The guides are practical texts for anyone who works with art: how to document an artwork, what to review before signing with a gallery, when an artwork ceases to be protected. They differ from the articles in the Public Notebook in their function. The Notebook analyses and interprets; the guides explain how to do something and which rules, data or documents each step relies on. That is why they are updated when what underpins them changes, and each one shows the date it was last checked.
Verified means that on that date I checked every fact, rule and link against its primary source. Reviewed means that I re-read and updated the text without repeating that full check. When only Updated appears, the date corresponds to the last edit.
The guides offer general information. They do not constitute individualised legal, tax or professional advice: for a specific case, consult a qualified professional.
Total: 145
Featured resource
Master artwork record
An open-format template for keeping a consistent inventory of your work from the studio onwards. The ODS workbook brings together four sheets: master record, restricted data, gallery deposit and key. It includes validations, filters, frozen headers and an example row.
The gallery deposit sheet fills in the title automatically from the inventory number. It is a record of the works delivered, not a contract. Terms of custody, insurance, sale, commission and return must be agreed separately.
The restricted data sheet contains personal, financial and location information. It must not be published, nor shared together with the general record.
The ODS is the main resource. The CSV files let you import the master record, the restricted data and the gallery deposit record separately.
The guides are currently searched and indexed in Spanish.
11 guides
How to work with a gallery: consignment, purchase and representation
Qué resolver por escrito al trabajar con una galería: entrega para venta, compra directa, exposición, representación, precio, liquidación, exclusiva, seguro, salida y qué hacer si la galería entra en concurso.
Verified on 27 September 2026
- art market
- cultural work
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How to invoice the sale of artwork in Spain: VAT and withholding tax
Which VAT applies when selling art in Spain, when personal income tax is withheld, what changes if a gallery is involved and what the invoice must include.
Reviewed on 7 November 2026
- art market
- cultural work
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Resale right: what an artist receives when their work is resold
When an artist is paid for the resale of their work in Spain, how it is calculated in bands, who pays and why this right cannot be waived.
Verified on 27 September 2026
- art collecting
- art market
- cultural work
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Paid open calls and vanity galleries: how to identify them
How to distinguish a vanity gallery from a commercial one, when an entry fee is reasonable, and what to review before paying to exhibit.
Reviewed on 7 November 2026
- art market
- cultural work
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How to disclose the use of artificial intelligence in an artwork, sale or open call
Cómo declarar IA distinguiendo obligaciones legales, bases, contratos, plataformas y decisión voluntaria, con un modelo factual adaptable.
Verified on 18 October 2026
- generative AI
- art market
- regulations
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How to prepare a certificate of authenticity for an artwork
Qué debe contener un certificado de autenticidad, quién puede emitirlo, qué datos conviene reservar y cómo tratar ediciones, duplicados, pérdidas e intervenciones.
Verified on 29 October 2026
- artist archive
- artwork documentation
- art market
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How to document the provenance of your own work: a guide for artists
A system for recording, from the studio, the history, documents and movements of each piece.
Verified on 27 September 2026
- art market
- recognition
- cultural work
Includes a downloadable resource
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Technical data sheet, certificate and invoice: what each document does
What the technical data sheet, the certificate of authenticity and the invoice each do when a work leaves the studio, and how to keep them consistent.
Reviewed on 27 September 2026
- art collecting
- art market
- cultural work
Includes a downloadable resource
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Catalogue raisonné: what it is and how to start your own
An explanation of what a catalogue raisonné entails, its distinction from the authentication of a work, the methodology for commencing your own, and the policies required for the receipt and examination of works.
Verified on 20 October 2026
- archivo
- catalogación
- art collecting
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How to price an artwork
Criterios para fijar el precio de una obra: qué vendes, coste real, suelo por canal, escala coherente, ediciones cerradas, descuentos e impuestos.
Verified on 12 October 2026
- art market
- cultural work
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Corrections and contributions
If you find an error, outdated information or a better source, please write to me via the contact page. I correct confirmed errors and update the date of the affected guide.