Do original watercolor paintings sell for the same price as original oil paintings?

I have not noticed this,nor do I think there should be a price difference between the two.This is from my experience as a painter,with shows,art fairs and friends that do this professionally.Now I will have to ask my friends if they have seen this.
So far,I have not been much help to you at all and I am really on a roll this morning.You have however, made me think about some things….and now my head hurts XD

Oil paint costs more, it’s harder to work with and lasts longer (on canvas or panels). There is a huge price difference.

Here are some watercolors done by a college classmate. These are from a gallery show and have the prices listed.

http://www.buchananwatercolors.com/gallery_view.cfm?cid=8

She is immensely gifted and is collected. She also earns a really nice yearly salary by giving workshops.

It completely depends upon who the actual artist is (Say Rembrandt for example) and how rare the watercolor painting is.

For a current non-famous artist, it would likely depend upon the subject matter of the painting and what market it was being sold in. Here’s a poor example but it makes the point: If an artist were selling watercolors of particular touristy beach (at that beach) he could probably sell them for more than he could some other oil paintings of random places. In other words, he would be marketing the beach watercolors to that particular market. And even if he is a fabulous oil painter, the target market is the tourists who want the beach paintings.

And the size of the painting (if the watercolor is bigger than the oil painting) it would probably sell for more.

@Kardamom Lets say it was the same size and same scene. The only difference being the medium. What do you think?

@gailcalled Her work is amazing! Thanks for the link! Her prices are great too.

@everphebe That is what I thought was a typical thought amongst collectors which is why I have stuck with oils more than watercolors. I am hoping that the tides are changing though. (By the way- I am a paint snob and have top quality oils and watercolors. They are not all that much cheaper) As for lightfastness (lasting longer) the top quality paint does not fade but the perception to the public is, as you stated, that is does not last. Perhaps due to the bad paint.
In reality there are some watercolors out there that date back beyond the first oils that are still in acceptable condition for their age. But I do not think anyone, including myself feels that they are more “sturdy” than oils. Awesome input- thanks!

The one listed for $12,000 is a typo. She meant $1200. She’s a talented painter but an admitted dyslexic.

@gailcalled I did not see that- or I corrected it in my mind (also being dyslexic) ;)

@Dog, this depends on the artist. I can think of some water colors that have sold for LOTS of money. One of the first that comes to mind is Rabbits’ Christmas Party by Beatrix Potter

EDIT: I imagine if Ms Potter had worked in oil, she’d still be most noted for her watercolors.

In the case of a similar scene being the same size, I guess then it would depend again on the audience’s taste. Some people actually prefer and collect watercolors while other people prefer and collect oils. You have to know your audience.

Watercolours generally sell for less because they don’t last so long, they’re more susceptible to damp and light damage.