Whether you live in a small city apartment or a sprawling estate – or if you prefer minimalism or maximalism – eventually, you will need to decide what to do with your large, windowless walls.
Hanging art on the walls is the easiest way to turn stark walls into stylish centerpieces, so why not surround yourself with the paintings, prints, photos, or drawings you love, appreciate, and find inspiring? What’s the point of living in a home that’s empty and colourless? Your home is your sanctuary, so you’ll want to create a personal retreat you’ll enjoy day after day.
Online shopping has opened the art world to a new market of buyers, allowing artists to access a broader audience, share their progress on social media, and connect with people who find their artworks inspiring. Online galleries have one-of-a-kind pieces from independent artists, allowing everyone to access their artistic talent.
Don’t waste anymore time, just go explore the unparalleled selection of art for sale by exciting artists worldwide you wouldn’t have found otherwise. Grab a cup of coffee, take a seat, and start browsing. You can delve into a vast amount of choices to define your home aesthetics and get inspiration for any setting – there’s no better time than now to go art shopping.
Professionals can also assist in aligning your aesthetic goals with the most exceptional art pieces because they have your best interests at heart – as much as, if not more – than you have your own. The role of an art advisor is to educate, expose, and help clients grow by moving beyond their comfort zone. If you dare to go it alone, here are our tips to ensure buying original artwork online goes smoothly:
Read Online Reviews to See If the Art Gallery Has a Good Reputation
You can get specific with your search when you look for art online. Online galleries offer access to exclusive collections so you can support artists in their creative endeavors, as they bring joy, help us express our values, and build bridges between cultures.
Still, not all art marketplaces are ideal, so you must read online reviews to better understand the gallery online services. Look for established online art galleries with a good reputation and note how they present themselves by checking out their partnerships, their customer reviews, their artists curators and their policies.
Look For Both Quality and Substance When Buying Artwork
Art can be subjective: one person might love a painting or a drawing, while another might loathe it. Artists don’t always make art for collectors. They make art that speaks their truth and starkly mirrors their beliefs, hopes, desires, fears, interests, etc.
Indeed, art is subjective, but you must consider some key elements when judging quality: proportion, originality, perspective, intention, history, and significance. Once you feel confident and you are ready to make your first purchase, trust your instinct and buy what you love. That being said, you can commission an artist you like to create your dream piece if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Regarding thoughtful collecting, stick to artwork of suitable quality, whether it’s a small or large investment. The more you research and know about the artist (brushstrokes, colours, textures, etc.), the easier it becomes to avoid buying the wrong piece of art, so discover their story, what inspires them, and what they want to showcase.
To ensure your artwork’s longevity, have your artwork framed. Since you’re new to the world of collecting, contact an art advisor to help you with your acquisition – framing, hanging, shipping, and financing. An art advisor can be an invaluable partner, so invest time in building a solid relationship.
Try To Find High-Resolution Images
An online art platform lets you browse and purchase art pieces even if you have a hectic schedule, creating a simplified shopping experience, so jump at the chance. If you were to buy from the art galleries you know, you would be very limited. In other words, you wouldn’t be able to see or appreciate artists from different environments, generations, and countries.
When buying paintings, prints, photos, or drawings over the Internet, you don’t have the works in front of you to examine, so look for high-resolution images (over 1000 pixels) to understand how the work of art might look in your home. Descriptions can explain the piece’s size, condition, and material.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Avoid making a purchase in the spur of the moment without forethought or planning by asking as many questions as you need. Seek information about authenticity, provenance, condition, rarity, documentation, and market value to decide whether the artwork fits your personal taste.
You can ask questions about the art, the artist, or the online marketplace. A trustworthy and reliable seller will be happy to respond to your inquiries, so you can ask if there’s any missing information. Here are some examples of questions you can ask:
- Is the work unique or an edition?
- Who’s the artist? Where are they from?
- Are there any additional costs?
- Does this artist offer any other pieces?
- How do I display the art?
- What about documentation?
Follow Your Gut and Don’t Purchase Unless You Feel Completely Confident
Any major purchase requires some planning, and artwork is no exception. Know what you want, get a flavour of what’s trending, and figure out how much you can afford to spend. Above all, give yourself time before deciding.
Have faith in your judgment because collecting art is more a labour of love than an intellectual endeavour – if a print or a photo genuinely appeals to you, you’ll find a place to fit it. You’re investing in something you’ll enjoy for years to come, so if you think a particular work of art represents your style or personality, buy it right away.
Wrapping It Up
There are compelling reasons to buy art online, such as access to exclusive works of art, transparent pricing, convenience, and lack of geographical limitations. We’ve come far from an art world accessible only to insiders.
The influx of online galleries enables buyers and artists from all corners of the globe to connect across various price points, making artwork more accessible, especially for those facing barriers to experiencing art. Whether you’re a first-time or a seasoned collector, your journey begins online. You’ll have more fun if you take your time, so don’t rush if you want to find pieces that speak to you.