Is the Glowing Painting Real in Animal Crossing? Your Definitive Guide
Yes, the Glowing Painting in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is always real. This makes it one of the safest art pieces to purchase from the sometimes-shady dealer, Jolly Redd. You can breathe easy knowing you won’t be tricked into donating a fake to Blathers’ museum when buying this particular masterpiece. The Glowing Painting depicts “The Fighting Temeraire” by Joseph Mallord William Turner, offering a touch of real-world art history to your virtual island life.
Understanding Redd and His Art
Redd, a sly fox, is a recurring character in the Animal Crossing series. He arrives on your island with his “Treasure Trawler” (or at Harv’s Island Plaza after you unlock him). His primary business? Selling art and furniture. The catch? Not all of his wares are genuine. Many are forgeries, designed to trick unsuspecting players.
Identifying real from fake art is a crucial skill for any aspiring Animal Crossing art collector. However, certain pieces, like the Glowing Painting, are always authentic, providing a guaranteed addition to your museum’s art wing. Understanding the difference between real and fake art is essential in Animal Crossing.
Securing the Glowing Painting
The Glowing Painting can be obtained in a few ways:
- Jolly Redd’s Treasure Trawler: This is the most common way. Redd’s boat randomly appears on your island’s secret beach. Check for it regularly!
- Redd’s Co-Op on Harv’s Island: After unlocking Redd’s stall on Harv’s Island Plaza (for a hefty fee of 100,000 Bells), he will stock two random pieces of art each day. These can be real or fake, but the Glowing Painting, if present, will be the real deal.
- Villagers: Though rare, villagers can sometimes mail you art. The Glowing Painting can be among these gifts.
The cost of the Glowing Painting is typically 4,980 Bells. It’s an investment, but a worthwhile one for completing your museum.
Why is the Glowing Painting Always Real?
There’s no official reason why Nintendo decided to make the Glowing Painting immune to forgery. However, it serves as a helpful relief for players weary of being tricked by Redd. It might be a way to introduce players to the joys of collecting without the constant fear of being ripped off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Art in Animal Crossing
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to the Glowing Painting and art collecting in Animal Crossing: New Horizons:
1. Can Redd Sell Multiple Real Paintings on One Visit?
Yes, Redd can sell multiple real works of art during a single visit. He can also sell all forgeries. Be sure to examine each piece carefully!
2. Is There a Limit to How Much Art I Can Buy from Redd Per Day?
Yes, you can only purchase one piece of art from Redd per day, regardless of whether you’re visiting him on your own island, Harv’s Island, or a friend’s island.
3. What Happens If I Accidentally Buy a Fake Painting?
If you buy a fake painting, Blathers will refuse to accept it for the museum. You can’t sell it to Timmy and Tommy either. You can, however, display it in your home, use it as outdoor decoration, or even dispose of it in a trash can.
4. How Can I Tell If Other Paintings Are Real or Fake?
Each painting has specific visual cues that distinguish the real version from the fake. Consult online guides, like those available on the Games Learning Society website, https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, which often include detailed comparisons between real and fake art.
5. Does Redd Ever Sell Statues?
Yes, Redd also sells statues, and, like paintings, some are real, and some are fake. Be sure to check for specific tells.
6. Are Any Other Art Pieces Always Real?
Yes! Besides the Glowing Painting, some other art pieces are always genuine when Redd sells them. These include:
- Academic Painting
- Calm Painting
- Common Painting
- Detailed Painting
- Dynamic Painting
- Famous Painting
- Flowery Painting
- Glowing Painting
- Graceful Painting
- Informative Statue
- Nice Painting
- Perfect Painting
- Proper Painting
- Scary Painting
- Scenic Painting
- Serene Painting
- Solemn Painting
- Twinkling Painting
- Warm Painting
- Wild Painting Left and Right Halves
- Worthy Painting
7. What Happens if Blathers Refuses to Accept My Art?
If Blathers refuses your art, it means it’s a forgery. Unfortunately, Redd has a strict “no refunds” policy.
8. Can Villagers Give Me Fake Art?
Villagers can gift you both real and fake art in the mail or as trades. Always examine the art carefully before donating it to the museum.
9. How Often Does Redd Visit My Island?
Redd’s visits are random, but generally, he appears roughly once every two weeks. His appearance is less frequent than some other special characters.
10. Is It Worth Unlocking Redd on Harv’s Island?
Unlocking Redd on Harv’s Island ensures you have a more consistent way to acquire art. Although the 100,000 Bell fee is steep, it can be worthwhile if you’re determined to complete your museum. Remember, the art on Harv’s Island can still be fake, but it gives you more chances overall to find genuine pieces.
11. What Do I Do With Fake Art?
Fake art can be used as decoration in your home or around your island. Some fake statues even have unique interactive elements, like glowing at night. If you don’t want it, you can always trash it.
12. Is the Robust Statue Real or Fake? How can I tell?
The fake Robust Statue has a wristwatch on the man’s right wrist, while the real one does not.
13. Is Redd a Trustworthy Character?
Redd is presented as a shady character, but he’s a necessary part of completing your museum’s art collection. He offers a way to obtain artwork that would otherwise be unavailable. Just be cautious and learn to spot the forgeries!
14. What Real-World Art Is Featured in Animal Crossing?
Animal Crossing art is based on real-world masterpieces, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Johannes Vermeer, Vincent van Gogh, and many other famous artists.
15. Besides Art, What Else Does Redd Sell?
In addition to art, Redd sells furniture, often with unique color variations not available elsewhere. However, be aware that some of his furniture can also be fake!
Remember, collecting art in Animal Crossing is a rewarding experience. While Redd can be tricky, understanding the differences between real and fake pieces and knowing that the Glowing Painting is always genuine will help you complete your museum and beautify your island. Happy collecting!