaves our hands. By speaking with you directly, I can provide a real-time condition report and ensure the piece meets the high standards I would require for my own collection. This relationship-based approach ensures there are no surprises when the crate is opened.
Q2: What is the significance of your Seller Codes (RH, TAC, and AE)?
Answer: Transparency is a core value of our business. We use these codes to denote the origin of our inventory: RH refers to items from my personal gallery collection; TAC refers to our exclusive partnership with The Art Collective LLC and the Mirage Collection; and AE indicates a listing from one of our vetted professional dealer partners. This system allows us to provide a vast, diverse inventory while maintaining a strict chain of custody and proven provenance for every work.
Q3: How do you handle the shipping and insurance of high-value international orders?
Answer: As an international fine art dealer, we specialize in the safe transit of delicate works. In almost all cases, artwork is shipped unframed to allow for a final personal inspection of the margins and signatures. If a piece is on canvas or 3-dimensional, it is professionally crated and insured for its full value. We prioritize the safety of the work over the speed of the transaction; I will not ship a piece if the packaging does not meet our rigorous museum-grade standards.
Q4: Do you offer appraisals or help with selling private collections?
Answer: Yes. We offer formal appraisal services and certificates of value for both insurance and resale purposes. For those looking to sell, we provide a low-commission consignment structure (25% or a $300 minimum) designed to provide the best possible return for the seller while keeping the price competitive for the buyer. We are always looking for quality pieces to add to our "Wanted" list.
Education & Background
1997: Master of Science Degree in Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
1992: Executive Development Series on Leadership and Ethics, University of Southern California
1987: Master of Business Administration Degree in International Management, University of New Mexico
1981: Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, USAF Academy
Terms & Gallery Policies
Full disclosure is provided in writing concerning all fine art sold by this establishment. This includes oil paintings, sculptures, watercolors, drawings, etchings, engravings, lithographs, serigraphs, woodblocks, mezzotints, aquatints, tapestries, jewelry, mobiles/stabiles, and all other media. Such information includes, but is not limited to: the identity of the artist, the artist's signature, date, whether the work is that of the master or of an atelier/studio, whether it is in a series or a reproduction, the date produced, the fate of the matrix/plates/screens, the total edition size, and the medium executed.
Additionally, this establishment is regularly engaged in the sale of works of art on consignment, representing works from private collections, artist estates, institutions, museums, and corporate collectors. All works sold by Herndon Fine Art are thoroughly inspected for authenticity and condition prior to acquisition. All works are subject to prior sale, availability, and price change without written notice.
All sales are final once an artwork is committed and processed. Condition issues upon transit receipt are the only instance in which artwork may be returned. Any request to return artwork due to ordering the wrong piece or personal preference will be handled as a consigned piece with a reduced 0% seller commission fee structure applied to aid in resale.
3 Reasons to Buy from us
1. EVERY piece of art receives my personal verification of condition and authentication.
2. I WILL NOT ship artwork that isn't in a condition I would accept into my own collection.
3. An A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau
Interested in SELLING YOUR ARTWORK? Please review our procedures for more information.
***** ALL PRICES are set by each Seller based on their Unique Motivation to Sell ***** We have a low commission structure of only
0% above each Seller's asking price or a $300.00 minimum commission. This allows us to provide buyers with the best price, sellers a better opportunity to sell, and still keep the lights on. In almost all cases, artwork is shipped unframed (UNLESS The ARTWORK IS ON CANVAS or 3-DIMENSIONAL), as I need to personally verify the artworks' authenticity and condition. Artwork that is shipped Framed is shipped framed to protect the work during shipping. Framing is considered USED
NOTE: Inventory is continuously changing so view your favorite artists pages often. For information on having your inventory added to our Website, contact us at the address below.
Click on the Link below and Join us as a Friend for ongoing featured information
Every client has different motivations for selling and as such we don't offer pricing on the pieces clients sell
If you are looking for the value of your limited edition artwork -- we have a $50 charge for certificates of value if you provide the title, the number of your piece, and an image of your artwork. Original one-of-a-kind pieces require a formal appraisal. Please see our Appraisal Services page.
Have general questions about fine art prints, originals, or framing? Read our Master Fine Art FAQ Guide.
Toll Free: (800) 489-7930
Direct: (719) 302-0991
EFax: (310) 388-3213
Email: info@herndonfineart.com
Email: herndonfineart@yahoo.com
Email: herndonfineart@gmail.com