Michael Godard Art: A Fun Buy or a Smart Investment?

Thinking about buying a Michael Godard painting? You’re probably picturing olives doing the cha-cha and martinis with a wink — but does his art actually make money?

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

• Which pieces hold their value — the originals that sometimes beat expectations.
• Which pieces tend to drop — most prints and giclées lose value fast.
• Why some originals occasionally outperform — the factors that make certain paintings stand out in the market.

We dug into years of auction results, resale prices, and gallery data, comparing originals, limited editions, and giclées — so you can separate hype from reality before dropping thousands on your next Godard masterpiece.

First, Who Exactly Is Michael Godard?

Michael Godard, born in 1963, is an American artist known for his slick, mischievous paintings that blend humor and glamour. Think martinis, cigars, playing cards, and a little bit of Vegas sparkle.

His art isn’t meant to be mysterious or intimidating — it’s fun, bold, and instantly recognizable. That’s part of what made him a household name in the gallery world.

Galleries like Park West have promoted him heavily, and fans love that his work feels both luxurious and accessible. You don’t have to be an art historian to “get” a Michael Godard painting.

But if your goal goes beyond decoration, the market dynamics behind his work get more complicated.

Retail Prices vs. Real Market Value

Let’s start with the numbers, because this is where things get real.

If you walk into a gallery, a Michael Godard original painting might be priced in the tens of thousands. His limited-edition prints and giclées (that’s a high-end print on canvas) usually range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more.

That’s a serious commitment for most collectors.

But here’s the twist: when those same pieces show up at auctions or on resale sites, they often go for a fraction of the retail price.

According to recent sales data (as of 2025), the average resale price for Godard’s work hovers around $200 for prints and a few thousand dollars for originals — far below what buyers originally paid.

The record auction price for one of his original paintings? Around $4,250 — respectable, but nowhere near what galleries typically charge.

So while galleries might market Godard’s art as an investment opportunity, the resale data tells a much different story. In most cases, you’re not likely to recoup what you spent if you sell it later.

The Mass Production Problem

Here’s another big piece of the puzzle: there’s a lot of Michael Godard art out there.

He’s a highly prolific artist, and many of his popular images — like the dancing olives or cocktail scenes — are released in multiple versions and editions. That means you’ll see the same image as a print, a hand-embellished version, an artist’s proof, and sometimes a deluxe or special release.

Each edition might technically be “limited,” but when you add them all together, there’s a ton of supply floating around.

And in the art world, more supply means less scarcity — and less scarcity means weaker investment potential.

Even with certificates of authenticity, the sheer number of editions can make it confusing for collectors and resellers to verify exactly what they own. This uncertainty keeps resale buyers cautious, which drives prices down further.

So while the mass-production model makes Godard’s art accessible and affordable, it also keeps it from gaining serious value over time.

Originals vs. Prints: A Tale of Two Markets

Here’s where things get interesting.

If your aim is to make money from a Godard piece, it’s important to understand the difference between prints and originals.

Prints and Giclées

These are the pieces most collectors encounter — they look great, they’re signed, and they often have some hand embellishment to make them feel unique. But because they’re produced in large numbers, their resale value stays low.

Auction results show that many prints sell below estimate, often for 50–80% less than what the auction house expected.

Examples include:

• “Gangster Love” (Giclée on Canvas) sold for 41% below estimate.
• “Tequila Worms” went for 62% below.
• “Lava Lounge” dropped 37% under mid-estimate.

In other words, buying a Godard print at full retail carries a high risk of value‑drop almost immediately — for many editions, resale prices end up in the low hundreds compared to the gallery ask price.

Original Paintings

Now, if you’re going for an original, there’s a bit more potential. Originals are unique, and some have actually outperformed their estimates.

Examples:

• “Black Hearts of Hope” sold for 154% above estimate.
• “Carried Away” sold for 566% above mid-estimate.
• A Mixed Media on Canvas (2022) piece sold for 200% above estimate.

But let’s put that in perspective — even with those percentage gains, these pieces sold for a few thousand dollars total. So while some originals show growth, it’s not the kind of financial upside you’d see from top-tier investment artists like Banksy or Basquiat.

Why the Auction Scene Is So Unpredictable

Auction results for Michael Godard’s work are all over the map. Some pieces spark bidding wars, while others don’t sell at all.

This volatility comes down to collector psychology. Godard’s buyers tend to be people who genuinely love his art — not speculators chasing profit. His audience is emotionally driven, not financially motivated.

That’s a double-edged sword. It means his fan base is loyal and steady, but it also means there’s not a deep investment market driving up prices.

So while you can always find buyers for Godard art, don’t expect to flip a print for a profit anytime soon.

Condition and Longevity: The Hidden Factor

One issue some collectors have mentioned over the years is wear and tear. Certain Godard pieces — especially early prints or paintings — have been reported to develop cracking around the edges.

It’s not universal, and it may come down to specific materials or storage conditions, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Like all fine art, Godard’s pieces need proper care: keep them away from sunlight, control humidity, and invest in quality framing. Even if your piece doesn’t skyrocket in value, preserving its condition ensures it stays beautiful for decades.

The Emotional Payoff: Why People Still Buy

Let’s be honest — most collectors don’t buy Michael Godard’s art expecting to retire on it. They buy it because it makes them happy.

His work is unapologetically fun. It looks great in entertainment spaces, home bars, and offices. The humor and playfulness connect with people on an emotional level — and that’s something you can’t put a price tag on.

Many collectors also appreciate Godard’s charitable side. He’s donated art and proceeds to cancer research and other causes, which adds a feel-good factor to each purchase. For fans, buying his art feels like supporting both an artist they love and a good cause.

In short: Godard’s art delivers a fantastic emotional return on investment, even if the financial ROI doesn’t always match.

The Financial Reality of Collecting Godard

Let’s call it what it is: financially profitable? Not really — emotionally rewarding? Absolutely.

The hard numbers show that most Godard pieces, especially prints, sell for far less than their retail price. The market is oversupplied, and while some originals perform well, they’re still in the modest range compared to major investment-grade artists.

But here’s the flip side: collectors keep buying his work because it brings them joy. Godard’s art makes people smile, and that kind of happiness has value too — even if it’s not measured in dollars.

The Bottom Line

Final Verdict:

If you’re buying Michael Godard art to make money, it’s not your best bet. But if you’re buying because you love it — because it makes your space come alive and reflects your personality — then yes, it’s a fantastic investment in your happiness.

In the end, that’s what collecting art is really about: surrounding yourself with pieces that make you feel something.

And in that sense, Michael Godard’s olives, martinis, and mischief are worth every penny.