Buy Original Art Online – How do I Buy Original Art Online?
Art is very personal. We each respond differently to different work. And because art is more than just decorative, the way we choose to display it, to live with it and to buy it is personal too. This might make you question whether it’s a good idea to buy art online. Surely you need to see the work in person first to really get a sense of it?
While it’s always nice to see work in a gallery, complete with beautiful lighting and a hefty mark up, it’s not necessary to see a painting in “real life” to buy it. As an avid art collector myself, I frequently buy paintings I’ve only seen on my computer screen. And I’ve never once been disappointed.
Here are 5 ways I love to buy art online:
Buy antique or older art on eBay
eBay is a brilliant place to buy art online. I may be biased, because I love browsing eBay, but I’ve found some great art this way.
Yes, like any relatively unregulated platform, there’s a lot of rubbish on there. And it’s full of art with questionable provenance. For instance, if you find a painting on eBay that says it’s by L.S. Lowry, it isn’t. But it’s also a great place to find antique paintings.
This painting (found on eBay) is not by L.S. Lowry.
Paintings I have bought on EBay include, a small portrait by the female artist Moira Beaty, a large, expressive painting by Roger Davison that used to belong to the artist Rose Hilton, and a couple of small, interesting paintings showing period interiors.
Gaetano Pacheco (1922-2014) - mid century interior oil study, the artist’s house.
2. Online galleries
Online galleries like Artfinder, Saatchi and Singulart provide a huge range of art, plus a dollop of peace of mind. These are big business, and so it’s easy to order, and easy to change your mind. But bear in mind, they take a sizeable commission from the artist.
3. Real-life art galleries with an online exhibition
More and more galleries are now putting their real-life exhibitions online, with the option to purchase work. You can often enjoy a virtual 3D gallery walkthrough of an exhibition without even leaving the house.
Just as it is in real life, work is available to buy through online shop pages. I bought this abstract painting by artist Anita Davies through just this sort of online shop when we both had work featured in Creates Gallery Monmouth’s Emerging Artist Award.
It Rained Again Last Night — Anita Davies
4. ArtLand
Artland is another website through which you can buy art online — but this time it features exhibitions from galleries all over the world. This website offers the opportunity to view past and current exhibitions, to buy work direct, or to contact the gallery.
Online virtual gallery walk-through on ArtLand.
5. Independent artist websites and social profiles
You can often buy directly through Instagram or Facebook, or go to an artist’s website to buy original art online. Find artists you love and follow them on social media. This is often the best way to purchase art online, because as soon as the paint is dry, you can stake your claim.
Many of my customers have come through Facebook — I’ve shared images of a finished piece and someone has asked to purchase it there and then. Remember, when you buy art online direct from the artist, you bypass any commission, which means the artist may be able to offer a lower price, or let you pay in instalments. You can also ask for more pictures if you need to.
Is it secure? Yes. Websites these days are required by law to comply with data regulations, and website shop platforms all take payment securely. Plus, even independent artists are bound by consumer rights. My work can be purchased securely through my online art shop using PayPal or Stripe.
Begin your art buying journey
If you’re just beginning your art buying journey, and excited to fill your home with beautiful art, don’t let the idea of buying art online put you off. Digital images give you enough of a sense of the work to decide whether you love it. And all the feedback I’ve had (and my own experience) tells me that art is always more powerful in the flesh. If you love it online, you are going to love it.
If you enjoyed this blog and would like to find out more about buying art locally, try my blog, 5 ways to see and buy original art in Devon.
Useful links:
See my work on ArtLand.
Read more about the abstract artist, Anita Davies.
Read more about the artist Moira Beaty and her amazing life.
Follow my Facebook page to be first to see new work.